African American History Day

Free admission!

Learn more about Detroit’s African American History on Saturday, February 24 at our family friendly event.

10 am Join Madelyn Porter as she invites everyone to participate in The Great Migration, the Society’s newest StoryLiving educational program.

12pm Storyteller Ivory Williams returns at noon.

1pm Learn about Detroit’s Underground Railroad history in the presentation “The African American Mysteries, Manumission Papers” by Sharon Elizabeth Sexton (pictured).

Throughout the day, enjoy drop-in tours by Jamon Jordan, as he highlights the African American perspective in our exhibits. Talk with representatives from area historical organizations and learn how to get involved.

Donate an artifact!

The Detroit Historical Society is in the process of enhancing our artifact collection. As the cornerstone from which we build our public programs and exhibitions, we need your help to assure future museum projects are inclusive and representative of our community and help us fulfill our mission to “tell Detroit’s stories and why they matter.” We are asking Detroiters to bring objects and photographs from their lives to donate to the Detroit Historical Society’s collection. 

Members of the Society’s exhibitions and collections department will be available to meet with individuals about objects during African American History Day.

What should I bring?
• Anything you feel tells a story about Detroit, your community or yourself. It can be two weeks old or 200 years old.
• Some items that we are actively looking for include: Detroit architecture, neighborhood photographs, fashion, maritime history, local and professional sports memorabilia and anything with a direct connection to Detroit.

Other FYI’s:
• While every object will be considered, we will not accept every object.
• The Society is interested in original material. Copies and reproductions are not generally considered for the collection. However, in the case of photography, a digital version can be donated while the original is retained by the owner.
• Donations accepted by the Detroit Historical Society are considered charitable contributions to a not-for-profit and are eligible for tax deduction.
• The Society does not provide value appraisals for any reason.
• Artifact loans will not be accepted.
• A Deed of Gift agreement must be completed at the time of donation. This document legally transfers ownership of your object to the Detroit Historical Society.