60th Annual SCECHsAttention are now educators! available! in SCECHs Perspective The Local History Conference

Sponsored By

J. Ferrantino Charitable Foundation Algonquin Club of & Windsor • Bentley Historical Library • Michigan State University Press • University of Michigan Press • Walter P. Reuther Library • Press • William L. Clements Library Fred Hart Williams Genealogical Society • Historical Society of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan • Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion Wyndham Garden-Sterling Heights • March 23-24, 2018 23-24, • March Heights Garden-Sterling Wyndham For details and registration, visit hsmichigan.org or call (800) 692-1828 Friday, March 23 • 8 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Check-In, Registration, and Exhibits 8-9 a.m. Refreshments and Exhibits 9-10 a.m. Opening Keynote  From Isolationist to Internationalist: Senator Arthur Vandenberg Hendrik Meijer, Meijer Inc. The idea that a senator—Republican or Democrat—would put the greater good of the country ahead of his or her party seems nearly impossible to imagine today. But Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg of Michigan, who hailed from Grand Rapids and served in the U.S. Senate from 1928 to 1951, did exactly that. Come to hear Hendrik Meijer explain how Vandenberg forged bipartisan coalitions to form the foundation of modern American foreign policy as we know it.

10-10:15 a.m. Exhibits Break 10:15-11:30 a.m. Concurrent Session I  Hot Dog! Michigan’s Coneys Steaming Over the Waves: The Joe Grimm, Michigan State University Walk-in-the-Water ’s Bicentennial School of Journalism Walter Lewis, Author and Historian Coney Island hot dogs can be found in The year 2018 marks the 200th many states across America—but no state anniversary of steam navigation on the can really cut the mustard in competition upper Great Lakes. Join us in a rousing with Michigan! Learn how Michigan’s Coney industry retelling of that history—including was shaped by one immigrant family and how Coney the construction and voyages of the steamship Walk- dogs differ in Detroit, Flint, Jackson, Port Huron, and in-the-Water, which ran on Lake Erie between Detroit other cities throughout the Great Lakes State. and Buffalo, and the lively personalities involved in the industry’s pioneering stages. The Murder of Vincent Chin: The Catalyst for Asian-American Civil Rights The Legacy of New Deal Art Frances Kai-Hwa Wang, NBC Asian America, PRI Elizabeth Clemens, Walter P. Reuther Global Nation, University of Michigan Library—Wayne State University In 1982, 27-year-old Chinese-American Vincent Chin The New Deal’s Federal Art Project became the victim of a hate crime when he was brutally shaped much of Southeastern Michigan’s murdered in Highland Park by two creative environment during the Great autoworkers. Come hear how the federal Depression. This session will explore trials that followed introduced a historic some of the projects and artists impacted legal milestone and mobilized Asian by the program and highlight a recent venture by the Americans to come together to work for Walter P. Reuther Library to restore a New Deal-Era Asian-American civil rights. mural in Detroit.

Detroit 1967: The Three Trials of the Algiers Motel Dan Aldridge, Greater Detroit Communiversity Danielle McGuire, Wayne State University On July 26, 1967—the fourth night of the 1967 Detroit Rebellion—three African-American teenagers were killed by police at the Algiers Motel. This session will explore what happened that night, how the officers responsible ultimately escaped accountability, and what justice might have otherwise looked like in the aftermath of such violence. Friday, March 23 • 8 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Check-In, Registration, and Exhibits 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Luncheon and Keynote (ticket required)  Interviewing Michigan: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Chuck Stokes, WXYZ/WMYD-TV 7/20 Detroit Throughout Michigan’s history, media has greatly influenced the state’s politics, economics, culture, and society. Join us as media personality Chuck Stokes of WXYZ Detroit recalls some of his most fascinating interviews with Michigan leaders during his 30-year career in Sponsored by Detroit television. The speaker will also discuss the preservation of local media, including both how it can be done and why it is so imperative to archive media history for future generations to access.

