Parks’ Director Phil Porter Recognized for Excellence by Prestigious Organization
November 2, 2009
Mackinaw City, Mich. — Mackinac State Historic Parks (MSHP) Director Phil Porter was presented with the “President’s Award for Distinguished Service to Museums” by the Michigan Museums Association (MMA) at a dinner held Friday, October 16 at the University of Michigan Museum of Art. The dinner was part of a program called “Quest for Excellence,” held during the association’s two-day conference. Porter was recognized by Heather Price, president of the MMA Board of Directors. According to Susan M. Steele, MMA executive director, Porter was recognized for his lifelong service to the museum community.
“I am pleased and honored to receive this award for outstanding service to the Michigan museums community,” Porter said. “It is an honor that I share with my fellow Mackinac State Historic Parks employees who, as a talented and dedicated team, have made these accomplishments possible.” |
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Porter began working for MSHP in 1972 as a seasonal tour guide at Fort Mackinac. In 1976 he joined the permanent staff and worked as curator of collections, curator of interpretation, and chief curator before being appointed director in 2003. He received his B.A. from Kenyon College in 1974, and his M.A. from the State University of New York, Cooperstown Graduate Program of History Museum Studies .
Porter has written many publications, published by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, including A Desirable Station: Soldier Life at Fort Mackinac 1867-1895; Mackinac: An Island Famous in These Regions; Fudge: Mackinac’s Sweet Souvenir; and View from the Veranda: The History and Architecture of the Summer Cottages on Mackinac Island, among others.
In 2008, Porter was appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm to the Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. The commission is charged with encouraging, planning, and developing activities, events, programs, observances, and services appropriate to commemorate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812.
According to MMA, the “President’s Award for Distinguished Service to Museums” honors an exceptional individual who may be professionally active or retired and involved with one or more museums of any size and type. Judging criteria include the nominee’s individual contribution to his or her institution, to the museum profession, and to the larger Michigan and national museum communities. Other selection factors may include the nominee’s record of publications, speaking engagements, mentorship, teaching, participation on boards, awards, citations, community service, philanthropy, and museum patronage.
MMA’s annual “Quest For Excellence” Awards Program recognizes exceptional programs, graphic projects, and professional activities and strives to inspire excellence in others by publicly recognizing outstanding achievements.
Mackinac State Historic Parks, a family of living history museums and parks in northern Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac, is an agency within the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Its sites—which are accredited by the American Association of Museums—include Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island State Park, and Historic Downtown on Mackinac Island, and Colonial Michilimackinac, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park in Mackinaw City. Mackinac State Historic Parks is governed by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, established in 1895 to protect, preserve and present the parks’ rich historic and natural resources for the education and recreation of future generations. Visitor information is available at 231-436-4100 or on the web at www.MackinacParks.com.
