June, 2019

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Although the historical log cabin is gone, you can get your hands on some of what remains.

Uncover Hamtramck's past

The wonderful historical log cabin that was discovered in Detroit, in an area that was once part of Hamtramck Township, was destroyed by the city of Detroit. But not all of it is gone. A collection of remains found by students of Wayne State University professor Krysta Ryzewski was gathered and preserved. The items now are in the collection of the Hamtramck Historical Museum.

But they are still covered with mud. And you can have the chance to clean them under the supervision of Prof. Ryzewski and WSU students at a special event Saturday, June 1, at the Museum.

Everyone is invited to participate in the cleaning process, which will be done just like a real archaeological dig. The event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. If you want to participate be sure to wear appropriate clothes and be ready to get grimy. Or you can just watch the project and see how real archaeologists work.
In any case, there is no charge to attend.

Saturday June 1:00-3:00 pm
at the Hamtramck Historical Museum

Detroit Stars on display

The Detroit Stars was one of the great baseball teams in the old Negro Baseball League.
But who were they?

You can see for yourself at a new exhibit at the Museum. The Detroit Stars and the stadium at Veterans Memorial Park are featured in a display of historical photos and items from the years the Stars played from the 1920s to the 1950s.

The stadium at the park is one of only a handful of stadiums remaining in the country where the Stars played. It is in the process of being restored by the Friends of the Hamtramck Historic Stadium.

The Stars and the stadium are memorable components of Hamtramck's great history, including in the world of sports.

The exhibit will be on display through June. It's free.

Mayor Karen Majewski stopped by the Museum recently dressed in truly proper attire. The mayor, who owns the Tekla Village vintage clothing shop on Jos. Campau, had just attended a vintage baseball game at the stadium at Hamtramck Veterans Memorial Park, which celebrated baseball in the 1860s. She came by the museum as well and fit in perfectly.

The Museum bathroom has a new look.

Museum renovations move forward

Renovations continue on the Museum at a steady pace.

The once-dreadful bathroom has been completely renovated and now looks fabulous. In addition, the interior back wall of the main gallery has been repainted and the old green and yellow paint is now gone. Also the hall from the main gallery to the bathroom has been tiled.

Step by step the Museum is being transformed into a professional Museum that is a befitting home for the history of Hamtramck.

Within a few weeks the new Museum Store will open. It will feature a wide range of Hamtramck items that will be for sale. An official dedication of the bathroom - yes, the bathroom - will be held soon. Stay tuned.

Cass Corridor at Hungry for History program

The Third Thursday Hungry for History program returns to the Hamtramck Historical Museum on Thursday, July 16, when Armando Delicato will present a program on Detroit's Cass Corridor.

Thursday, July 16
Doors open: 5:00 pm
Dinner (Optional): 6:00 pm
Program: 7:00 pm
Program Admission: $3.00

Long a symbol of Detroit's decay, the Cass Corridor came to represent the city's version of Skid Row complete with burned-out buildings, trash filled lots and homeless people. But that was then. Today it is going through a rebirth and becoming a "trendy" neighborhood.

If noting else, it serves as a model for how a neighborhood can resurrect itself. Delicato, a historian and author, will take us on a journey to explore this fascinating area - and maybe teach us something about neighborhood spirit.

Doors open at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the program at 7 p.m.
A catered dinner will by offered for $18. Admission to the program only is $3.

Dinner will be served for $18, click here to register
questions email: hamtramckhistory@gmail.com.

More programs will be scheduled at the Museum in the coming months including "Nope!"
This will be a light look at the craziest things that have ever happened in Hamtramck. Stay tuned for details.

REGISTER HERE FOR DINNER: (no later than Monday June 13)

Be a Friend
In order for the Hamtramck Historical Museum to thrive and be sustainable for the future, we need your support. One of the best ways to do that is to become a Friend of Historical Hamtramck.

There are a variety of Friends' membership levels, and it's easy to join. Membership information can be found on the Museum website, www.hamtramckhistory.org.
Just click here to join.

So if you are not a member, please become one, and tell all your friends about how they can become our Friends. We have made tremendous progress in the past few years as we have renovated the Museum building and expanded our outreach programs, but much remains to be done.

Be a part of that.