Michigan Week (May 18-25) is a good time to remember the state's celebrated natives from all walks of life. Communities across Michigan can lay claim to renowned authors, artists, musicians, actors, athletes, politicians, inventors and more. Film makers Francis Ford Coppola, Sam Raimi, Michael Moore, and Paul Schrader were all born in Michigan. Just some of the world famous musicians born here include Stevie Wonder, Kenny Burrell, Betty Carter, Earl Klugh, Bog Seger, Glen Frey, Madonna, and Iggy Pop. Actors born in the state include Bruce Campbell, Tom Selleck, Lily Tomlin, Ellen Burstyn, Kristen Bell, Julie Harris, George Peppard, George C. Scott, Danny Thomas, and Marlo Thomas — the list goes on. Noteworthy authors such as Edna Ferber, Terry McMillan, Judith Guest and Marguerite De Angeli are also Michigan natives. Famous Michigan born athletes include baseball players Charlie Gehringer, Jim Abbott and Hal Newhouser. Find out more about our state's notable heritage by checking out some of the following items from the Library's collection.

Alden B. Dow: midwestern modern by Diane Maddex — Architect

The Dodge brothers: the men, the motor cars, and the legacy by Charles K. Hyde — Automobile engineers

Lost in Shangri-La: a true story of survival, adventure, and the most incredible rescue mission of World War II by Mitchell Zuckoff

Every man in this village is a liar [Large print]: an education in war by Megan K. Stack

The American Revolution [Large print]: a history by Gordon S. Wood

Victory at Yorktown [Large print]: the campaign that won the Revolution by Richard M. Ketchum

The zookeeper's wife [Large print]: a war story by Diane Ackerman

To quote Mark Twain "Truth is stranger than fiction..." and the following titles are certainly proof of that!

Lord Minimus: the extraordinary life of Britain's smallest man by Nick Page — Th true story of Jeffrey Hudson, the 18-inch "official dwarf" of the 17th century Stuart court.

The last alchemist: Count Cagliostro, master of magic in the age of reason by Iain McCalman — A fascinating account of the career of one of the most famous charlatans of the 18th century, Count Alessandro di Cagliostro, who traveled all over Europe - usually one step ahead of the authorities - passing himself off as an alchemist and a healer.

Agent Zigzag: a true story of Nazi espionage, love, and betrayal by Ben MacIntyre — Eddie Chapman was a charming criminal, a con man, and a philanderer. He was also one of the most remarkable double agents Britain has ever produced.

Margaret Thatcher, Britain's only female prime minister has passed away at the age of 87. Thatcher served as the leader of the Conservative Party from 1975 to 1990 and was known as the Iron Lady.

Reagan and Thatcher: the difficult relationship by Richard Aldous

Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher: a political marriage by Nicholas Wapshott

The Iron Lady: a biography of Margaret Thatcher by Hugo Young

The Downing Street years by Margaret Thatcher

The rise and fall of Margaret Thatcher [videodisc]

Thomas the Tank Engine pulls into Greenfield Village at the end of the month. How have trains shaped America's history?

 

The great railroad revolution: the history of trains in America by Christian Wolmar

Railroads across North America: an illustrated history by Claude Wiatrowski

The robber barons: the great American capitalists, 1861- 1901 by Matthew Josephson

Last flag down [Large print]: the epic journey of the last Confederate warship by John Baldwin and Ron Powers

Fraternity [Large print]: a journey in search of five presidents by Bob Greene

At the center of the storm [Large print]: my years at the CIA by George Tenet

What a way to spend a war [Large print]: Navy nurse POWs in the Philippines by Dorothy Still Danner

Operation mincemeat: how a dead man and a bizarre plan fooled the Nazis and assured an Allied victory [Large print] by Ben Macintyre

Erin go Bragh! The celebration of St. Patrick's Day outside of Ireland is a clear indication of the Irish influence throughout the world. In the United States many cities and towns recognize March 17th with parades and parties to mark the holiday of Ireland's patron saint. Ireland has made a significant contribution to literature and the arts both in the United States and throughout the world. Celebrate the day by sampling a wee bit of Irish culture and history from some of the many titles available in the Library's collection:

