MIDLAND, MI – Two local organizations have entered into an agreement to promote teamwork, entrepreneurship and celebration of our past heritage.Midland Center for the Arts and Northwood University have announced an agreement that will allow for renovation of the Herbert D. Doan Midland County History Center to accommodate the relocation of Northwood’s Admission and Recruitment Offices. Owned and operated by MCFTA, the Doan History Center will remain home to the Midland County Historical Society, whose current archival and research area, as well as the library and archives, will be relocated to another area of the building, with many larger artifacts being relocated to secured, climate-controlled storage provided by Midland Cogeneration Venture.
“These are exciting new developments for the Doan History Center,” says MCFTA President and CEO Mike Hayes. “This partnership creates an outstanding fit by connecting the past with the future. The public will have greater access to the Historical Society’s exhibitions and research resources, and plans are to include a high-tech conference room which would provide a modern meeting venue for local organizations, including corporate businesses, non-profit entities and educational institutions.”
“Having the Northwood University Admissions offices in the Doan History Center will complement the new main entrance to our campus,” says Northwood University President and CEO Keith Pretty. “This agreement will increase our visibility and better establish our identity and connection with the community. This continues to reinforce our relationship with MCFTA, serving the best interests of the entire community.”
“This innovative partnership will provide immediate and lasting benefits for many years to come. I’m looking forward to having our galleries and library open year-round, rather than closed during the winter months as is the current case,” remarks Gary Skory, Director of the Historical Society. “I hope the public will pardon our dust this summer as we undergo the necessary renovations. The results will be worth it!”
Cost of the renovation will be split equally between the organizations, with support from local foundations. The timeframe for completion of the proposed project is fall of 2014.
Starting June 20, Heritage Park’s historic sites, including the 1874 Bradley Home, and Herbert H. Dow Historical Museum, will be open one weekend each month – Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – and will feature engaging, themed activities designed to deepen the public’s appreciation of history and the unique heritage of our region. Until then, the historic sites remain closed to the public, but school tours are still available by contacting .
Due to very limited public access to the Doan History Center during renovations, the Research Library will be available only through pre-arrangement with Director Gary Skory: 989-631-5930 x 1300 or .
Midland Center for the Arts, Inc. is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation formed under the laws of the State of Michigan incorporating six groups: Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art, Center Stage Choirs, Center Stage Theatre, MATRIX:MIDLAND, Midland County Historical Society, and Midland Symphony Orchestra. Activities at Midland Center for the Arts are supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. For the latest Center news, visit our web site at www.mcfta.org.
