Dear Friends,
2025 has been a challenging and exciting year for all of us, and we’re so grateful for your support. As the operator of the Detroit Historical Museum and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and the caretaker of an immense collection of artifacts, we’re dedicated to providing meaningful experiences that bring to life the stories of the people, places, and events that shaped—and continue to shape—our amazing city.
Over the past year, we:
- Welcomed more than 12,000 students to explore Detroit’s history in our museum tours, scavenger hunts, and interactive performances — including all 4,000 3rd graders from Detroit Public Schools Community District.
- Added notable artifacts, including Creamy the Rabbit and Bozo the Clown, to the collection.
- Presented spectacular off-site exhibits at the Book Cadillac Hotel and Somerset Collection, plus two dozen new exhibitions at our museums.
- Kicked off the Wayne County History Project with the first two of six exhibitions at the landmark Guardian Building.
- Marked the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald with a powerful four-day commemoration at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum.
- Launched the new Hudson’s Holidays exhibition and holiday events.
- Received the top award from the American Association for State and Local History for The Hustle, celebrating Detroit’s entrepreneurs.
- Announced a new round of The Hustle coming in 2026.
I hope you find time to visit our museums this holiday season and make a gift to help drive our mission forward, if you’re able. We couldn’t do what we do without you!
Be well,
Elana Rugh
CEO, Detroit Historical Society