1:30-1:45 p.m. Exhibits Break 1:45-3 p.m. Concurrent Session II  From POW to Punster: The Frederick G. Sampson: Preaching Story of Sonny Eliot Beyond the Pulpit Jane Nordberg, Jewish Historical Freda Sampson, Freda G. Sampson LLC Society of Michigan For 30 years, the Reverend Dr. Frederick Detroit weatherman Sonny Eliot enjoyed Sampson made an enormous impact on a successful 60-year broadcasting the city of Detroit. Join us for a glimpse career—but what many do not know is that he spent into how Sampson’s work influenced 18 months during World War II as a prisoner of war in Detroit’s religious communities, political Europe, shot down over Germany in his B-24 bomber. environment, economic progress, and Join us to hear Eliot’s gripping story as a wartime POW. educational development at a pivotal time in the city’s history. Calling All Historians: Current Historical Research Roundtable Opening New Doors: LGBT Facilitated by Joel Stone, Detroit Historical Society History in Southeast Michigan Ever wonder what other historical societies, museums, James Toy, Office of Institutional libraries, and archives are up to? Guided Equity—University of Michigan by a facilitator, this session will offer an Prior to 1970, there was no organized opportunity for participants to discuss liberation movement for sexual the current happenings within their orientation in Michigan, but with the organizations; address recent successes dawn of a new decade came the beginning of a changing and issues; and discuss questions era. This session will discuss the first liberation fronts having to do with research, collections, that sprung up in Michigan as well as gender-identity membership, and more. concerns that have come to light more recently.

Votes for Women: Untangling Michigan’s Suffragist History Jo Ellyn Clarey, Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council Ruth Stevens, Grand Valley State University A century ago, Michigan granted full suffrage to women, which at last allowed them to vote in state and local elections. In this session, the speakers will discuss the history of the suffrage movement in Michigan; the significance of local school board elections; and the movement’s inclusion of geography, race, and ethnicity. Friday, March 23 • 8 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Check-In, Registration, and Exhibits 3-3:30 p.m. Exhibits Break 3:30-4:45 p.m. Concurrent Session III  The Salty Mitten: Mining for White Gold The Odyssey of Waukazoo’s Band: A Fight Erik Nordberg, Walter P. Reuther to Stay Home Library—Wayne State University Eric Hemenway, Little Traverse Bay Because Michigan’s Lower Peninsula Bands of Odawa Indians sits atop one of North America’s largest Michigan was not spared by the federal saline basins, salt production has been a government’s policy of Indian Removal, vital component of the state’s industrial which displaced Native Americans and economic history for more than 150 from their homes across the country. In years. Come listen to how Michigan’s salt production Northern Michigan, Odawa Chief Waukazoo and his industry has impacted Lower Michigan from Detroit to band resisted the invasion of their homelands. Join us as Bay City to Manistee. we remember their struggle to resist Removal and remain at their ancestral homes. Realtors and Racism: The Point System of Grosse Pointe New Books in Michigan History Edward Egnatios, W.K. Kellogg Foundation The Great Water: A Documentary History of Join us in this session to hear the speaker Michigan (MSU Press) with Matthew describe the history of the Point System, Thick, University of Michigan—Flint which was used by real estate agents By offering a collection of stories, letters, to racially segregate neighborhoods in diary entries, and documents from Michigan’s Grosse Pointe. Current community past, this book offers personal insights into initiatives to address racism and the rich history of the Great Lakes State. commitments to equality and change in Greetings From Detroit (WSU Press) with the city will also be discussed. Dan Austin, HistoricDetroit.org This book explores scores of Detroit postcards If These Waters Could Talk: Maritime from throughout the city’s history, showcasing Archaeology in the St. Clair Flats its vintage views and describing the historical Daniel Harrison, Department of Anthropology— popularity of postcards in America. Wayne State University Medicine at Michigan (U-M Press) with The freshwater delta at the mouth of the Dea H. Boster, Columbus State Community St. Clair River—known as the St. Clair College, University of Michigan Flats—has a celebrated history that spans This history of the University of Michigan’s hundreds of years, from long before medical school explores complicated European contact to the present day. relationships between Michigan cities, Come to hear this session’s speaker tell competition in medical practices, and the exciting archaeological tale of the St. Clair Flats. innovations in science and clinical instruction.