The 2013 theme for National Women's History Month is "Women Inspiring Through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics." In that spirt, check out some of the following titles acknowledging the tremendous contributions of women to science and technology throughout history:

Jocelyn Elders, M.D.: from sharecropper's daughter to surgeon general of the United States of America by Joycelyn Elders and David Chanoff — Jocelyn Elders, pediatrician, public health administrator & the first woman Surgeon General of the United States

The big screen: the story of the movies by David Thomson

Breakaway: from behind the Iron Curtain to the NHL: the untold story of hockey's great escapes by Tal Pinchevsky

The entertainer: movies, magic, and my father's twentieth century by Margaret Talbot

The hour of peril: the secret plot to

This year is the 100th anniversary of the Woman Suffrage Parade organized by the suffragist Alice Paul. On March 3, 1913 more than 5,000 participants - including such notables as Helen Keller - marched down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. in support of granting women the right to vote. However, it wasn't until August 26, 1920, with the passage of the 19th Amendment, that American women finally attained that goal.

Celebrate Women's History Month by reading about one of the fascinating women below.

Madam Secretary by Madeleine Albright, with Bill Woodward — Madeleine Albright, Ambassador, first woman to become United States Secretary of State

Arbella: England's lost queen by Sarah Gristwood — Arbella, English Renaissance noblewoman

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), think about reading an Irish author or about Irish history.

Pioneering women who led and won struggles for equality and civil rights; created and advanced educational and professional opportunities; and made great contributions to the arts, sciences and humanistic causes are honored each year during the month of March — National Women's History Month.

Reference Books

Chronology of women worldwide: people, places & events that shaped women's history by Lynne Brakeman, editor ; Susan Gall, managing editor

Extraordinary women of the Medieval and Renaissance world: a biographical dictionary by Carole Levin ...

Celebrate Mother Earth with authentic Native American Dancers led by Reg Pettibone. To wrap up our week-long Earth Week activities, we welcome the Native American Dancers who will entertain us in a very special way on Saturday, April 27 at 2:00 PM. Everyone is welcome to see the beautiful, colorful costumes and the outstanding dance moves that praise our planet.

Sunday, February 24 is the 85th Oscar Awards.  Brush up on your film history with...

Fans of PBS Mystery! are familiar with the work of Edward Gorey (1925-2000) born 88 years ago today in Chicago.  His eerie illustrations have introduced Mystery!  since 1980.  Gorey wrote and/or illustrated over 70 books, his images reminiscent of Victorian or Edwardian times with a macabre twist are instantly recognized.

The year 1863 was a particularly memorable one in both American and world history.

Instead of going to the mall for the Presidents Day sale, you can really celebrate by brushing up on some presidential history. A great place to start is the Internet Public Library's POTUS which provides biographical information, historical documents, and audio and video files. If this doesn't satisfy your historical sweet tooth, check out Public Papers of the Presidents at the American Presidency Project which has digitized over 85,000 documents related to the Presidency, including audio and video. Still not enough? The Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections contains detailed national results of all U.S. presidential elections since 1789.

In celebration of Women's History Month, we are pleased to host two luminaries from our past:  former first lady Mary Todd Lincoln and famous author Beatrix Potter.  Re-enactor Marie Papciak will bring these two famous women to life in her presentation.  With over 30 years of experience, Ms. Papciak will bring the characters to life to the delight of children and adults alike on Saturday, March 16 at 2:00 PM.  No registration is required.  

The remains of Richard III, King of England 1483-1485 have been found under a parking lot in Leicester, UK.  They have been positively identified by comparing DNA with two descendents of Richard's sister.  The remains have been missing for over 500 years.  Following the Battle of Bosworth Field where Richard III was killed, his remains were unceremoniously dumped without a marker.  (Image: The earliest surviving portrait of Richard (c.