Current Exhibitions

The second exhibition in the Wayne County History Project features Plymouth, Canton, Northville, Van Buren, Sumpter, Huron Twp., and Belleville. From early industry and agriculture to innovation, aviation, and community traditions, this exhibit highlights how these towns grew, thrived, and shaped the region we know today.

In 2015, Detroit became the first and only UNESCO City of Design in the United States, joining a global network that recognizes design as a driver of sustainable urban and economic development. This exhibition explores the story and impact of Design Core Detroit, the stewards of Detroit’s City of Design designation, and how design has shaped the city’s identity, addressing challenges and envisioning a more equitable, resilient, and creative future.

The J.W. Westcott Company has been an active and beloved presence on the Detroit River for over 150 years. Casually referred to as the “mail boat,” the Westcott is the U.S.A.’s only floating zip code – 48222. Westcott staff deliver mail, packages, crew members, and even pizza to the vessels that journey across the Great Lakes during shipping season from April to December, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Still a family company today, the Westcott has evolved with the times. In this new exhibition, learn how Captain John Ward Westcott started his business in 1874 as a marine reporter, documenting river traffic and delivering company communications to ships via rowboat.

Explore the powerful story of Vietnam Veterans of America Detroit Chapter #9, the first VVA chapter in Michigan and among the earliest in the nation. Founded by Detroit-area veterans, the chapter formed in response to the lack of support and recognition faced by Vietnam veterans upon their return. 

This exhibit traces their journey from military service to grassroots advocacy, highlighting how they turned shared struggle into community strength. Through first-hand accounts, personal keepsakes, and historic artifacts, learn how Chapter 9 continues to honor their fellow veterans and uplift the city of Detroit.

From the earliest days of fandom to the rise of iconic superheroes and gritty anti-heroes, Detroit has been a quiet but powerful force in shaping comic book history. Heroes vs. Villains: Detroit’s Comic Book Story shares the histories of the iconic characters and local creatives who helped define the modern world of comics.

The first exhibition in the Wayne County History Project features Redford, Westland, Livonia, Garden City, Inkster, and Wayne. Explore powerful stories of innovation in Garden City, resistance in Inkster, and transformation in Livonia and Redford. Discover how neighborhoods blossomed through agriculture, industry, migration, and the fight for civil rights. 

During the 1990s, the Black queer community in Detroit struggled with the severity of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the rampant discrimination they experienced in housing, employment, and everyday circumstances. The community lacked a space to gather together.

In 1995, activists met in a one-bedroom apartment at John R and Elizabeth Street, now the site of Comerica Park, to introduce a new celebration that brought Pride back to Detroit. 

Learn about the story of Christopher Street Detroit ’72, the first-ever LGBTQ+ pride celebration in Michigan held over 50 years ago, through a full-color, nonfiction comic book by freelance illustrator Isabel Clare Paul and historian Tim Retzloff.