PARI Welcomes New Volunteers

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24 July 2010

Alexandra-Liecki-and-Chris-MakaThe Polonica American Research Institute (PARI), a department of the Polish Mission of Orchard Lake Schools, is a non-profit research facility devoted to helping Polish-Americans trace their family history. Through the use of the rich resources of the Central Archives of Orchard Lake and sources both in the United States and Poland, PARI has assisted many patrons in discovering more about their ancestral ties to Poland. This institute runs on the hard work of dedicated volunteers who have spent countless hours building the research facility from the ground up.

Previously only open to the public 10 am- 4 pm on Fridays, PARI has responded to requests to expand its hours of operation to include Saturdays allowing more opportunities for visitors and volunteers. “We have short and long term projects underway. Whether someone donates an afternoon of work-or can commit to once a week-we have indexing, organizing, and research projects for them to complete,” says Ceil Jensen, Director of PARI.

One of the newest projects undertaken by PARI is the Green Map System, which are locally created environmentally themed maps that plot locations of a community’s natural, cultural and sustainable resources by using a universal symbol set and mapmaking resources. With 55 countries already in participation, Green Maps is quickly becoming the universal guide for sustainable living and promoter of public involvement in a local community’s natural and man-made environment.  Heritage sights, socially conscious businesses and community gardens are just some of the places included on the Green Maps. Three PARI maps are planned: a walking tour of campus, a map pinpointing the sites represented by the historical figures in the Panorama, and a vintage map of Detroit—showing the auto factories and Pol-Am neighbourhoods.

To arrange an appointment, please email Ceil at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (248) 683-0323  or visit our website at www.polishmission.com.

Random News

A Special Birthday Wish from the Michigan Humanities Council

It was on this day, January 26 in 1837, that President Andrew Jackson signed the bill admitting Michigan as the nation's 26th state. Michigan first became a territory in 1805, but it was a long-awaited journey to statehood.

Gov. Rick Snyder has declared today Michigan Statehood Day, and organizations around the state are celebrating. Here's just a few examples of what's going on:

The State Theatre (Traverse City) - Held today from 1 - 8:30 p.m., the theatre will provide free birthday cake for everyone who comes to the movies, and if you answer a Michigan trivia question correctly, you get in free (warning - the questions aren't easy)! Visit www.statetheatretc.org.

Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit) - The first 175 Michigan residents will receive free general admission to the Detroit Institute of Arts. Visit www.dia.org.

Pure Michigan (Statewide) - On www.puremichiganblog.org, visitors can find tweets and pictures of Michigan from around the state. The site will be updated throughout the day.

Michigan Historical Museum (Lansing) - On Saturday, Jan. 28, the museum will host Statehood Day festivities with costumed interpreters, craft demonstrations and musical performances. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The first 100 people through the door will receive a free slice of birthday cake. Call (517) 373-3559.

How are you celebrating Michigan Statehood Day? Tell us on Facebook!

Did you know ...

  • Detroit was the first capital of Michigan, not Lansing
  • Michigan has more lighthouses than any other U.S. state
  • The first soda pop manufactured in the U.S., Vernor's ginger ale, was created by accident in 1866 in Detroit
  • Michigan is the largest state producer of cherries
  • Steven T. Mason became governor of Michigan in 1834 (then a territory) at the age of 22, and to this day remains the youngest state governor in American history
  • Sault Ste. Marie, founded by Fr. Jacques Marquette in 1668, is the third oldest remaining settlement in the U.S.
  • Michigan is the only place in the world with a floating post office - the J.W. Westcott II is the only boat in the world that delivers mail to ships while they are still underway
  • In 1879, Detroit phone customers were the first in the nation to be assigned phone numbers

 

"Si Queris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice"

"If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you."

 

Happy Birthday Michigan! From the Michigan Humanities Council