How can you become active in the Farmington history scene? Quite a few ways, depending on your interests and how involved you wish to become. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
Stay up to date on Farmington history news.
- Read the local papers, and follow them on Facebook (Farmington Observer, Farmington Press, and Farmington Voice).
- Sign up for email alerts when we post on our blog.
- Follow our Facebook page and Twitter account.
- Follow other local-history organizations’ Facebook pages, or bookmark their websites. (We’ve compiled a handy list).
Learn about Farmington history.
- Take a walk through the Farmington Historic District or Farmington’s historic downtown, and take time to enjoy the architecture.
- Stroll through Farmington’s past with Vintage Point, our then-and-now photo series.
- Visit the Heritage Room at the Farmington Community Library, or check out their website.
- Visit one of Farmington’s museums.
Sign our petition to #SaveFarmingtonsCharacter.
- New city plans for the downtown area threaten multiple hundred-year-old buildings at the eastern entrance to downtown. We’re trying to save them.
- Anyone may sign the petition, regardless of where they live. Sign online, and share with your friends!
Attend a history event.
- See our events tab for a list of Preservation Farmington workshops and lectures, and keep an eye on the newspapers and our Facebook page for upcoming history happenings in the greater Farmington area.
Write a letter to the editor.
- For the Farmington Observer, email Brad Kadrich at bkadrich@hometownlife.com.
- For the Farmington Press, email Sherri Kolade at skolade@candgnews.com.
- For Farmington Voice, email Joni Hubred-Golden at joni@farmingtonvoice.com.
Tips for submissions: Choose one clear topic, make sure your information is accurate, and keep your remarks to a few paragraphs. While it’s acceptable to call out public figures for actions or policies that you disagree with, stay away from personal attacks. Include your full name, address, and phone number at the end of your email.
Email Farmington City Council with your thoughts or concerns.
- Contact information for each council member, plus other city officials, is available on the City of Farmington website.
Speak at public comment during a city council meeting.
- Public comment is at the beginning of the meeting. Plan to arrive at least five minutes in advance.
- When the the mayor asks for public comment, go to the podium, state your name and address, and talk about your concerns. Generally, you have three minutes to speak.
- Council meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of the month at 7 pm, with a few exceptions. Dates/times are listed on the city’s event calendar.
- It’s a good idea to review the agenda in advance, although your topic does not have to be listed in order for you to speak.
- Anyone may participate in public comment, whether they live in Farmington, Farmington Hills, or a nearby community.
Join or volunteer with a history organization.
- Want to join a social group? Consider the Farmington Historical Society.
- Love giving tours…or dressing up? The Governor Warner Mansion wants you!
- Looking to advocate for our downtown’s history? Join Preservation Farmington as a member or volunteer.
- Check out our local history groups tab for a complete listing of organizations in the area.
Spread the word.
- Share our posts on Facebook or Twitter.
- Take a photo of a Farmington historic site and share it via social media with the hashtag #SaveFarmingtonsCharacter and #ThisPlaceMatters.
- Invite your friends to attend a history event or museum with you.
- Volunteer at one of our events! (To join our list of volunteers, email us at preservationfarmington@gmail.com.)
- Tell your neighbors about the importance of saving Farmington’s historic character.
