Our Doors Are Open!

Renovations have been underway for quite some time now; we’ve broken down walls, added a fresh coat of paint and hoisted up a five hundred pound Little Caesars mascot. We share the stories of the people and industries which have shaped our beloved city.

Mr. George Stark and Mrs. Fred Murphy, together ceremoniously break ground at the site of the new Detroit Historical Museum.

 

But, before we look forward, we look to the past, on July 24, 1949, at the corner of Woodward Avenue, and Kirby Street, ground was broken in preparation for a new building; a museum to display and house the artifacts of Detroit’s rich history. Two years later to the day, to coincide with the city’s 250th anniversary, the beautiful William E. Kapp design was dedicated. Dignitaries, including Governor G. Mennen Williams and Detroit Mayor Albert Cobo, as well as benefactors and contributors were in attendance as the museum was dedicated. Join us at the corner of Woodward and Kirby, as we continue to share Detroit’s history with you. We will be open for the next 55 1/2 straight hours and admission is free from now on! You can see more images and artifacts from the Society’s online collections, including more photographs from the dedication and past events.

July 24, 1951, Mrs. Fred Murphy speaks at the Dedication of the Museum, Governor G. Mennen Williams looks on.

 

July 24, 1951, Crowd observes a 1909 Ford Model T on exhibit.