East Lansing in Ingham County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Michigan State Medical Society / Michigan State Medical Society Headquarters
Registered Michigan Historic Site
Michigan State Medical Society
In 1819 five physicians organized the Michigan Medical Society in Detroit. Its purpose was "to examine medical students and certify those so deemed as doctors." The group reorganized in Ann Arbor as the Peninsula Medical Society in 1851. That organization disbanded in 1859. On June 5, 1866, one hundred physicians from across the state once again met in Detroit and founded the Michigan State Medical Society. The society pledged "to elevate professional medical education and to cultivate the advancement of medical science." Among its first projects was the establishment of a state public health department, which was created in 1873. The society was housed in various buildings in Detroit and Lansing until this headquarters was completed in 1961.
Michigan State Medical Society Headquarters
World renowned Michigan architect Minoru Yamasaki (1912-85) designed the Michigan State Medical Society Headquarters. Upon its completion in 1961, Yamasaki explained, "The intent was to build a serene and inviting building to express the idealism and humanity of the medical profession." The terraced landscape, the slender columns and the graceful lines inspired visitors to remark, "It seems to float in the air." In 1991 the Yamasaki firm designed an atrium connecting the original building to the Cyrus M. Stockwell wing, named for the society's first president. Yamasaki's best-known design is the World Trade Center in New York City.
Erected 1995 by Michigan Historical Center, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number S649.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 5, 1866.
Location. 42° 44.859′ N, 84° 29.067′ W. Marker is in East Lansing, Michigan, in Ingham County. Marker is at the intersection of West Saginaw Street (Business Interstate 69) and Abbot Road on West Saginaw Street. Marker can be seen in the parking lot behind the building, accessible from Abbot Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 West Saginaw Street, East Lansing MI 48823, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Michigan Automobile Dealers Association (approx. ¼ mile away); East Lansing Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Monsignor Jerome V. MacEachin / St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Parish (approx. 0.6 miles away); Collegeville / East Lansing (approx. ¾ mile away); Masonic Temple (approx. 0.8 miles away); "That a Ladies Course be Organized" (approx. one mile away); Alice B. Cowles House (approx. one mile away); Alice Cowles House (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in East Lansing.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 227 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 23, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.