Saints’ Rest dig honored with Governor’s historic preservation award

MSU’s archaeology dig Saints’ Rest may now be out of sight – but not out of mind.

It is one of six historic preservation projects this year to receive the Governor’s Awards for Historic Preservation, Gov. Jennifer Granholm has announced.

The award program recognizes outstanding historic preservation projects throughout the state. It goes to individuals, developers, corporations, academic institutions and units of government that have undertaken rehabilitation of historic resources or archaeological excavations or implemented sound public policy.

Saints' Rest was a tremendously popular on-campus dig in summer 2005 of the first dormitory at the newly founded Agricultural College of Michigan in 1856. The project, located just east of the MSU useum, provided a glimpse of early life at MSU and a unique opportunity for the greater university community to connect with its history.

The Department of Anthropology, which was the lead unit on the field school, coordinated its efforts with a number of other units across campus, including the Consortium for Archaeological Research, the Department of Geography, the MSU Libraries, University Archives and Historical Collections, Campus Parks and Planning, Physical Plant and the MSU Museum.

“The Saints' Rest project has been the result of many people's efforts and support,” said Lynne Goldstein, chair of the Department of Anthropology. “We are very proud to be recognized by the governor with this award, but we are equally pleased that so many people have been excited by the project, have identified with our work, and have wanted to learn what life was like for those first students at MSU.”

State Department of History, Arts and Libraries Director William Anderson will present the awards at a ceremony in the State Capitol rotunda at 9:30 a.m Thursday, May 18.

The awards are presented in honor of national Historic Preservation Month.

State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway said Michigan's historic resources hold unique potential for economic development and the Governor's Awards draw attention to the important role these resources play in defining our communities and protecting each one's distinctive character.

"Historic rehabilitation efforts transform our downtowns and neighborhoods every day, creating culturally interesting places for people to live and work and providing a catalyst for economic growth," Granholm said. "This year's award winners all serve as exemplary models of collaboration and commitment to excellence for the historic preservation community."

Members of the Saints’ Rest dig team currently are working in the lab to conserve some of the artifacts from the excavations, and by the end of this summer, there will be a virtual exhibit of the Saints' Rest project available online.

The work this summer is being done by a group of students working under the direction of Jodie O'Gorman, assistant professor of anthropology.

For more information on the awards, see www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192--142645--,00.html

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