Explore the history of Southeast Michigan
The 66th Annual Michigan in Perspective: Local History Conference - March 22-23, 2024
Oakland University - Rochester, Michigan
Our largest conference, this event weekend hosts hundreds of attendees, speakers, sponsors, vendors, and more, all gathered to explore the history of Southeast Michigan.
The 2024 Content Includes...
From keynotes to breakout sessions, this grand weekend filled with history is a true treat to casual history buffs and historians alike. Join us for the exciting content below and more!
Skating Under the Iron Curtain: The Red Wings’ Russian Five
In the late 1980s, the Detroit Red Wings took part in a clandestine mission to recruit players from Russia. Explore the story with the newsman who experienced it firsthand from the drafting of two Soviets in 1989 to the day they raised the Stanley Cup in 1997.
Littman’s People’s Theater: Detroit’s Yiddish Stage
From 1927 to 1944, Abraham Littman owned and managed Detroit’s only permanent Yiddish-language theater. Learn about the venue’s often precarious existence, which, despite financial difficulties, provided a cultural lifeline to the city’s Yiddish-speaking community.
Friday Reception: An Evening at Meadow Brook Hall
Explore Oakland University's Tudor Revival-style Meadow Brook Hall, constructed in the 1920s by Matilda Dodge Wilson—widow of automobile pioneer John Dodge—at our conference reception with appetizers and drinks.
The 2024 Keynotes
Skating Under the Iron Curtain: The Red Wings’ Russian Five
In the late 1980s, the Detroit Red Wings were looking to reboot their franchise and they began looking at world-class players behind the Iron Curtain. Join us for an opening keynote featuring the newsman who was part of a clandestine mission to begin Russian recruitment and who followed the story from the day Detroit drafted its first two Soviets in 1989 until they raised the Stanley Cup in 1997.
On the Scene: Detroit News & Arts with Rochelle Riley
Rochelle Riley has spent a quarter of a century challenging, encouraging, and informing the public as an award-winning newspaper columnist with the Detroit Free Press. Now, she serves as the city’s director of arts and culture. Join our luncheon keynote to hear her discuss her notable works—such as her Pulitzer Prize-winning columns about former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick—and her experiences advocating for the power of the arts.
A More Complete Story: Native History and the State of Michigan
Michigan has made a significant effort over the last few decades to tell a more complete story of the Great Lakes State. Join us for breakfast to hear how one Native historian has worked with the state, universities, parks, federal agencies, and historical organizations in doing justice to Native history, and learn about the work yet to come.
Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant: A Conversation with Curtis Chin
In 1980s Detroit Chung’s Cantonese Cuisine was a safe haven. Anyone—from the city’s first Black mayor to elderly Jewish couples—could sit down for a warm meal. It was also where, beneath a bright red awning and surrounded by his family, filmmaker and activist Curtis Chin came of age. Join us for a conversation between Curtis and WXYZ’s Chuck Stokes.
Saving the Depot: Michigan Central Station
The last Amtrak train departed Michigan Central Station in 1988. The historic structure stood abandoned for 30 years before the Ford Motor Company purchased the building in 2018 and announced plans to revive the space. Learn about the redesign, how it incorporates preservation and placemaking strategies to create an inclusive and inspiring setting, and how adaptive reuse of the historic station connects Detroit’s pioneering past to a promising future.
Calling all Sponsors, Exhibitors, and Michigan Vendors!
Are you a Michigan-based entity with a passion for supporting Michigan's culture or history? Are you a Michigan business looking to reach history enthusiasts and active Michiganders? Join the Historical Society of Michigan's largest annual conference as a sponsor, exhibitor, or vendor. There are many different types of partnerships available. Please click on the Become an Exhibitor link below to sign up or call (800) 692-1828 to speak with a member of our team today.
Get the most out of Michigan's history
If you're considering attending one of our conferences, or are already an attendee, we encourage you to check out our HSM membership program. With significant discounts to all of our conferences and events, the membership is a great way to save and enjoy all of our additional history content. All HSM members receive conference discounts, free access to weekly History Hounds® live lectures and previously recorded lectures, both Michigan History and Chronicle magazines, and more.
Questions?
We'd love to help! Reach out to our HSM staff today at hsm@hsmichigan.org or by calling us at (517) 324-1828.