My late husband, Bob Russell, and I traveled to the Highlander Center in the early '80's to visit Be...n Drake, who was on the staff there at the time. We were so amazed at this unassuming place with such an incredible library, rich, long history, and meaningful, action-oriented programming. Their influence and reach is profound. We were so fortunate to be able to have lunch and spend time with Miles Horton. Bob and I were in the process of founding our own nonprofit in northern Michigan, and after our visit to the Highlander Center, we chose the name of the Neahtawanta Research and Education Center, following the Highlander Research and Education Center. We always aspired to be like Highlander when we "grew up". Now, 31 years later, and 5 years after Bob's death, NREC is passing the reins to an new nonprofit organization, Title Track, which will continue and expand upon our work.
I was so heartbroken to hear of the fire and will be helping to fundraise in my neck of the woods to help in your efforts to rebuild. (we also had a fire at our location, the Neahtawanta Inn, in 2013, so I know the challenges of getting back on your feet.) But you have many hands that are lifting you up and carrying you through this, including mine, even though I'm far away and I only visited there once. Blessed be. See More

I can't believe the news about the fire. I learned so much the many times I was there, sitting in on...e of those rocking chairs, discussing how to be of service and getting students involved in service. I'm heartbroken. Were the archives also destroyed? See More

I had the privilege of being hosted by the Highlander Center for this year's Stay Summer Institute. ...Highlander proved to be an incredibly dynamic and educational space for me as I'm sure it has been for so many other people. The staff was incredibly warm and relentlessly hard-working; I'm endlessly grateful to them for all the hard work they put in as well as all of the folk who keep Highlander going. Thank y'all for everything you do! See More