SPRING 2009 MAKINGHISTORY A QUARTERLY GUIDE TO EXHIBITIONS, EVENTS, TOURS, PROGRAMS, AND OPPORTUNITIES Page 4 FEATURES Don’t miss the Dossin Great Lakes Museum Gala . 3 Fun things to do! . 6–8 New at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum . 4–5 Special programs at the Detroit Historical Museum . 10–11 2 MAKING HISTORY is the official quarterly newsletter of the Detroit Historical Society, published each winter, spring, Letter from the Executive Director summer, and fall. Questions and comments may be Bob Bury submitted to Peter Poulos at [email protected]. The importance of studying history is often the subject STAFF of debate — just ask my ninth grade daughter how she Robert Bury Executive Director & CEO feels about studying ancient civilizations or consider Michelle Wooddell Chief Operating Officer Henry Ford’s famous declaration that “History is more Tracy Irwin Director of Exhibitions & Programs or less bunk.” Alease Johnson Director of Operations Peter Poulos Director of Marketing & Sales Whatever one’s opinion, there is little denying that Bob Sadler Directorof Public & what’s happening across our community today bears External Relations striking similarity to days gone by. While all of our lives have been impacted by Pam Schumaker Director of Finance the economic downturn, imagine — or perhaps some of you can recall — the & Administration stark contrasts that Detroiters witnessed in the late 1920s and into the 1930s. Sandy Schuster Development Officer In his book All Our Yesterdays, Arthur Woodford — author, historian and member of OFFICERS the Detroit Historical Society’s History Advisory Council — describes how Detroit in Francis W. McMillan II President 1930, with its heavy reliance on the auto industry, was one of the first cities to feel Kevin P. A. Broderick Immediate Past President the fallout from Wall Street. Vehicle production dropped drastically. Auto-related Vice Presidents layoffs were extensive and lead to widespread economic hardship across the region. Christopher J. Blake Terence A. Thomas, Sr. Money and credit dried up and the public stopped spending. Home foreclosures and Lawrence N. Bluth Delores Tripp the demand for public assistance soared to unprecedented levels. Joel N. Bruss Dwight Vincent Thomas C. Buhl Jorie L. Wyatt While it’s obvious that people, companies, governmental units and organizations Benjamin J. Burns The Hon. Robert P. Young, Jr. are challenged today, we learn from history that we’ve been there before — and Jeffrey Lambrecht to an even more severe extent. Joanne D. Brodie Secretary Perhaps more importantly, we learn that our future — and our destiny — is up to us. Thomas J. Shea Treasurer Kenneth J. Svoboda Assistant Treasurer As we face these difficult times, the need for our community to come together, Douglas P. Dossin Assistant Historian to support each other and those things that make it strong has never been more TRUSTEES important. During these tough times, preserving our region’s proud past, sharing it with the current generation and making sure it will be available to those who Dale Austin John D. Daoud follow us must remain one of our priorities. Donald Austin Stephanie Germack-Kerzic Charles M. Bayer, Jr. Ann Greenstone Robert A. Bury Marilyn French Hubbard, PhD Despite our own financial challenges, the exhibits, programs and events Bruce A. Carleton Dennis Levasseur described in this newsletter demonstrate our commitment to our mission and Judy Christian Samuel Logan, Jr. to moving forward. Please know, however, that there has never been a time when Judith Knudsen Christie David Nicholson your continued generous support has been more important. The Hon. John H. Norris Barbara-Rose Collins Lois Shaevsky Thank you for your past generosity. With your continued interest and support, David Cornillie Sheila Stone we will make it through these difficult times and emerge even stronger as we face Robert W. Cosgrove Phyllis Strome our future. Betsy Reid Creedon Carole Larson Wendzel Sincerely, HISTORY ADVISORY COUNCIL The Detroit Historical Society would Thomas Brunk, PhD Wayne State University like to thank Binson’s Home Health Care College for Creative Studies Centers for donating four wheelchairs Loraine Campbell Troy Historical Museum to be used at both Museums, making Robert A. Bury James Conway Historic Fort Wayne visits accessible to everyone! Executive Director & CEO C. Kurt Dewhurst Michigan State University Museum Detroit Historical Society DeWitt S. Dykes,Jr., PhD Oakland University Charles K. Hyde Wayne State University Thomas A. Klug Marygrove College Your Support Counts! Maud Lyon Cultural Alliance of SE MI Every gift that the Society receives to make a gift to the Society and show Annette McConnell History Education Consultant helps support our mission to preserve your support of its valuable programs James McConnell, PhD History Education Consultant and present the region’s history. The and services. All gifts are completely Michael Smith Walter P. Reuther Library Arthur Woodford Dossin Maritime Group Society