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On Wednesday, October 27, 2010, at 1:00 pm, the remains of Governor Mason were re-interred at Capitol Park in a ceremony with remarks by Senator Carl Levin, State Senator Jason Allen, former State Representative Steve Bieda, and historians Kerry Chartkoff, Donald Faber, and David Janssen.
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Come to the Park on Thursday, October 25, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., for an event commemorating the birthday of Stevens T. Mason, including salutations at Mason's grave with Amy Elliott Bragg, author of "Hidden History of Detroit," champagne toast at Sky Bar, and discussions with Don Faber, author of "Boy Governor: Stevens T. Mason and the Birth of Michigan Politics," and Jack Dempsey, author of "Michigan and the Civil War: A Great and Bloody Sacrifice."
Capitol Park Resources
Statement of former Governor William G. Milliken On Re-interment of Michigan’s First Governor, Stevens T. Mason
October 27, 2010, Detroit Capitol Park
Today is a most appropriate time for Michiganders to gather in a ceremony honoring our first Governor, Stevens Thomson Mason. Not only is today the 199th anniversary of the boy Governor's birth, it is also the eve of a statewide election in which citizens exercise the right to self-government.
We owe much of our democratic heritage to Stevens T. Mason. On this site, in our first state capitol, he helped usher a growing populace into full membership in the union of states that form this great nation. That it is the final resting place for our first Governor is fitting.
Stevens Mason foresaw the great potential of Michigan. He was a leader to be admired, for he fought for his principles even when the government in Washington raised obstacles to Michigan's future. His leadership was not one of promoting differences but of seeking common ground, working with others to develop responsible public policy that would benefit all of Michigan.
Here, in the heart of Detroit, the kind of leadership provided by Governor Mason should continue to be remembered and long be an example to current and future generations of Michiganders. It should inspire each of us to renew our commitment to the state we love.
