Historic Preservationists To Explore Island

Experts in the field of historic preservation will explore the national and state historic landmark Mackinac Island while sharing preservation information during their annual conference at Grand Hotel. National preservationist leaders will speak to members of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network May 3 through May 6.

A pre-conference community event is open to the public with featured speaker Timothy Kent, an historian, author, paddler, and lecturer.

Mr. Kent is scheduled to speak Thursday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the Grand Theatre at Grand Hotel on the "Rendezvous at the Straits: French Fur Trade Activities Throughout the Great Lakes Region."

During the conference, preservationists will learn about marketing programs for historic sites, historic restoration, and history of the region.

Attendees will tour historic landmarks and structures on Mackinac Island and attend lectures. National and state preservationist leaders speaking at the conference include keynote speaker and former Director of Preservation of the Executive Office of the President of the United States Lonnie Hovey, who will discuss his work at the White House.

Guest speakers include Timothy Kent, Dr. William Anderson, director of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries; Vice President of Travel Michigan George Zimmermann; Chairman of the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs Craig Ruff; President of Preservation Action Heather MacIntosh; Director of the Michigan Historical Center Sandra Clark and Director of Mackinac State Historic Parks Phil Porter.

Chairman of the event is Frank Pompa, a Mackinac Island summer resident with a master's degree in historic preservation.

The Michigan Historic Preservation Network was established in 1979 to promote the protection of Michigan's irreplaceable historic sites, including structures and open spaces. The nonprofit organization has approximately 2,000 members.