5-7 p.m. Friday Reception (ticket required)  Local History Conference Annual Friday Reception Join us for our Friday Reception, where you can network and mingle with old friends, new acquaintances, and other conference attendees. There will be light refreshments and a cash bar. Plus, you’ll be serenaded by the harmonious sounds of the musical ensemble “Michigan Strings.” The trio’s repertoire includes French- Canadian, Celtic, and American traditional and folk selections. This reception isfree for all registered conference attendees, but tickets are required. Sign up for your free ticket when you register. Saturday, March 24 • 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Check-In, Registration, and Exhibits 8:15-9:45 a.m. Breakfast and Keynote (ticket required)  For those not attending the breakfast and keynote, light refreshments will be available beginning at 9 a.m. From Mason to the Motor City: Malcolm X in Detroit Ilyasah Shabazz, Ilyasah Shabazz Enterprises Sponsored by Malcolm X was a renowned African-American social activist who focused primarily on equal rights during the tumultuous 1950s and 1960s. Having spent his formative years in Lansing and living in both Detroit and Flint as a young adult, Malcolm X maintained close ties with Michigan throughout his life. This keynote session, presented by his daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, will follow Malcolm X’s life and work with special emphasis given to his many connections to the Motor City.

9:45-10 a.m. Exhibits Break 10-11:15 a.m. Concurrent Session IV  It Happened Here Too: Slavery in Detroit Style and Structure: The Bill McGraw, Detroit Free Press Architecture of Detroit Though located in the northern United States, Detroit Wendy Evans, Wayne State University was nevertheless home to slavery in its The history of Detroit would not history. Come hear the speaker describe be complete without including its how he stumbled upon that surprising remarkable architecture, which includes a mix of styles of discovery as well as the fact that media buildings designed by a variety of well-known architects. outlets such as the Detroit Free Press once This session will explore the city’s architectural history supported slavery and the suppression of from the nineteenth century to the present, focusing civil rights. particularly on those buildings that still exist today.

Changing Perceptions: Why Indigenous Back to the Future: Using New Names Matter Technologies in Research Eric Hemenway, Little Traverse Bay Melanie McComb, Genealogist Bands of Odawa Indians Though the need for historical research will never The names of Michigan’s people and change, the mediums through which places have changed over time, especially professional and amateur historians can those of Indigenous origin. Come access sources certainly will and has. hear how changing the identity of This session will cover the many ways in people and their homes has widespread which researchers can use technologies repercussions—from town names to the very labels we of the future—including social media use in American society to identify other populations platforms, blogging programs, and who live around us. mobile applications—to better understand the past.

Putting the World on Wheels: Michigan’s Auto Labor Heritage John Beck, Michigan State University School of Human Resources & Labor Relations • Steve Bieda, Michigan State Senate District 9 • Brian Yopp, MotorCities National Heritage Area The legacy of labor in Michigan is one that requires persistent preservation and promotion. This panel will discuss the many efforts throughout history to highlight the contributions of workers who built and maintain Michigan’s auto industry, including discussions of district-level political activities as well as recent labor-based oral history projects.

11:15-11:45 a.m. Exhibits Break Saturday, March 24 • 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Check-In, Registration, and Exhibits  11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Luncheon and Keynote (ticket required) Judge Cohn will also receive HSM’s A Conversation With Judge Avern Cohn With Columnist and Commentator Jack Lessenberry Join us as the Honorable Avern Cohn recounts some of his award during the experiences as a Senior United States District Judge for the keynote. Eastern District of Michigan. In a casual setting, Judge Cohn will be sharing interesting stories with well-known columnist and commentator Jack Lessenberry. The conversation will include memories from the Judge’s personal life along with famous, not-so-famous, and infamous tales from his many years on the bench. Don’t miss this exciting and unprecedented conversation amongst friends!

