We talk with historian Valerie Marvin and the vice chairman of the Michigan Capitol Commission, John Truscott, about the building that has been the home to Michigan’s government since 1879.
The state capitol building was dedicated in Lansing in 1879 after state government had earlier been located across the street in a wooden structure and, before that, in Detroit. It was designed by architect Elijah Myers, who designed similar capitols in Texas and Colorado. The Lansing landmark does more than house the state House and Senate; it’s a magnet for school groups, protesters and those who admire fine old buildings.
Current State discusses the history of the state capitol building and the organization that manages the building and the grounds with John Truscott, vice chairman of the Michigan Capitol Commission, and historian Valerie Marvin.