Author Brianne Turczynski discusses her new book 'Detroit's Lost Poletown' at the recording of the Hamtramck Now and Then podcast to be aired March 11
Museum set to begin podcasts Hamtramck Now and Then, the new podcast program of the Hamtramck Historical Museum, launched on March 11. Click here to subscribe
Hamtramck Now and Then is a 30-minute weekly podcast that will focus on the history of Hamtramck as well as current events that impact the city's history. Guests will be featured on the podcasts.
The first podcasts have been recorded and are now available
The program is being done in cooperation with Podcast Detroit who specializes in podcasts across the metro area.
Author Brianne Turczynski will be the featured guest in one of the first podcast programs. Turczynski 's book 'Detroit's Lost Poletown' is on sale now at the Hamtramck Historical Museum, the Polish Art Center next door to the museum as well as at major commercial outlets.
Hamtramck Now and Then opens a whole new vista of community outreach for the museum. It is a major step forward in the continuing development of the museum.
From the Executive Director
MCACA Grant Powers Renovations
Another month has passed and the battle goes on. we continue to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, but we are still advancing.
Those of you who have been to the museum have seen the tremendous progress we have made in renovating the entire building. Much of the work has been done behind the scenes - the roof, the second floor and the basement. We have addressed building issues that had to be dealt with first before severe damage was done to the building.
Work continues on those areas, but we are now in a position to begin work on replacing the main floor carpeting. It is in terrible condition and, frankly, an embarrassment. We pride ourselves on being a professional organization that presents itself in a proper manner. The stained carpeting floor has been a glaring eyesore that has no place in a professional organization's building.
I'm extremely pleased to report that the museum has been awarded a $5,300 grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs(MCACA). This grant will be used to restore and reopen the staircase to the basement. We also received a $6000 donation from a supporter that fulfills the required match to the MCACA grant. The opening of the staircase leads us to the next project -- replacing the stained and frayed carpeting. It is in terrible condition and frankly, an embarrassment.
We recently received a $5000 donation from another very generous supporter, which will be a start on replacing the carpeting. Even so, this latest improvement project will require approximately $20,000 more to complete the total floor renovation, which includes carpeting, installation and whatever mysteries we uncover when the dreaded carpeting is peeled back . Our hope is to hold a fundraiser, possibly through Go Fund Me or a similar funding source. You will be hearing more about this in soon.
We deeply thank MCACA for its grant and are anxiously anticipating starting these projects. It is exciting and is a statement of the determination of the museum - its board and all supporters - to grow and become even better.
Greg Kowalski
Executive director
Works in progress
Despite the limitations imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Hamtramck Historical Museum continues to make progress in a number of areas. Here are some examples:
2022 will mark the 100th anniversary of the formation of the City of Hamtramck. Prior to that it had been a village and township. Plans are being proposed now for the big celebration in the post-pandemic time.
The museum is in the process of helping draft a history and art curriculum to be implemented in the Hamtramck Public Schools. This will be a groundbreaking step forward for the schools and the museum.
Work continues of the reorganization of the museum archives. The museum has acquired PastPerfect, the computer program that is standard for archival organization in museums. It will greatly help with sorting and tracking the museum's collection of items.
Jos. Campau was once a sea of signs. remember?
Follow us on Facebook
Everyday the Hamtramck Historical Museum publishes a different historical photo on Facebook. We have presented over 300 photo so far. Some give insight into Hamtramck's history. Other are purely nostalgic. All are interesting.
We have thousands of photos in our archives and we want to continue sharing them with you.
Membership renewal time
Membership renewals to the Friends of Historical Hamtramck are accepted anytime. We are getting a good response to renewal forms we have sent out but there are many more that haven't yet returned their renewal forms.
Your membership is critical to the future of the Hamtramck Historical Museum. It is our principal source of revenue.
Please renew your membership and ask others to share in support of our 501C3 organization Click here
Mugs, Pens, Flasks, Signs....and more!
What's new in our Gift Shop
The Hamtramck Historical Museum has added new items to its gift shop. New books, including 'Murder in Hamtramck,' which is a chronicle of homicides in the city stretching back to the 19th century, are now on sale.
Items for sale are also available at the Museum and also through the museum website, www.hamtramckhistory.net.
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.
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.