1:45-2 p.m. Exhibits Break 2-3:15 p.m. Concurrent Session V  Read All About It! Detroit’s African-American Newspapers Louis Jones, Walter P. Reuther Library—Wayne State University • Dale Rich, Association for the Study of African American Life and History • Alfred Thomas, Retired Teacher From blazing the trail for future newspaper publications to inspiring new generations of journalists, Michigan’s African-American presses have a storied history as the voices of the community. A panel of speakers will discuss the important role that the press has played in reporting cultural, historical, and political news of interest—not always reported in the mainstream press—to local, regional, and national African-American communities.

Invading Russia: Michigan’s Polar Bears Was It Murder? A Documentary’s Quest Gordon Olson, Grand Rapids City for the Truth Historian Emeritus Geri Alumit Zeldes, Michigan State University Near the end of World War I, U.S. In the mid-1970s, two Filipina nurses soldiers were sent to Russia to help stop were convicted for poisoning patients in the Bolshevik takeover. Today, American Ann Arbor’s VA Hospital, but both were intervention in the Russian Civil War is eventually acquitted of the crime. Join nearly forgotten in the United States—as us to view excerpts of That Strange is the fact that many of the U.S. soldiers Summer, a documentary on the event, fighting there were Michigan men. interspersed with discussions of the film with its director. Trading on the Lakes: Furs, Empire, and the Merchant John Askin Terror in the City of Champions: Justin Carroll, University East The Black Legion John Askin was a Scots-Irish immigrant to North Tom Stanton, University of Detroit Mercy America who built his fur trade in The city of Detroit experienced one of the Great Lakes region during the its most turbulent periods during the mid-eighteenth century. This session mid-1930s. Come learn how a nefarious will address how Askin’s successful secret society called the Black Legion, trade industry was impacted by the which operated in a militaristic order and British Empire’s colonial conflicts and displayed a high propensity for violence, mismanagements during the height of threatened the city and infiltrated almost the American Revolution. every area of business, including sports.

3:15-3:30 p.m. Exhibits Break 3:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday Gala (ticket required)(see back page for description) Attention Educators! SCECHs Registration: $20. See form below. Thanks to a partnership with Lansing Community College, we can now provide State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) for attendees. For an additional $20, you can earn 4 to 9 SCECHs. Registration/Hours Options: 1) Full conference basic entry fee NO meals = up to 6 hours; 2) Full conference basic entry fee PLUS all meals = up to 9 hours; and 3) Saturday-Only basic entry fee PLUS SCECHs all Saturday meals = up to 4 hours. Each of the keynote meals comes with an additional cost. Conference Hotel Conference Registration Michigan in Perspective: The Local History Conference March 23-24, 2018 34911 Van Dyke Ave. • Sterling Heights, MI 48312 Register online at hsmichigan.org $ Registration Deadlines: 95/night Early-Bird Registration Ends: January 31, 2018 For reservations, call (800) 953-1400, then choose option 1 Standard Registration: February 1 – March 11, 2018 Late Registration: March 12 – 19, 2018* Request the Local History Conference or Historical Society of Michigan rate. OR Fill out one form for each attendee. go to HSM’s reservation page on the hotel’s website Please make additional copies of this form as needed. http://bit.ly/2CkIjno

NAME Full Conference Registration includes…

Opening Keynote • 25 Breakout Sessions • Friday Reception • ADDRESS Saturday Gala

Saturday-Only Registration includes… CITY, STATE, ZIP 10 Breakout Sessions • Saturday Gala E-MAIL Full Conference  Early-Bird Registration (by Jan 31) $49 $______DAYTIME PHONE (WITH AREA CODE)  Standard Registration (Feb 1-Mar 11) $55 $______

