Detroit Historical Museum, Detroit (must see)

The Detroit Historical Museum, located on Woodward Avenue in Midtown Detroit's Cultural Center Historic District, offers an immersive exploration of the city’s vibrant history spanning over 300 years. From cobblestone streets and 19th-century storefronts to the pioneering auto assembly line and the fur trade of the 18th century, the museum brings Detroit’s past to life with engaging exhibits and interactive displays.

The museum’s origins date back to 1914 when attorney and historian Clarence M. Burton donated his extensive collection to the Detroit Public Library, leading to the founding of the Detroit Historical Society in 1921. In 1928, the society opened its first museum, famously situated on the 23rd floor of the Barlum Tower (now the Cadillac Tower) and hailed as the "highest museum in the world." The museum’s current building, designed by architect William Edward Kapp, was dedicated on July 24, 1951, during Detroit's 250th-anniversary celebrations.

Signature exhibits cover a variety of significant topics, including Detroit's music scene, the Underground Railroad, and the city’s role as the birthplace of the automotive industry. The museum also features changing and traveling exhibitions, often showcasing collections from local non-profits and spotlighting artifacts from its extensive 250,000-piece collection. Local Detroit artists take center stage in these rotating displays, which refresh quarterly.

Beyond exhibits, the Detroit Historical Museum hosts engaging events that highlight the city's notable figures and moments. These include in-depth presentations by local historians, documentary screenings, and other educational programs.

Over the years, the museum has expanded its reach, operating the historic sailing vessel J. T. Wing as a floating museum from 1949 to 1956 and later opening the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle Park in 1961. Additionally, it managed Fort Wayne, a historic military site, from 1949 until 2006. In 1985, the museum launched the Tavy Stone Fashion Library to honor The Detroit News style columnist Charlotte "Tavy" Stone, showcasing historical costumes and design.

Today, the Detroit Historical Museum remains a dynamic hub for learning and discovery, celebrating the city’s enduring legacy and contributions to history, culture, and innovation.