Established in 1955 the Michigan Historical Marker Program is part of the Michigan History Center in Lansing. Since its inception more than 1,700 Michigan Historical Markers have been placed across the state, and in several other states and Europe, making Michigan’s one of the premier marker programs in the nation.
Each marker reflects an important story of a place, an event or a person. It demonstrates the importance a community places on its heritage and serves as a signpost of historical significance. A marker dedication ceremony is an event of commemoration and celebration that introduces a lasting resource for tourism, education and community heritage.
The Michigan Historic Marker for the Leelanau County Poor Farm and Barn (the last remining structure), awarded in 2020, and was dedicated on July 10, 2021. This long awaited event was a celebration of the work of our LCHPS Board and many volunteers to rehabilitate the barn and restore an important Leelanau County icon. The ceremony, the unveiling of the marker, along with family fun, highlighted over three years of work.
The photo gallery below gives you a glimpse of the day’s activities. These photos are courtesy of Grace Dickinson Johnson, noted Glen Arbor photographer, and one of our many wonderful volunteers. Click on an image for a larger view.
Steve Stier (LCHPS President) begins the ceremony with the history and description of the unique features of the Leelanau County Poor Farm Barn, the last remaining structure of the Poor Farm.
LCHPS Vice President, Barbara Siepker, credits our many volunteers and donors who have have supported the the rehabilitation of the Poor Farm Barn and the restoration of this Leelanau County icon, the Poor Farm.
Laurel Jeris (LCHPS secretary) talks about the Leelanau County Poor Farm history.
Commissioner Tom Truscott of the Michigan History Commission delivers the keynote speech at the marker dedication ceremony.
Our LCHPS Board along side our newly dedicated marker:
Left to right, Steve Stier (President), Tina Mehren, Laurel Jeris (Secretary), Jane Cline, Tom Patton, Barbara Siepker (Vice President), and Andy White.
Chris Skellenger (left) and Paul Koss (right) provide wonderful music for the dedication ceremony
The draft horse team for wagon rides provided by Doug Grosso of Lake Ann.
Guests enjoying a wagon ride from Doug Grosso and his team of draft horses as they trot along the edge of the extensive Buckets of Rain garden.
Becky Thatcher and her Icelandic horse, Uggi, take a break with Jane Cline and Paul Koss from the driving demonstration.
The Leelanau County Poor Farm and Barn Michigan Historic Marker proudly stands in its permanent location. The marker text tells the story of the farm on the side facing Burdickville Rd and of the barn on the reverse.