The Macomb Cultural Center has earned three awards from two of Michigan's leading cultural organizations: the Historical Society of Michigan and the Michigan Museums Association.
The cultural center was recognized with State History Awards for Special Programs/ Events and for Media from the Historical Society of Michigan, and an Institutional Achievement Award from the Michigan Museums Association. All three awards were related to A Legacy of Service of Courage: The World War II Generation, a three-month-series of programs presented by the Macomb Cultural Center from Feb. through May 2007. Focusing on the local as well as the global, the series was a multidimensional exploration of this defining period in history, as well as a celebration of the strength and courage of those who served in the military and those who kept the home fires burning.
"These awards affirm that, even though only a little more than a year old, the Macomb Cultural Center is already serving the community in a unique and indispensable way," said Linda Wells, vice president, Student and Community Relations, Macomb Community College. "By contributing a rich array of multifaceted programming that complements existing community cultural resources, the Macomb Cultural Center is helping Macomb County take its place among Michigan's most interesting places to live and work."
The State History Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the appreciation and understanding of state or local history through collection, preservation and promotion. The Award for Special Events/Programs recognized the entire Legacy of Service and Courage program, consisting of more than 75 experiences including exhibits, performances, activities, film and presentations from topical experts as well as those who had "lived it." More than 10,000 visitors participated in the program.
The State History Award for Media recognized two videos produced for the cultural center's Legacy programming. The opening ceremony video was a tribute to the entire WWII generation, presenting an overview of the local impact of the war against the backdrop the personal recollections of Neal Shine, former publisher and editor of the Detroit Free Press, as a boy growing up in Detroit. The closing video and ceremony took place on Armed Forces Day, serving as a tribute to WWII veterans and featuring the perspectives of 14 local men and women who had served.
The Legacy of Service and Courage series also earned the cultural center a 2007 Institutional Achievement Award from the Michigan Museums Association. Part of the association's annual Quest for Excellence Awards, the award recognizes institutional activities and projects that support the mission of member institutions while contributing to the overall field of museum management. Criteria included consideration of how the project benefited the public, what it helped the cultural center to accomplish relative to the resources used and how unique or innovative it was.
The Macomb Cultural Center (www.macombculturalcenter.com), Macomb County's place for discovery, explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment. Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield roads in Clinton Township, the Macomb Cultural Center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts. Through Dec. 2, the cultural center is presenting Great Lakes, Great Stories: Michigan's Maritime Heritage, exploring the history, legacy and romance of the Great Lakes.
Media Contact: Jeanne M. Nicol
Phone: 586.445.7204
Email: nicolj@macomb.edu