Ahead of the United States' 250th anniversary, MIRS sits down with Sandra Clark – the Michigan History Center's director of more than 34 years – and Don Cooper, the Gerald Ford Presidential Foundation's chief operating officer. 

Why does it feel like there might be an excitement deficit going into the 250th anniversary? How has the $5 million the state appropriated in 2024 to honor the 250th been spent? Sandra and Don also share what Michigan artifact they think has the most bizarre backstory (1:28). 

Additionally, Cyndi Roper – a senior policy advocate on environmental health with the Natural Resources Defense Council – talks about another round of birthdays. 

According to the NRDC, some of Michigan's water infrastructure is approaching 100 years old. Cyndi projects that new road pavements are at risk of soon being opened again if built over aging, vulnerable water mains (23:25).