The order that launched the Revolutionary War, 250 years later

A portion of a yellowed letter with text written by quill and ink.

The ‘shot heard ’round the world’ can be traced to one manuscript containing the orders for the Concord Expedition on April 18, 1775. The quill-to-paper draft orders, penned by British Army officer Thomas Gage, sparked the Battle at Lexington and Concord the following day. U-M’s Clements Library holds the document.

  1. Long shot of a beautiful and well-kept garden as people pick produce.

    Harvest time: Community farm rekindles interest in growing and preserving food

    While working as a nurse practitioner in Midland, Michigan, alumna Beth DeVries was surprised to learn how many people were not able to afford fresh fruits and vegetables. Knowing how much good health relies on good food, she decided to take action. In 2018, DeVries founded Phoenix Community Farm.

  2. Graphic of a person who can't sleep, bleary-eyed and surrounded by time stamps that show they've been awake all night. Sky is purple and filled with clouds and stars.

    Free course shines light on sleep health

    An online class helps individuals learn about sleep disorders and the value of good sleep habits. The course is taught by sleep clinicians and national academic leaders at U-M with guest experts from several other institutions.

  3. Man in optometrist's office undergoes glaucoma test.

    Glaucoma study shows higher prevalence than previously estimated

    Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases which cause loss of sight by damaging the optic nerve. U-M study leverages multi-source, composite estimates of the prevalence of glaucoma and vision-affecting glaucoma in the U.S. for individuals aged 18 and older. Both total glaucoma and vision-affecting glaucoma vary by demographic factors.

  4. Bearded and gray African-American man in orange shirt sits with laptop.

    Misinformation, AI & health: Poll reveals older adults’ worries

    While the vast majority of people over 50 look for health information on the internet, a poll shows 74% would have very little or no trust in such information if it were generated by artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, 20% of older adults have little or no confidence that they could spot misinformation about a health topic if they came across it.

  5. Graphic depicts young person being attacked by tumors and other horrible things. A female in reds and pinks. Looks like a nightmare.

    Why are more young people being diagnosed with cancer?

    A growing body of evidence shows the incidence of many common cancers has been increasing in Americans younger than 50 since the 1980s. U-M researchers are investigating the causes of early-onset cancer — and how to reduce one’s risk.

  6. Sepia-toned image of Nannette Gardner, who made women's history by casting a ballot in Detroit, some 49 years before women were granted the right to vote.

    How to qualify as a person

    Forty-nine years before women were granted the right to vote in the U.S., Nannette Gardner would cast her ballot in Detroit, making women’s history. By fighting tirelessly for women’s rights, she bagan to shake the foundations of power, and her controversial vote provided the suffrage movement a notable victory.

Creativity and connection across prison walls

One of the world’s largest and longest-running exhibitions of incarcerated artists is back with new programming designed to foster connection and deepen public understanding of incarceration in Michigan. The 29th annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons, curated by U-M’s Prison Creative Arts Project, showcases 772 artworks by 538 artists incarcerated in 26 state prisons. The Duderstadt Center Gallery on U-M’s North Campus is presenting the artwork through April 1.

  • Most Wanted by Samantha Bachynski

    The exhibition features diverse styles and media, including paintings, portraits, tattoo imagery, landscapes, sculpture, fiber arts and found materials. Each fall, volunteers, including students, select the pieces and visit every prison in Michigan to interact directly with the artists. (See original image)

    Colorful night sky shows through tree branches. 2025 PCAP exhibition.

  • Tangerine Dreams by Matisse Bravo

    For over 35 years, PCAP has worked to bridge the gap between incarcerated individuals and the broader community through artistic collaboration, mutual learning and growth. The program has expanded to include undergraduate courses, weekly art workshops in Michigan prisons, an annual literary review and year-round events to foster dialogue and connection. (See original image)

    A plate of tangerines and tangerine slices on a green table with yellow wall. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Peacefulness by Susan Brown

    According to Emily Chase, PCAP’s exhibition and curatorial coordinator, themes of community and mentorship emerged strongly in this year’s collection. (See original image)

    Colorful landscape with stripes and a mountains. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Paths #2 by Kendall Leonard

    The exhibition allows incarcerated artists to have their voices heard beyond prison walls. “Their voices are so often silenced, and this is one of the few areas where they can feel heard,” says Mattie Levy, PCAP community engagement coordinator. (See original image)

    Colorful abstract painting from the 2025 PCAP exhibition.

  • Mountain Honey by Terry Stinebeck

    “We witnessed experienced artists mentoring newcomers and saw how the artistic efforts of one individual can motivate and inspire others,” says PCAP’s Emily Chase. (See original image)

    A serene landscape with a yellow sky and mountains. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • House of Kards by Michael Browning

    Visitors to the Duderstadt exhibition can experience an audio tour that features select stories from some of the artists. (See original image)

    Abstract painting of a face card from a deck of cards. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Happiness Within by Groot

    This year, the exhibition introduced a new event, “Art and Music: A Collaborative Concert,” in which students performed original musical compositions inspired by select artworks. (See original image)

    Abstract image of youth with a surreal balloon. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Garden Escapades by Tim Brownell

    The concert that complemented the exhibition was a way to empower and unite with people impacted by the justice system through a shared love of creativity, says Ty Bloomfield, one of the event’s organizers. (See original image)

    A farm scene with crops growing in rows and red barn. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • DMX by David Hudson-Bey

    The 2025 exhibition was presented with support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the U-M Residential College. (See original image)

    Abstract of DMX painting with blues and greens. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Did I do that? by Daniel Teriberi

    For nearly three decades, the exhibition has provided a platform for incarcerated artists to share their work with the public, shedding light on personal narratives and the power of artistic expression. (See original image)

    Colorful abstract painting in 2025 PCAP exhibition.