Welcome
Michiganders Rally Around Marquette – the 2010 Fan Favorite
Distinctive Destination
by National Trust for Historic Preservation on March 1st, 2010
Written by Mame Croze
Some wonder how any area with hundreds of inches of
snow each year could be such an amazing place, much less
livable. Especially here in Washington DC, after the recent“Snowmaggedon” blizzard caused the entire area to shut
down, most people wonder “why would someone live like
that?” Those that call Marquette, Michigan home, however,
would say “I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
I was lucky enough to call Marquette home while attending
Northern Michigan University. The city remains a place that is
close to my heart and I return there any chance I get. It is
obvious to me that others feel the same way about this place– whether they still live there or are there in spirit – as
illustrated by the recent vote for the fan favorite of National
Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations.
When the twelve destinations were announced this year
and Marquette was on the list, everyone sprung into action.
Those who live and work in the area, those who have
b
usinesses there, organizations throughout the state, media, friends, and family helped to spread the word and
to encourage others to vote. I received messages and announcements from all over: my university alumni
newsletter, the Facebook groups of Marquette organizations, notices on business websites, and e-mails from
old friends. The community – both those inside Marquette and for hundreds of miles away – got the word out
and Marquette swept the competition to be the 2010 fan favorite.
It is my belief that Marquette and the other eleven
destinations not only qualify for the honor of being a Dozen
Distinctive Destination — a program that has recognized
places throughout the country that are dynamic and
outstanding towns rich with architecture, diversity, history
and more — because they fit the description, but also
because they value and embrace those characteristics.
These towns and cities are excellent examples of what
makes this country so incredible and are truly wonderful
places to absorb history, see preservation in progress, and
experience new sights
Congratulations to Marquette for being voted the 2010 Fan Favorite in this 10th anniversary year of the Dozen Distinctive Destination program. You are not only a city that will always be my favorite destination, but that I will always refer to as home.
Mame Croze is a Northern Michigan University alumna and currently serves as the public relations and marketing manager at Decatur House on Lafayette Square, a National Trust Historic Site.