Although the big 100th birthday is more than three years away, members of the Idlewild Centennial Commission are getting a jump-start on event and program preparations to mark the centennial anniversary of the founding of the historic Lake County resort community for African Americans. Earlier this year, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm established the commission within the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) for the purpose of coordinating activities and programming that commemorate Idlewild.

Founded in 1912, Idlewild was one of more than 30 resorts in the country where African Americans were permitted to vacation and purchase property (before such discrimination became illegal in 1964) and, as such, represented freedom to many African Americans. Often referred to as the "Black Eden," Idlewild was an active, year-round community through the mid-1960s, frequented by well-known entertainers and professionals from throughout the United States.

"The importance of Idlewild to Michigan's history, economy and very social fabric simply cannot be overstated. By preserving and revitalizing this northern Michigan resort gem - one of very few that still has key buildings and structures intact - this Lake County community and surrounding areas are poised for very good things," said HAL Director Dr. William Anderson, chair of the Idlewild Centennial Commission. "I am mightily heartened by the commitment, excitement and leadership expressed by the Idlewild partners and commission members."

Recently, the commission held its first meeting at the Michigan Library and Historical Center, and members made several key decisions:

• The official centennial celebration period is Jan. 1, 2012 through Dec. 31, 2012;
  


• The centennial celebration kickoff will take place in 2010, with programming, events and announcements building up to 2012.
  


• Jewel Ware, chairwoman of the Wayne County Commission, was elected as vice chair of the Idlewild Centennial Commission.

"The centennial celebration will help focus attention and resources on Idlewild, which is truly one of Michigan's great treasures," Ware said. "Our commission has many great ideas and tremendous energy, and we are going to come up with a celebration that will be very memorable."

Dr. Anderson noted that while the responsibilities of the Idlewild Centennial Commission will complement the work of Governor Granholm's Idlewild Transformation Initiative, the commission's role is separate and different from that effort. The Idlewild Transformation Initiative was created last year, bringing together key stakeholders at the local, county and state level to assist Yates Township citizens and property owners in preserving, restoring and developing Idlewild - a National Register Historic District and Enterprise Community - as a national rural retreat, resort and tourism destination.

"The excellent work of the Idlewild Transformation team will help Yates Township achieve long-term prosperity by leveraging community's natural environment, historic buildings and sites, cultural heritage, creative talent and other assets to spur financial investment and economic growth," Dr. Anderson explained. More details on the transformation initiative can be found at http://www.michigan.gov/idlewild.

The Idlewild Centennial Commission members are:

• Dr. William Anderson, HAL
• Elizabeth Atkins, Detroit
• Carol Boles, Idlewild
• Donel Brown, Idlewild
• Ruth Burton, Lansing
• Phillip Clay, Idlewild
• Carlean Gill, Saginaw
• Mildred Kyles, Idlewild
• John O. Meeks, Idlewild
• Ron Olson, Department of Natural Resources
• Timothy Pharaoh Muhammad, Detroit
• Michael C. Murphy, Lansing
• Milan "Budde" Reed, Ludington
• Dr. Gloria Stephens Smith, East Lansing
• Deborah Smith-Olson, Baldwin
• George Walker Jr., Idlewild
• Jewel Ware, Detroit
• Mabel R. Williams, Idlewild
• Patricia Williams, Idlewild
• Dr. Benjamin C. Wilson, Kalamazoo
• George Zimmermann, Travel Michigan

The Department of History, Arts and Libraries is dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity. The department includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Historical Center. To learn more, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).