Eastern Michigan
EVENTS
Making Sense of the Civil War
When: Thu May 17
Where: Birmingham
The Baldwin Public Library presents “Let’s Talk About It: Making Sense of the American Civil War.” Dr. Roy Finkenbine, Chair of History at the University of Detroit-Mercy, will lead a discussion about the following books: “March” by Geraldine Brooks; “Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam” by James McPherson; and “America’s War: Talking About the Civil War and Emancipation on Their 150th Anniversaries” by Edward L. Ayers. The event begins at 7 p.m. To obtain copies of all program materials and to register for the series, please contact Matt Church at (248) 554-4682 or at matt.church@baldwinlib.org.Titanic Tea
When: Sat May 19
Where: Mt. Clemons
The Macomb County Historical Society and Crocker House Museum present “Titanic Tea.” Come aboard the Titanic to enjoy afternoon tea in the ship’s Café Parisien as an actual passenger and see The Captain, the Countess of Rothes, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas, and many more. The event begins at 12 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at the First Presbyterian Church of Mount Clemens. Admission is $50 for society members and $55 for non-members. Registration is required. For more information and to register, call (586) 465-2488 or visit www.crockerhousemuseum.com.
Walk the Indian Trail
When: Sat May 19
Where: Royal Oak
The Royal Oak Historical Society and the Friends of the Almon Starr Historic House present its annual “Walk the Indian Trail.” Walk the trail and learn about the Indians that walked the same trail hundreds of years ago. There will be a costume contest as well as a essay contest about the trail for 3rd through 8th graders. The event begins at 10 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Tom Regan at (248) 797-1075, Lois Lance at (248) 546-0138, or visit www.rosevillelibrary.org/rhgs.htm.
Howell History Days Celebration
When: Sat May 19
Where: Howell
The Howell Area Historical Society presents its 9th annual “Howell History Days Celebration.” Programs include tours, interactive children's art programs, cooking demonstrations, and live entertainment by Neil Woodward, the "Michigan Troubadour" and Fiddlers Restrung. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call (517) 546-0720 x106 or visit www.howellhistorydayscelebration.webs.com.
Apple Island Tours
When: Sat May 19 - Sun May 20
Where: Orchard Lake
The Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society presents “Apple Island Tours.” Tour the 35-acre island in the middle of Orchard Lake with docents demonstrating Native-American life skills, explorer campsites, and much more. Tours run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Admission is free for members, $15 for non-member adults, and $10 for non-member children (ages 12 and under). For more information, call (248) 683-1542 or visit www.gwbhs.com.
Hands on History
When: Sat May 19 - Sun May 20
Where: Orchard Lake
The Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society presents “Hands on History.” Visitors can dig for buried artifacts, as well as try manual typewriters, stilts and hula hoops. The event begins runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free for members, $2 for non-member adults, and $5 for non-member children. For more information, call (248) 683-1542 or visit www.gwbhs.com.Michigan One-Room Schoolhouse Association Annual Conference
When: Sat May 19
Where: Dexter
The Michigan One-Room Schoolhouse Association hosts its annual conference, which will highlight the buildings at the historic Webster Church and Cemetery site. The keynote speaker will focus on the preservation and restoration of historic buildings. Registration is at 8:30 a.m., and programs run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webster Corners Crossroads Community Center and Podunk School. Admission is $30, and includes a luncheon and tour of the historic village. For more information, email Sue Daniel at greenmead@ci.livonis.mi.us.
The Chesapeake and Ohio Railways
When: Mon May 21
Where: Flushing
The Flushing Area Historical Society presents “The Chesapeake and Ohio Railways.” A 30-minute DVD presentation will show the different rail cars and steam engines that ran on these lines around Michigan. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at the depot. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call (810) 487-0814 or visit www.flushinghistorical.org. General Custer Meets the Wolverines
When: Tue May 22
Where: Howell
The Howell Carnegie District Library presents “Sixteen Summer Days: General Custer Meets the Wolverines.” Join Dave Finney as he discusses George Armstrong Custer and his leadership of the Michigan Cavalry Brigade in the Gettysburg campaign during the Civil War. The event begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call (517) 546-0720 x106 or visit www.howelllibrary.org.
