JACKSON (September 20, 2021) – The Jackson County Michigan Historical Society is pleased to announce that it recently received a $10,000 grant from the Michigan Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economics Security (CARES) Act economic stabilization plan. “Not only will this grant empower our fledgling society to have a significant positive impact on Jackson, but the grant award reflects the degree of confidence the state has in our organization,” said JCMHS President Maurice Imhoff.
The bulk of the grant will be spent on the society’s historical marker program, which is designed to educate the public about the significant people, places and events in Jackson’s history. The board intends to mark several sites it has been researching within Jackson County. Once the marker application process is finetuned, the board intends to open the program to interested residents in Jackson County. Markers will vary from 6 x 12-inch plaques that can be affixed on buildings, to 18 x 24-inch laminate signs on metal pedestals installed in the ground.
To kick off the society’s historical marker program, JCMHS will unveil its debut marker, “DeLand Point: A Humanitarian Hub,” on Monday, Oct. 11 at 1 p.m., at “DeLand Point,” a Habitat for Humanity housing development on the southwest corner of Mechanic and Franklin streets. The public is invited to this outdoor event, which will occur rain or shine. Wendy Clow, executive director of the Greater Habitat for Humanity; Maurice Imhoff, President of JCMHS, and JCMHS Board Member Linda Hass will talk briefly about their organizations and the historical significance of the site. In the mid-1800s, the Mechanic and Franklin street intersection was a hub for the Underground Railroad, a secret system in which freedom seekers and helpers collaborated in resisting slavery. Among those assisting at that time were the DeLand family, who resided on the northeast corner of the intersection.
JCMHS also is planning several educational events for the general public and special events for members this fall and winter. For more information on events, the JCMHS marker program, and anything related to the non-profit, please see our Facebook site, https://www.facebook.com/JacksonHistorical, and our website, myjacksonhistorical.org.