greatly appreciates the ongoing tax-deductible. financial support of all of our friends. You can support the Annual Fund If you’ve already made a gift, we want to through a tax-deductible gift. thank you. Please consider making an additional gift to help us continue our ON THE COVER: Enclosed with this newsletter is a important work of preserving our history Divers exploring a shipwreck. Photo courtesy of Luke response envelope for your convenience through exciting exhibits and programs. Clyburn, Nobel Odyssey Foundation. WWW.DETROITHISTORICAL.ORG 3 DETROIT HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWS The Results Are In! Egg-stravaganza: Presenting Sponsor A Celebration of Spring! David & Kristin Thanks to all of you who responded to our recent member survey. Nicholson More than 40% of our members responded — an astronomical number Come welcome spring with our according to our survey consultants. This tremendous response also inaugural Egg-stravaganza! Scheduled Supporting Sponsors helped us qualify for the $5,000 donation, so thanks again! for Sat., April 4, from 10 a.m. to noon, Kiwanis Club No. 1 this family-friendly event will include Foundation of Detroit So, who are our members? It was no surprise to us to learn that a “Hop into History Hunt” geared to they’re well-educated (more than 50% have either a graduate degree children ages 5–12 and the chance to or a doctorate) and more than half said that their membership was decorate egg “baskets.” Entertainment directly tied to their desire to support our mission. will include “Richard Paul’s Variety Some other interesting facts include: Show,” a fun-filled ventriloquist show that appeals to audiences of all ages. • More than 80% of our members live in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. In addition, candy and trinkets will be passed out at various • The average household income of our members is much stations throughout the Streets of Old Detroit. higher than the average across southeast Michigan. Refreshments will also be available. • Members indicated a greater interest in all aspects of Detroit’s 300-year history, as opposed to events that Admission is FREE for both Society occurred more recently. members and all youth ages 12 • Younger members are 10 times more likely to use web and under. All other adults pay sites as their primary outlet for news and information. regular admission. Set Sail for a Great Night! WE’D LIKE TO GIVE A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: The Dossin Great Lakes Museum Gala is set for Friday, May 1, Dinner Sponsor: Dessert Sponsor: and you’re invited! This annual event, hosted by the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, is an exceptional evening PVS Chemical of fun, food and great entertainment. Beverage Sponsor: Entertainment Sponsor: Join us as we transform the Museum into a Riverboat gambling Doug and Diane Dossin Michigan Marine Terminal paradise — complete with Blackjack, Roulette and Hold ‘em Poker. Guests with the winning touch can win great prizes! Décor Sponsor: Blackjack Sponsor: Jim and Ann Nicholson Sidonie Dossin Brown Prices are $200 for the “High Roller” tickets and $150 for the “Shark” tickets. Our friends ages 35 and under are invited to Auction Sponsor: Poker Sponsor: join us at the “Snapper” rate of $100/ticket. Dwight and Cynthia Vincent To purchase your tickets, visit us at www.detroithistorical.org Roulette Sponsor: or call Bill Bryan at (313) 833-7938. Detroit International Bridge Co. Marianne Endicott One Night Only — Discover Detroit’s Hidden Treasures On Sat., May 30, we’re opening the doors of the Collections our renowned costume collection and a special look at our Resource Center (CRC) and inviting visitors to explore Metro military, Native American and sports collections. Also included Detroit’s most historic treasures in a special benefit event for is a special glimpse inside our archives. the Detroit Historical Society. Doors open at 5 p.m. for Benefactors and 6 p.m. for Patrons. Located on the grounds of Historic Fort Wayne, the CRC houses Ticket levels are $75 for Benefactors and $50 for Patrons. Society an estimated 100,000 artifacts celebrating more than 300 years of members save $10 off their ticket! Detroit history. This facility is not normally open to the public, but for one night only — it will be yours to explore! Dress is casual and guests will enjoy light refreshments from some of metro Detroit’s most recognizable companies. To purchase your Come stroll through our transportation storage facility and marvel tickets, please use the form on page 9. You may also order online at at the 50+ automobiles preserved in our collection. Guided tours www.detroithistorical.org or by calling Bill Bryan at (313) 833-7938. will escort guests through the rest of the facility, with a peek into DETROIT HISTORICAL SOCIETY • SPRING 2009 4 SPRING 2009 PROGRAMS AND EXHIBITIONS For more information call (313) 833-5538 or visit www.detroithistorical.org Committed to the Deep: capabilities for a growing number of researchers.