The Great Lakes Frontier on the Eve of the War of 1812
When: Tue May 22
Where: Howell
The Howell Carnegie District Library presents “Troubled Waters: The Great Lakes Frontier on the Eve of the War of 1812.” Brian Dunnigan presents an introduction to the Upper Great Lakes frontier at the outbreak of the War of 1812 and the ways in which the war affected Michigan. The event runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call (517) 546-0720 x106 or visit www.howelllibrary.org.
Barnyard Sale and Swap Meet at the Thumb Octagon Barn
When: Thu May 24 - Sat May 26
Where: Gagetown
The Thumb Octagon Barn Agricultural Museum presents its sixth annual barnyard sale and swap meet. The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. To donate items for the sale, contact Lila Arroya at (989) 872-2658 or (989) 912-0405. For more information, visit www.thumboctagonbarn.org.
Civil War Remembrance
When: Sat May 26 - Mon May 28
Where: Dearborn
The Henry Ford presents its annual “Civil War Remembrance.” More than 450 military reenactors will create an authentic Civil War encampment, filled with parades, artillery demonstrations, and heartfelt 19th-century music. The event runs during regular hours at Greenfield Village. Admission is free with admission into the village. For more information, call (313) 982-6001 or visit www.thehenryford.org.
History Palooza
When: Sat May 26 - Sun May 27
Where: Lenawee
Oh These Irish Hills presents its third annual History Palooza, which includes historical, antiques, and collectables displays, as well as a silent auction and professional appraisals. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Irish Hills Plaza, on the corner of U.S. 12 & Pentecost Hwy. Admission is a $1 donation or cans of food for the Brooklyn Food Pantry. For more information, call (517) 403-5358. A Story of a Confederate Soldier going to the Civil War
When: Sun May 27
Where: Pontiac
The Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society presents “A Story of a Confederate Soldier going to the Civil War.” Join Gary Pike as he shares stories and his personal collection of Confederate Infantry and Calvary soldier clothing and equipment. The event begins at 2 p.m. Admission is $5. For more information, call (248) 338-6732 or visit www.ocphs.org.
Jens Jensen and Native Landscapes
When: Wed May 30
Where: Grosse Pointe Shores
The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House presents “Jens Jensen and Native Landscapes.” Join Robert E. Grese as he gives a tour of the grounds, highlighting the different aspects of the architectural themes that are present in the landscape. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Ford House. Admission is $7 for Ford House members and $10 for non-members. For more information and to order tickets, call (313) 884-4222 or visit www.fordhouse.org.
National Trail Day Walk
When: Sat June 2
Where: West Bloomfield
The Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society presents “National Trail Day Walk.” Take a guided walk along the scenic and historic “Rail-to-Trail.” Learn how the trail came to be and see nine Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society markers along the way. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public, but West Bloomfield Parks & Recreation registration (Code# 228500-1A) is required, call (248) 451.1900 or visit WestBloomfieldParks.org to register. For more information about the walk or registration, call (248) 683-1542 or visit www.gwbhs.com.
Historic Houses of Worship Tour
When: Mon June 4
Where: Detroit
The Detroit Historical Society presents its monthly “Historic Houses of Worship Tour.” The tour will visit St. Benedict’s, National Shrine of the Little Flower, Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, and Outer Drive Faith Lutheran Church. The tour departs at 10 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m. Admission is $30 for members and $40 for non-members. For more information and to order tickets, call (313) 833-1801 or visit www.detroithistorical.org.
Jens Jensen and Native Landscapes
When: Thu June 7
Where: Dearborn
The Henry Ford presents “Jens Jensen and Native Landscapes.” Join Robert E. Grese as he gives a tour of the grounds, highlighting the different aspects of the architectural themes that are present in the landscape. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Ford Estate. Admission is $7 for Ford House members and $10 for non-members. For more information and to order tickets, call (313) 884-4222 or visit www.fordhouse.org.
Civil War Days
When: Fri June 8 - Sun June 10
Where: Dexter
The Dexter Area Historical Society and Museum present “Civil War Days.” Concerts, civilian and military encampments, a dinner with President Lincoln, and much more will be held in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The event begins with a concert on Friday at 7 p.m. Other programs run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The event will be held at Gordon Hall. Admission is open to the public and ticket prices vary per program. For more information, call (734) 426-2519 or visit www.dextermuseum.org.
