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. Wynton Marsalis speaks from a brown podium at 2023 Spring commencement at U-M. he wears traditional academic garb, including a pink sash. And he is wearing sunglasses.

    Marsalis to Class of 2023: ‘We need a revolution of thought and feeling’

    Declaring them a ‘bridge in the unrelenting cycle of life,’ renowned musician Wynton Marsalis told U-M graduates they must step up during difficult times to be leaders, critical thinkers, and people willing to spark a change.

  2. Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II talks to staff at University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. Photo: Marcin Szczepanski/Michigan Engineering

    U-M launches $130M Electric Vehicle Center

    The center will build on more than a century of U-M leadership in transportation to tackle such critical areas as workforce, cost, vehicle range, charging infrastructure and sustainability.

  3. U-M ROTC cadets and midshipmen raise the American flag in Normandy, France.

    Studying on sacred ground

    Stepping onto the cliffs and beaches of Normandy, enlisted ROTC cadets at U-M recently embarked on a profound journey to process the reality of D-Day. For the first time, students representing the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force trained together on the historic battlefields.

  4. Two young women exit the Michigan Union, ca 1954. Black and white.

    No women allowed

    Originally conceived as a ‘clubhouse’ to centralize campus life, the Michigan Union opened its doors to students in 1907 – with one key caveat. For decades, women were barred from entering through the front door.

  5. The raspberry rally and other Girl Scout cookies are displayed on a plate in extreme closeup.

    Courage, competence, character, and … cookies!

    Managing the financial well-being of some 2,000 Girl Scout troops in 34 Georgia counties is a challenging gig, but the job has a tasty fringe benefit, says Alantria Dixon, MBA ’09. ‘I do get free cookies.’

  6. Graphic of a pistol under lock and key; yellow background.

    New Michigan laws make storing firearms safely more important than ever

    Starting next year, firearm owners whose weapons end up in the hands of a young person who shoots themselves or someone else could face prison time or major fines. 

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.