Ask anyone who works in our Capitol why they love their jobs, and there’s a good chance that they will mention something about how cool it is to see history unfold here every day. For many, that means watching the wheels of government turn and playing a role within the legislative process. For others it means having a front row seat to numerous big restoration and preservation projects.
The biggest project that we’ve all been watching is, without a doubt, the restoration of our iconic glass floor. Over the last couple years, our Capitol’s caretakers have taken a really deep dive into the evolution of the floor, from the 1931 fire that cracked hundreds of tiles, to the hideous plastic replacements installed in the mid-twentieth century. On your next visit to the Capitol, be sure to stop by the first floor, east wing to see a new interactive kiosk featuring photos, videos, project timelines, and a deep historical dive into our glass floor’s evolution.
We’re also very proud of a new video about the project to recreate some really big bookcases from the old Michigan State Library. Produced in partnership with the Library of Michigan, the video features early Capitol images, interviews with the local woodworker who salvaged the old bookcase wood, and behind-the-scenes footage of the Senate Carpenters’ work reassembling the puzzle pieces. You can also see the finished bookcases in the ground floor tour orientation room (next to the MSP desk) and on the fourth floor in the west wing.
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The Capitol Tour and Education staff is also wrapping up a big year of programming, tied to Michigan’s America 250 celebrations. Videos of all our programs, which cover a wide range of topics from state constitutional conventions to the architecture of Michigan’s county courthouses, can be found on the Capitol’s YouTube page. Be sure to check them out while you’re patiently waiting for news about our next big preservation projects!