 Late Registration (Mar 12-Mar 19) $65 $______CHOOSE YOUR CONFERENCE MEAL OPTION FOR ALL MEALS • CHOOSE ONLY ONE HSM member discount: deduct $10  REGULAR  REGULAR/FRIDAY LENTEN FISH** member no. ______ VEGETARIAN  GLUTEN-FREE (found on the address label of your Chronicle magazine) $______**For those who choose the Regular/Friday Lenten Fish option, you will have a fish lunch on Friday. You will then return to the Regular meat meals on Saturday. Saturday-Only Conference  Early-Bird Registration (by Jan 31) $39 $______Visit hsmichigan.org to register online. It’s fast, easy, and secure!  Standard Registration (Feb 1-Mar 11) $45 $______OR  Late Registration (Mar 12-Mar 19) $55 $______Register by phone by calling toll-free: (800) 692-1828 HSM member discount: deduct $5 OR member no. ______Fill out this form, then fax to: (517) 324-4370 (found on the address label of your Chronicle magazine) $______OR Fill out this form, then mail it in with your payment made I would like these tickets (check the box + add the price) payable to: Historical Society of Michigan  Friday Luncheon (ticket required) $24 $______Mail to: Michigan in Perspective: The Local History Conference  Friday Reception (ticket required) free $______• HSM • 5815 Executive Dr. • Lansing, MI 48911  Saturday Breakfast (ticket required) $19 $______Please use the form below to pay by credit card  Saturday Luncheon (ticket required) $24 $______ Saturday Gala (ticket required) free $______CREDIT CARD NUMBER

 HSM Level-1 Individual Membership $25 $______EXP. DATE SECURITY CODE BILLING ZIP CODE  SCECHs Registration (teachers only) $20 $______SIGNATURE Total Due $______*Please Note: Early-bird Registration ends January 31, 2018. Standard Registration takes place February 1 – March 11, 2018. Late Registration takes place March 12 – 19, 2018. After March 19, 2018, registrations will be available only at the door and meal tickets will not be available. You must register for the meals. Tickets are required for entry. No refunds will be given after March 16, 2018. A locations map will be mailed with your confirmation. Historical Society of Michigan Nonprofit Organization 5815 Executive Dr. U.S. Postage Lansing, MI 48911 PAID Permit No. 512 Lansing, MI

SCECHsAttention are now educators! available! Michigan in Perspective SCECHs The Local History Conference • March 23-24, 2018

Saturday Gala 3:30-6:30 p.m.—We Built This County: Voices of Macomb’s Past In 1818, Macomb County became Michigan’s third county, with the town of Mount Clemens as its county seat. Join us for a bicentennial birthday celebration of Macomb County and Mount Clemens! With the help of reenactors, you will see and hear what it took to form the county from those who lived it! Come to “meet” Major General Alexander Macomb; Judge Christian Clemens and his wife, Elizabeth; Mrs. Margaret Conner; Mr. Frederick Beech Wollcott; Mrs. Sarah Upton; and many more! Light refreshments will be served, and there will be plenty of opportunities to chat and take photos with the reenactors. The gala isfree for all registered conference attendees, but tickets are required. Sign up for your free ticket when you register.

2018 Planning Committee: Larry J. Wagenaar, Chair, Historical Society of Michigan • Mark Bowden, Burton Historical Collection—Detroit Public Library • James Cameron, Michigan Department of Education & Historical Society of Michigan • Chong-Anna Canfora, Historical Society of Michigan • Nancy Feldbush, Historical Society of Michigan • Jamon Jordan, Association for the Study of African American Life and History • James McConnell, Michigan Council for History Education • Bob Myers, Historical Society of Michigan • Kathleen Schmeling, Walter P. Reuther Library—Wayne State University • Desiree Squire, Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion • Jordan Stoddard, Historical Society of Michigan • Joel Stone, Detroit Historical Society • Mary Toshach, Historical Society of Michigan • Amy Wagenaar, Historical Society of Michigan • Leslie C. Williams, Fred Hart Williams Genealogical Society • Arthur M. Woodford, Algonquin Club of Detroit & Windsor