Detroit Historical Society

09/05/2026

On September 5, 1949, this photograph from our collection was taken of spectator crowds during the Silver Cup Race on the Detroit River. Pictured are the ends of the docks at Sindbad's and Kean's Marinas.

09/04/2026

On September 4, 1930, a crowd of 8,000 attended the dedication of Wayne County Airport (later known as Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)). Learn more about the airport's history in our online encyclopedia: https://www.detroithistorical.org/learn/online-research/encyclopedia-of-detroit/detroit-metropolitan-wayne-county-airport

09/01/2026

On September 1, 1888, the Detroit Museum of Art debuted in a new building on Jefferson Avenue. Founded by prominent citizens including James E. Scripps, D.M. Ferry and James McMillan, the museum evolved into today's Detroit Institute of Arts. This postcard notes the cost of the building at $225,000 and the value of the museum's collection at $500,000.

Learn more: https://www.detroithistorical.org/learn/online-research/encyclopedia-of-detroit/detroit-institute-arts

08/31/2026

On August 31, 1928, this view was captured along rural, tree-lined Schoolcraft Road. A caption reads: "Schoolcraft Road - between Lamphere and Telegraph Roads, inside the 12 mile circle."

08/30/2026

On August 30, 2003, the 24th Annual Detroit International Jazz Festival opened in Hart Plaza, as advertised on this poster. See an assortment of Jazz Fest posters in our collection at: https://www.detroithistorical.org/learn/online-research/collection/search?search=%22Ford%20Detroit%20International%20Jazz%20Festival%22

08/29/2026

On August 29, 1881, the Detroit Common Council officially changed the name of Belle Isle to Belle Isle Park. This ca. 1880s cabinet card shows the entrance to the park along Central Avenue, taken from southwest Bridge No. 6, a rustic wooden bridge crossing the Loop Canal.

Learn more about Belle Isle's history: https://www.detroithistorical.org/learn/online-research/encyclopedia-of-detroit/belle-isle-park

08/28/2026

Two lectures tomorrow at the Detroit Historical Museum!

It's also the final weekend of Educators & Librarians Appreciation Month. All school and library employees can show their IDs to get FREE Detroit Historical Museum or Dossin Great Lakes Museum admission through the end of August.

Saturday, 8/29! Join us for a lecture:

🏙️ 11 am - 12:30 pm Detroit Architects Lecture: Van Leyen, Schilling & Keough
Join author, photographer, and architectural historian Dale A. Carlson for an exploration of the lives and careers of Edward C. Van Leyen, Edward A. Schilling, and Henry J. Keough and their many well known buildings.

🧥 2 - 4 pm Fur Reimagined: History, Identity, and Fashion - Artist Talk with Cristin Richard
Explore the history of the fur trade through the lens of art, culture, and fashion with artist Cristin Richard. Presented in conjunction with the new exhibition RETRO4ward.

Both events are included with general admission. Find more details and registration at detroithistorical.org/events

08/27/2026

On August 27, 1902 the Cadillac Automobile Company was launched out of the remnants of Henry Ford's second, failed business. Its founder, Henry Leland, convinced former Ford board of directors that he could create a viable company, using a motor he had developed for the Olds Motor Vehicle Company.

Henry Leland's personal 1905 "Osceola" - the first fully enclosed car built by Cadillac - is held in our collection.

Learn more: https://www.detroithistorical.org/learn/online-research/collection/object/automobile-1905-henry-lelands-cadillac-osceola

08/26/2026

On August 26, 1950, Ransom E. Olds died in Lansing, Michigan at 86 years old. His use of the assembly line, though stationary not automated, and his early development of a successful auto model led many to consider him the father of the automobile.

Learn more: https://www.detroithistorical.org/learn/online-research/encyclopedia-of-detroit/olds-ransom-e

08/24/2026

On August 24, 1978, Willow Run, the Albert Kahn-designed bomber plant near Ypsilanti, Michigan, was made a Michigan State Historic Site. Constructed in 1941 by the Ford Motor Company for the mass production of the B-24 Liberator military aircraft during World War II, Willow Run produced a B-24 every hour at its peak in 1944.

Learn more: https://www.detroithistorical.org/learn/online-research/encyclopedia-of-detroit/willow-run