Regional Roots: The Birth and Evolution of Detroit and Its People

The Detroit Historical Society is celebrating Detroit’s 313th birthday with a full week of activities.

Monday–Friday, July 21–25 — The week will feature extended hours from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include a film screening daily at 1 p.m. and family-friendly hands-on activities and make-and-take crafts centered on our key exhibits each day from

26 Minutes

Covering 300 years of history, Regional Roots uses the immigrant experience as an introduction to the diverse landscape of Detroit.  From the earliest French and German settlers to today’s growing communities, immigrants continue to shape the region in pursuit of the American Dream.

Produced by the Detroit Orientation Institute (DOI) and One of Us Films, Regional Roots uses the immigrant experience as an introduction to the diverse landscape of Detroit. From the earliest French and German settlers to today’s growing communities, immigrants continue to shape the region in pursuit of the American Dream.

Regional Roots, the first documentary to receive the Michigan tax incentive, includes moving images from the National Archives, and photos, images and artifacts from local museum and library collections. Film footage includes Diego Rivera painting his mural, Detroit Industry, and selections from Detroit News reels that haven’t been seen since theater showings in the 30s.

This project is funded in part by the Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.