Historical Commission

4th Thursday of the Month

7:00pm

See Members

Laura Myers

Chairperson

Kevin Parkins

Brandon Porterfield

Rudy Wengorovius

Jill Keller

Robert Senn

David Murphy

City Manager

248-699-5122

The Historical Commission was established by the City of Farmington in 1973 for the following purpose: 1) to safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving the cultural, social, economic, political and architectural elements having historic significance; 2) to stabilize and improve property values in such districts; 3) to foster and promote civic beautification with emphasis on historical significance; 4) to promote the use of local history for education, pleasure and the welfare of the citizens of the City; and 5) to encourage the collection of records and objects which interpret the history of Farmington, and cooperate in the establishment and operation of a museum or other appropriate center for custody and display of such items. The Historical Commission, consisting of nine members, meets on a monthly basis.

7 members
3-year term.

Dick Carvell Award

The Dick Carvell Award is given to a person who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the preservation of Farmington history, by service on the Historical Commission and/or at the Governor Warner Mansion or in another capacity, living or posthumously.

Richard Gundlach receives Preservation Award from Farmington Historical Commission

The 2024 award was in honor of 50-year resident of Farmington, Rick Gundlach who sadly passed away last year.

Rick served on the Historical Commission for many years. He took the pictures for the Farmington afghan and worked at several fund-raising events for the Mansion. Over the years, he renovated, updated and "saved" several houses in the Historic District. His first family home was the 1910 four square on the corner of Shiawassee and Warner, next was the 1965 Victorian house on Warner at Oakland. Two other homes he took on and renovated just for the love of it. Most significantly, he moved a Victorian house slated for demolition from Grand River downtown to Shiawassee, where it continues to serve as a beloved family home. Later, he bought and renovated the 1920 brick bungalow on Farmington Road across from Heeney Sundquist. Rick did a lot to preserve and upgrade the Historic District which continues to thrive and be a centerpiece of the Farmington downtown.