SR-199, As Adopted by Senate, May 28, 2008

            Senators Allen, Cropsey, Richardville, Van Woerkom, Jansen, Birkholz, Pappageorge, Cassis, Jacobs, Garcia and Clarke offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 199.

            A resolution commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission’s Historical Preservation and Museum Program.

            Whereas, The Mackinac Island State Park Commission was created in 1895 in order to care for and manage Mackinac Island State Park. In time, Michilimackinac State Park (1909) and Mill Creek State Park (1975) were added to the family of parks and historic sites under the authority of the Commission; and

            Whereas, In 1958, the Commission received legislative authority to secure funding through revenue bond financing for the restoration and interpretation of Fort Mackinac and other historical properties at the Straits of Mackinac; and

            Whereas, With bond funds in hand, the Commission began restoration, installed exhibits, and opened Fort Mackinac to the public 50 years ago on June 15, 1958; and

            Whereas, The archaeological excavation of Colonial Michilimackinac commenced in 1959 with reconstruction and public programming beginning in 1960; and

            Whereas, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse was opened in 1972, closed in 1990, and reopened with an ongoing restoration program in 2004; and

            Whereas, Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park was opened in 1984; and

            Whereas, For 50 years the Commission has professionally and successfully developed, promoted, and improved the Mackinac State Historic Parks which have been accredited three times by the American Association of Museums; and

            Whereas, The Mackinac State Historic Parks have hosted nearly 20 million visitors since 1958, making it one of the most successful historic site complexes in North America and an important contributor to the tourism economy of northern Michigan; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission’s Historical Preservation and Museum Program; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Commission as evidence of our esteem and deepest appreciation for their success in fulfilling their mission to protect, preserve, and present the rich historical and natural wonders of Mackinac for our state and future generations.