New Historical Society of Michigan headquarters is named Meijer Center for Michigan History

The new headquarters for the Historical Society of Michigan (HSM), at 7435 Westshire Drive near the intersection of I-96 and M-43 in Lansing, will be called the Meijer Center for Michigan History in recognition of a gift from The Meijer Foundation, which allowed HSM to acquire the building.

A longtime supporter of HSM, The Meijer Foundation has been a committed ally in the Society’s educational efforts to share the history and heritage of all Michigan’s peoples.

“Here at HSM, we are always looking for the next opportunity to make an impact and to share and promote the story of Michigan,” said Executive Director and CEO Larry J. Wagenaar, who leads the 191-year-old nonprofit and nongovernmental organization.

 “We are very excited that our next game changer is happening right now thanks to the generosity of The Meijer Foundation.”

 “The Meijer Foundation is honored to be a part of obtaining a new home for the Historical Society of Michigan and its programs,” said Hank Meijer, one of The Meijer Foundation’s trustees.

“The preservation of our state’s history has always been very important to our foundation, and we are proud to partner with HSM in this endeavor.”

Along with offices for HSM staff, meeting and storage spaces, and an expanded area for HSM’s library of Michigan history books, the Meijer Center for Michigan History offers four education spaces—all with remote learning capabilities—that will allow HSM to enhance and expand its programming, which includes three annual history conferences, the yearlong Michigan History Day program for students, History Skills Workshops, History Hounds Lecture Series, Michiganders on the Road motor coach history tours, the Michigan History Moment radio program and the Michigan History Alliance networking program.

A formal dedication of the new center will take place at 4:30 p.m., Nov. 13. Hank Meijer, along with other dignitaries, will offer a few remarks before the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Tours of the building and hors d’oeuvres follow the dedication, which is by invitation.

The evening’s capstone is a presentation by Hank Meijer on Sen. Arthur Vandenberg, the subject of Meijer’s most recent book. The presentation is part of HSM’s History Hounds Lecture Series, which explores some of Michigan’s most fascinating historical facets.

The Historical Society of Michigan, publisher of Michigan History and Chronicle magazines, is the state’s oldest cultural organization, founded in 1828 by territorial governor Lewis Cass and explorer Henry Schoolcraft. A nongovernmental nonprofit, the Society focuses on publications, conferences, education, awards and recognition programming, and support for local history organizations to preserve and promote Michigan’s rich history.