“Preserving 
  the Legacy”

Dedicated To A State And National Treasure

Scarred and patched after more than a century of intense use, Michigan's Capitol was a building in distress when the Friends of the Capitol, Inc. started a rescue mission in 1982.

Today, the Friends continue in their role of bringing public focus to the historic treasure, preserving its beauty and architectural qualities, and encouraging public enjoyment of its wide range of historic artifacts and outstanding artistic features. Initially dedicated to the restoration of the Capitol to its original glory, the Friends of the Capitol, Inc. works with the Executive Office and the Legislature to maintain the brilliance of the restoration while preserving the operational efficiency of the monumental building.

A public committee to report on the Capitol's condition, and needs, was established in 1982 by then Governor William G. Milliken. After its report, the Friends of the Capitol, Inc. was organized, including many of the original committee members. The Friends of the Capitol, Inc. received designation as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization in 1983 to carry on its work and to receive tax deductible gifts.

Four basic recommendations of the original committee have guided the Friends of the Capitol, Inc. ever since:

• To assure that use of the Capitol is compatible with its historic and cultural values;
• To assure that important historical attributes of the building are preserved;
• To develop public and private financial support for the Friends' efforts to preserve the Capitol; and
• To increase public awareness of the historical importance of the Capitol in order to build a broad base for its preservation.

History of Michigan’s Capitol