|
|
Photo by Sue G. Collins
|
|
Sara Ford is the new president of the Milan Area Historical Society. She is confident she will find new members as the group embarks on a new year.
|
|
As the new president of the Milan Area Historical Society, Sara Ford is confident she will discover some valuable treasures in the community without doing any prospecting, digging or archeological handiwork whatsoever.
Ford knows there is an abundance, a trove, a paragon in Milan. We're not talking gold, though to hear Ford discuss the historical society's membership, one might think she's hoarding some priceless gemstones in the attic at Hack House.
"There are so many wonderful people here with stories and talents," she said. "It will be my job to work with this diverse group, discover their unique interests and match a passion to a need."
Ford was recently named president of the historical society, a nonprofit organization founded 35 years ago and based in Milan's historic museum, Hack House, on County Street, where artifacts and items from Milan families are on display. The purpose of the historical society is to educate, collect and preserve data relating to the city of Milan and the surrounding areas, including Azalia, Cone, Mooreville, Oakville, Whittaker and Willis.
Ford is not a newcomer to the historical society or to community leadership. She is a past president of the Milan Area Chamber of Commerce, and served on the boards of both the Downtown Development Authority and the Ypsilanti Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. She is currently the president of the Milan Rotary Club, and a graduate of the Saline Leadership Institute.
Before launching her company, A1 Ford Insurance Agency on Dexter Street, Ford was immersed in a host of community efforts.
"Then, I had to drop back to really concentrate on my business in 2000," she said.
Ford was instrumental in restoring and commemorating the Henry Ford ("no direct relation," she said) Village Industry Complex across from the Milan Civic Complex and was a liaison to the Automotive Heritage Association, now the Motor Cities National Heritage Area. Ford is also a docent at the Fairland Mansion Henry Ford Estate.
"I've always been interested in Milan's history and when Bonnie (Jurgensen) stepped down as president of the society, I thought it was time for me to get involved again," said Ford. "Those are some very big shoes to fill," she noted, complimenting Jurgensen, who championed so many historic restorations and fund-raising for Milan during her long tenure as president.
Ford hopes to create an environment where new and current members will feel encouraged to get involved with one or more efforts. By clarifying job descriptions, clearing lines of communication and organizing the office, Ford believes the group can become more productive and raise its profile within the communities it serves.
The Milan Area Historical Society meets monthly on the third Wednesday. The location and time varies, though new members are very welcome, said Ford. For meeting details, call her at 439-4007.
The next meeting is 7 p.m. Wednesday at Hack House. Ford says they will use the season's first meeting for brainstorming and planning.
On Oct. 17, the group will host a speaker from the Midland County Historic Society who is presenting the account of Michigan's only hanging, which occurred at the federal penitentiary in Milan in 1937. Open to the public, the meeting will be held 6:30 p.m. at Aid In Milan.
This afternoon, the group will receive a check for $4,000 from the Greater Milan Area Community Foundation, which is making its annual grant awards at the Milan Senior Center.
The Milan Area Historical Society will make much-needed interior repairs to the Hack House.
"Now, we need a committee chair. Some members have said, 'All you have to do is call and I'll help.' Well," said Ford, "I'm writing down names now!"
Staff Writer Sue G. Collins can be reached at 429-7380 or scollins@heritage.com.
Expanded
Web
Coverage
Staff Blog, "Inside The Newsroom"
TOP JOBS
