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. The fight to stop modern slavery

    Video: U-M law prof Bridgette Carr is fighting against the world’s second – biggest criminal enterprise.

  2. The last survivors

    Even the youngest Holocaust survivors, like Dr. Emanuel Tanay, are reaching their 80s. What does it mean to have lived, and to remain a witness to one of history’s great atrocities?

  3. The Two-Dollar House

    How a handful of Depression – era students ditched the profit motive and started U-M’s co-ops

  4. A life worth living

    Video: What are the essentials of a happy, satisfying life? What choices can help you build a life with meaning? As U-M launches its “What Makes Life Worth Living” theme semester, psychology professor Christopher Peterson has some deceptively simple — but not necessarily easy — answers.

  5. Laser-based missile defense for helicopters being developed

    It’s “like throwing sand in the eyes of the missile,” says U-M’s Mohammed Islam. He is developing sturdy and portable lasers that could blind heat-seeking weapons, including shoulder-launched missiles that have proved deadly in Iraq and Afghanistan.

  6. The world game, home field

    Video: On summer evenings on U-M’s Mitchell Field, players from around the world gather for games of pickup soccer.

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.