March 14
A fun, family program that explores Michigan’s history as a fruit-growing state will be the highlight of a free-admission day Saturday, March 14, at the Michigan Historical Center in downtown Lansing. Admission that day is courtesy of Jackson National Life.
The Fruit Festival program will showcase how agriculture, particularly fruit production, expanded in Michigan after the U.S. Civil War. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day, families can enjoy the program on a drop-in basis while visiting the museum. Activities include fruit identification by smell; creation of a 3-D map showing where and what types of fruit are grown in Michigan; and a look at canning and preserving fruit.
Children also will have the chance to make a blueberry “seed bomb” – a clay ball with soil and Michigan blueberry seeds inside that can be thrown into open spaces (fields or yards) or planted in a garden. The clay is porous enough to allow the seeds to be watered but also protects them from getting eaten by birds before they have a chance to start growing. Several of the activities involve “make and take” crafts for children.
While at the Michigan Historical Museum, visitors also can take in the museum’s long-term exhibits and the special exhibit “Conceived in Liberty,” which explores the last two years of the U.S. Civil War, the two decades following the war and the war’s lasting impact on Michigan.
“We want to thank Jackson National Life for its continued support of the museum and the Lansing community,” said Michigan Historical Center Director Sandra Clark. “We encourage families to visit us for a day of exploring the real stories of Michigan.”
Fruit Festival is part of the museum’s Second Saturday programs, which feature families and children creating make-and-take crafts and participating in hands-on activities related to the museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Michigan businesses interested in sponsoring a free-admission day at the museum in exchange for promotional consideration should contact Carol Payne at 517-373-2565.
The museum and visitor parking are on the north side of Kalamazoo Street, one block east of M. L. King Jr. Boulevard. Weekend parking is free.
Jackson National Life is a leading provider of retirement solutions for industry professionals and their clients. The company offers a diverse range of products including variable, fixed and fixed index annuities designed for tax-efficient accumulation and distribution of retirement income for retail customers, and fixed income products for institutional investors. Jackson subsidiaries and affiliates provide specialized asset management and retail brokerage services. For more information, visit www.jackson.com.
The Michigan Historical Center is part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Its museum and archival programs help people discover, enjoy and find inspiration in their heritage. It includes the Michigan Historical Museum, 10 regional museums, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve, and the Archives of Michigan. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/michiganhistory.