Rep. Alexander Honors Maurice Imhoff for Historical Preservation Efforts

State Rep. Julie Alexander speaks at the state Capitol to honor Maurice Imhoff for his historical preservation efforts. Courtesy photo.

(May 25, 2021 8:34 PM) State Rep. Julie Alexander on Monday honored Maurice Imhoff of Jackson at the state Capitol for his efforts to memorialize a Civil War regiment and preserve its battle flag.

“Michigan was crucial to the fight to preserve our nation and extend freedom and equality to all during the Civil War, and Maurice’s work to preserve that history and share it with the people of our state is truly worthy of our recognition and gratitude,” said Alexander, of Hanover. “It was my privilege to honor this motivated young student of history, who has a bright future ahead of him. I know our Jackson community is proud of Maurice and his noble efforts.”

Alexander presented a legislative tribute to Imhoff at a Monday event hosted by the Michigan Capitol Commission and its Save the Flags initiative for preservation of Michigan battle flags. The event recognized Imhoff for his work to preserve a flag used by the 102nd U.S. Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.) regiment in the Civil War.

Imhoff, a student at Northwest Alternative High School in Jackson and a 102nd U.S.C.T. reenactor, “adopted” the flag, helping to raise funds for the conservation of the flag and a replica for display in the Capitol rotunda. To date, nearly 150 flags in the Capitol’s collection have been adopted. He also helped raise $3,200 to pay for signage marking the 102nd United States Colored Troops Memorial Highway in Wayne County, which was named in 2015 but left unmarked due to lack of funding.

Imhoff said he was astonished when he arrived at the Capitol and saw the setup and the audience gathered for the event.  “Seeing everyone in attendance inspired me and reminded me how important the volunteer work I do is,” Imhoff told JTV. “I was very humbled to have received not just one Special Tribute document from Rep. Alexander but another one from Governor Whitmer. This ceremony helped  to show that age does not limit one’s abilities and I hope it inspired many other young individuals in our community.”

Imhoff has participated in Jackson’s Civil War Muster for the past few years as a reenactor and has demonstrated his passion for history by co-founding the Jackson County Michigan Historical Society last year.   Imhoff, serving as the organization’s President, says the goal is to perpetuate Jackson County’s history.

Among his volunteer activities, Imhoff serves on both the City of Jackson Human Relations Commission & Historic District Commission.   Appointed in December of 2019 at the age of 18, Imhoff became the youngest to serve on any commission for the City of Jackson.   

Imhoff will be graduating from Northwest Alternative High School on June 15th. Maurice told JTV he is considering internship opportunities with Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health this summer and the  Smithsonian National Museum of American History this fall.  He plans on starting college in the fall of 2022.  But, Imhoff said, “We are still exploring all options at this time and haven’t decided completely yet on when to start college. Many opportunities appearing as the days go by.”

 On the Capitol honor, Imhoff said, “I couldn’t thank the people of Michigan enough for the support they have given me through the fundraisers and Special Tribute Ceremony. I am truly humbled.  I’m not one to show off, I rather enjoying sharing to inspire others.”