Detroit Historical Society Launches $20.1 Million Past>Forward Campaign

Campaign will fund new and expanded exhibits, technology upgrades, educational offerings and more

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - Detroit legends Carmen Harlan, Al Kaline, Mayor Dave Bing, Dick Purtan, Elmore Leonard and others launched the Detroit Historical Society’s Past>Forward campaign and Detroit Legends Plaza on Wednesday at the Detroit Historical Museum in the city's cultural center.

The Detroit Historical Society has a goal of raising $20.1 million towards new and expanded exhibits, technology upgrades, educational offerings and enhancements to the Detroit Historical Museum, Dossin Great Lakes Museum and the Detroit Historical Society Collection.

“The Detroit Historical Society has a proud tradition of serving our community, and to continue this strong legacy, we need to make a significant investment,” said Bob Bury, CEO of the Detroit Historical Society. “Through the success of this campaign, metro Detroit residents and visitors will enjoy enhanced access to the stories that shape our region and lifelong learning opportunities suitable for every stage of their lives.”

“So far, our efforts have focused primarily on corporate and foundation support, as well as reaching out to current and longtime contributors,” explained Campaign Director Michelle Wooddell. “But we’ve yet to invite the community to participate in our effort, and are looking forward to doing so through a series of exciting events and activities that will help the public better understand the campaign’s goals and achievements.”

The upgrades and improvements funded by the campaign will mark the first major renovations of this scale since the museum was expanded to its current size in the 1960s.

In addition, the plaza outside of the Detroit Historical Museum will be transformed into Detroit Legends Plaza, an outdoor destination meant to honor Detroit’s stars of sports, entertainment and media. Detroit legends from Gordie Howe to Kid Rock have agreed to cast their handprints and signatures in cement. The project, an ongoing endeavor that will take several years to complete, will prominently display the handprints and signatures for all to see.

Indoors, at the Detroit Historical Museum, 7,500 square feet will be updated or added. The Dossin Great Lakes Museum will also receive 2,500 square feet of updated or new exhibits.