Michigan State Capitol

10/22/2026

The staff who work at the House and Senate rostrums have a front-row seat to everything that happens in the chambers and play an important role in keeping legislative procedures running smoothly.

Capitol Historian Valerie Marvin recently filmed an oral history with Rich Brown, former State Representative and current Assistant Clerk of the House, to discuss his nearly 20-year career at the front of the House Chamber. 🎥

10/21/2026

📜 Election season campaign mail is nothing new!

This postcard was sent by Representative Phil Pittenger around 1970. Born in Minnesota in 1929, Pittenger represented the Lansing area in the Michigan House from 1967–1970 and in the Michigan Senate from 1971–1974.

He’s shown here standing at the rostrum in the Capitol’s House Chamber, offering a glimpse at campaign communications from more than 50 years ago.

10/20/2026

🏛️ There’s no doubt, the rotunda is the heart of the Michigan State Capitol!

Join us on October 27 to explore the history of the iconic glass floor and get an in-depth look at its recent restoration.

Attend in person or watch online: 🎥 www.youtube.com/

10/19/2026

Ever wonder how the state constitution actually got written? This newly digitized collection from the Archives of Michigan gives us a front row seat to the 1961-1962 Constitutional Convention!

This just in from the ! The Archives of Michigan has released a collection highlighting the preservation of Michigan’s 1961-1962 Constitutional Convention. Learn more and view the collection by visiting the full relase: https://go.mi.gov/8njhr3641

10/16/2026

Looking for a fun way to spend an hour?

Explore our America250 programs online! 🌐

Enjoy our free lecture series, visit the special exhibit, and learn more about the history of your Capitol, all without leaving your chair.

Explore the programs: https://www.mscexhibits.org/america-250-programs-schedule

10/14/2026

A commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, the 2026 Michigan Capitol Ornament combines Victorian-inspired design with patriotic pride.

This special keepsake is available for $30.
🌐 Find purchasing information at https://michigan-capitol-gift-shop.myshopify.com/

10/14/2026

Lansing Business University operated from the 1890s through the 1970s, offering classes in bookkeeping, commercial law, shorthand, typing, and other office skills.

In the 1930s, the school marketed its classes directly to state employees through advertisements published in the Capitol Bulletin. 🗞️

These ads offer a glimpse into both workplace training and everyday life around Michigan state government at the time.

10/13/2026

🏛️ Michigan State Capitol staff and contractors recently completed the first full restoration of the Capitol’s historic glass floor!

Join us on October 27 to learn more about this landmark preservation project, including the work that went into restoring one of the Capitol’s most recognizable architectural features.

Attend in person or watch online: 🎥 www.youtube.com/

10/09/2026

📜 With the MSU homecoming game this weekend, it’s a great time to explore a little more of the university’s history and its connections to Michigan state government.

Follow the story from its beginnings as Michigan Agricultural College in one of our programs on YouTube: 🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT5zMyZ4_uE&list=PLo_n9RA54-DonrMQts33kS6LQUP6LwsJz&index=3

10/09/2026

Capitol history has connections all over the country! In September, Capitol Historian Valerie Marvin attended the Association for the Study of African American Life and History conference in Norfolk, Virginia. Marvin, along with Jacob Pinney-Johnson, and David Head spoke about the 1915 Lincoln Jubilee and the Michigan Manual of Freedman’s Progress, the first state publication documenting Michigan’s African American Community.