Ste. Claire Voyageurs Encampment
When: Sat June 9 - Sun June 10
Where: Chesterfield Township
The Chesterfield Township Historical Society presents “Ste. Claire Voyageurs Encampment.” See what it was like to live in the in a fur-trading camp during the 1750s. This re-enactment promotes the learning and understanding of the Great Lakes fur trade era. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is a donation of $1 per adult and $2 per family. For more information, e-mail chesterfieladhistory@yahoo.com or visit www.hsmichigan.org/chesterfieldhs.
Detroit and the Underground Railroad
When: Sat June 9
Where: Detroit
The Detroit Society for Genealogical Research welcomes Stewart McMillan, who will lead a presentation about places around Detroit that were involved with the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Explorer's Room of the Detroit Public Library. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://dsgr.org.
Four Synagogues Tour
When: Tue June 19
Where: Southfield
The Jewish Historical Society of Michigan hosts its “Four Synagogues Tour.” Participants will visit four present-day houses of worship as JHSM docents discuss the history of the congregations, the architecture of the present-day buildings, and explore art, artifacts, and architectural elements. The tour will begin (and end) at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield with bus transportation to Temple Beth El, Temple Israel and Adat Shalom. Registration is at 9 a.m. Tickets for JHSM and DHS members are $35 and $42 for non-members. For more information, call (248) 432-5517 or visit www.michjewishhistory.org.Detroit’s 310th Birthday
When: Tue July 24
Where: Detroit
The Detroit Historical Museum invites the public to celebrate Detroit’s 310th birthday. Visitors can learn how to trace their genealogical history, view a screening of the documentary “Regional Roots,” make crafts at the Kidz Art Zone, and eat birthday cake. The event is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. Admission to the museum will be free on this day. For more information, visit www.detroithistorical.org.
A Historical Ice Cream Social
When: Sat July 28
Where: Pontiac
The Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society presents its annual “Ice Cream Social.” Hear Abraham and Mary Lincoln, Frederick Douglas, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Moses Wisner speak. See other 19th century crafters and vintage cars on display while enjoying Civil War music. The event runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pine Grove, located at 405 Cesar E Chavez. Admission is $5 per person, $10 for families (up to 5 people), and free for active servicemen and families. For more information, call (248) 338-6732 or visit www.ocphs.org.
Michigan and the War of 1812 Bus Tour
When: Sat August 11
Where: Northville
The Historical Society of Michigan presents “Michigan and the War of 1812.” Travel by bus to six points of interest around southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio. Jim McConnell and other docents will speak about the importance of these places to Michigan and the war. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tour will depart and return to the Meijer parking lot in Northville. Admission is $99 for HSM members and $139 for non-members (the latter includes one-year membership). For more information and to register, call (800) 692-1828 or visit www.hsmichigan.org. Civil War Encampment
When: Sat August 11 - Sun August 12
Where: Chesterfield Township
The Chesterfield Township Historical Society presents “Civil War Encampment.” Re-enactors portraying the 15th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, 8th Arkansas Infantry, and the Michigan Calvary Brigade will participate in a living history encampment, including battle skirmishes and cannon firings. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. both days. Admission is a donation of $1 per adult and $2 per family. For more information, e-mail chesterfieladhistory@yahoo.com or visit www.hsmichigan.org/chesterfieldhs.
Hunting, Fishing, and Maritime Days
When: Sat August 18 - Sun August 19
Where: Port Sanilac
The Sanilac County Historic Village and Museum presents its second annual “Hunting, Fishing, and Maritime Days.” Programs include historic hunting customs, the Aux Barques Lighthouse, musket history, and more. Programs run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days on the museum grounds. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children. For programming schedules and more information, visit www.sanilaccountymuseum.org.Vintage Clothing with Karen Faett
When: Sun September 23
Where: West Bloomfield
The Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society presents “Vintage Clothing.” Join Karen Faett as she shares her extensive 1910s-60s collection of women's dresses, hats, and accessories. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Schulak Farm, 6889 West Maple Road. Admission is free for members and $5 for non-members. For more information, call (248) 683-1542 or visit www.gwbhs.com.
