About Michigan Centennial Farms

The Centennial Farm Program was operated by the State of Michigan’s Michigan Historical Commission, part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries, from 1948 until June 30, 2008. The program was entirely operated using tax dollars and state-paid staff, with the exception that the signs themselves which were donated by the farmer’s local utility company.  On July 1, 2008, the Centennial Farms Program became a part of the Historical Society of Michigan, a non-governmental non-profit. 

All Centennial Farm applications submitted before July 1st are being handled and completed by the Michigan Historical Commission (Michigan Office of Historic Preservation at the Department of History, Arts & Libraries). Please contact Mary Patrick at (517) 373-1272 for additional info on the status of your application.

Centennial Farm Designation Requirements:

In order to have a farm certified as a Michigan Centennial Farm, the owner must submit a complete application package demonstrating that the farm meets the following criteria:

• It must be a working farm.
• It must have a minimum of ten acres.
• Ownership must have remained in the same family for one hundred or more consecutive years.
• The relationship of the present owner to the owner of one hundred years ago must be clearly stated.
• The continuous family ownership must be documented.

A Complete Centennial Farm Application Includes:

• Photographs of the farmhouse and outbuildings, and an overall view of the complex of buildings;
• Documentation that demonstrates when the first family owner acquired the property and the continuous chain of title;
• A completed application form including a site plan of the property showing the location of farm structures and landscape features.
• Non-refundable application fee of $75.

Without access to on-going state funding or tax dollars to operate the Centennial Farms Program the Historical Society of Michigan has developed sponsorship support to ensure the growth and success of the Program.  In conjunction with this new funding matrix, a non-refundable application fee of $75 is required for all new applications beginning July 1, 2008 which must accompany all new applications for Centennial Farm certification.  This application fee provides less than 15% of the program’s funding.  The Centennial Farm sign, which is still supplied by your local utility company, is included.

Centennial Farm Program Price List:

   Centennial Farm Application Fee
      Non-refundable, to be included with original application & includes sign sponsored by
         your local power company                                                                                                                $75.00

   Centennial Farm Replacement Sign                                                                                                
       ($59 plus 6% sales tax & $12 shipping)*                                                                                        $74.54
   
   Sesquicentennial Designation Application Fee                                                                                    $35.00
  
   Sesquicentennial Farm Replacement Sign                                       
       ($29 plus 6% sales tax and $8 shipping)                                                                                          $38.74

See Application Forms for more information and downloadable forms that can be used to apply for Centennial Farms certification, order a replacement sign or acquire Sesquicentennial Farm status.