The Great Lakes Heritage of Baskets Project was established in 1995 to document, preserve, and present the Great Lakes Region basketry history. The primary goals of the project are: Document the life and work of basketmakers who have been instrumental in preserving the basketry heritage in the Great Lakes region Make a permanent collection of traditional baskets at the museum from the selected artists Record oral and written history documenting basketry history and the personal histories of basketmakers House resource files on basketry to be used for teaching and research Make an exhibit of the entire collection of baskets to display the growth and development of traditional basketry in the Great Lakes region Honor outstanding basketmakers through the Festival of Michigan Folklife and the Michigan Heritage Awards Support the continuance of basketry knowledge by encouraging acknowledged master basketmakers to participate in the Michigan Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program    Created in conjunction with Michigan State University and the Association of Michigan Basketmakers © 2003