Countywide Museum Weekend
When: Sat September 29 - Sun September 30
Where: Huron County
The Huron County Historical Society presents “Countywide Museum Weekend.” All museums in Huron County will be open and some will be giving special demonstrations. Admission prices vary by museum. Museum hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call (989) 712-0050 or visit www.thehchs.org.
Tour of Pine Lake Cemetery
When: Sat October 20
Where: West Bloomfield
The Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society presents “Of Grave Concern: Tour of Pine Lake Cemetery.” Stroll through the cemetery stopping by costumed storytellers sharing stories of prominent people buried in the cemetery: Detroit Tigers' Norm Cash, Detroit Lions' star Nick Pietrosante, Evangeline Lindbergh, and many more. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Admission is free for members and $5 for non-members. For more information, call (248) 683-1542 or visit www.gwbhs.com.
EXHIBITS
Lenawee County Historical Society Railroad Exhibit
When: Sat October 15 - Mon October 15 2012
Where: Adrian
The Lenawee County Historical Society opens its railroad exhibit. This new exhibit will feature photographs and displays showing the history of the many railroads in Lenawee County. The society would like to show items from private collections for the year-long display. If you or anyone you know has photos or R.R. related items from the railroads (e.g. tickets, brochures, or schedules), contact Mike Griffith or Richard Day at (517) 265-6071.Free 3rd Sundays at the Detroit Historical Museum
When: Sun October 16 - Sun May 20 2012
Where: Detroit
The Detroit Historical Society offers free admission to the Detroit Historical Museum on the third Sunday of each month from October 2011 to May 2012. The dates featuring this promotion are October 12, November 20, December 18, January 15, February 19, March 18, April 15,and May 20. For more information, call (313) 833-1805 or visit www.detroithistorical.org.
Ration Stamps & Bombers: WWII at Home
When: Thu February 16 - Sun June 17
Where: Plymouth
The Plymouth Historical Museum presents “Ration Stamps & Bombers: WWII at Home.” This exhibit showcases how the lives of Plymouth and Detroit citizens were affected by WWII. The exhibit contains collections of ration stamps, uniforms, bond posters, and more. For more information, call (734) 455-8940 or visit www.plymouthhistory.org.
The War of 1812: A Bicentennial Exhibition
When: Mon February 27 - Fri June 1
Where: Ann Arbor
The Clements Library presents “The War of 1812: A Bicentennial Exhibition.” The exhibition will draw on the rich array of primary sources from the museum’s collection, including original books, manuscripts, maps, and graphics to mark the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. For more information, visit www.clements.umich.edu.Birmingham’s Fire Department: A Century of Service
When: Fri March 9 - Sat June 9
Where: Birmingham
The Birmingham Historical Museum and Park presents “Birmingham’s Fire Department: A Century of Service.” The exhibition will include a wide range of artifacts and photos spanning the station’s 100 years of service. There will also be a section of modern firefighting equipment to illustrate how far the station has come over the years. For more information, visit http://www.ci.birmingham.mi.us/index.aspx?page=501.
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
When: Sat March 31 - Sun September 30
Where: Dearborn
The Henry Ford Museum hosts “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” during the 100th anniversary of the ship's sinking. Listen to the compelling stories and see historically accurate room recreations as well as190 authentic artifacts. For more information, visit www.hfmgv.org.
A Collector's Look at the War of 1812
When: Fri April 13 - Fri June 1
Where: Ann Arbor
The Clements Library presents the “The David P. Harris Collection: A Collector's Look at the War of 1812." This collection of documents concerning the War of 1812 will give the visitor insight into how ordinary people were touched by the war and how some famous individuals reacted personally. For more information, visit www.clements.umich.edu.
Streets and Roads of Washtenaw County
When: Sun May 27 - Wed September 5
Where: Ann Arbor
The Washtenaw County Historical Society presents “What’s in a Name: Streets and Roads of Washtenaw County.” This exhibit will provide a unique look into the founders and local families of Washtenaw County, including a walking tour to various locations around Ann Arbor. For more information, call (734) 662-9092 or visit http://washtenawhistory.org.