From the Collection

Blessing of the Fleet

Each year on the second Sunday of March, a unique and long-standing service is held at the Mariners’ Church of Detroit—the annual blessing of the fleet

Exploring Hamtramck with Historic Photos

Explore Hamtramck through historic photos from the Detroit Historical Society’s collection.  

Detroit's Doorway to Freedom

Learn why Detroit is called the Doorway to Freedom.  

Found Footage: Black Bottom Detroit

Detroit's Black Bottom neighborhood was razed to make way for I-375, displacing residents and erasing the neighborhood's footprint. Discover unearthed footage of the neighborhood from the Detroit Video History Archive. 

Detroit's First Maritime History Museum

Detroit's first maritime history museum was actually on a ship! Learn more about the legacy of the J.T. Wing here. 

Maritime Miniatures: The Mayflower

In January 2022, The Dossin Great Lakes Museum will host a display of more than 100 Great Lakes model ships. The Detroit Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of models of multiple types, including intricately detailed steamers and schooners, half-hull models, pond models, and more. The oldest model in our collection, that of the steamer Mayflower, was built at the time the ship was active, and is a prize-winner! 

The First State In and the First State Out

Michigan was the first state to ratify Prohibition, but it was also the first state to ratify the 21st Amendment, repealing Prohibition. 

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