The Detroit History Club

The Detroit History Club is a place for lectures, events, and presentations celebrating over 300 years of stories in the great city of Detroit. As a members-only club we exist in the brightest of shadowy places - easy to join but bursting with membership pride.

Upcoming Events


The Detroit Observatory: Tour and Talk
$25.00

Thursday, May 9th, 2024  6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Doors open at 5:45 pm. 

1398 E. Ann Street (Entrance on Observatory Street) Ann Arbor, MI 48109

The Detroit Observatory, built in 1854 in Ann Arbor, quickly became the centerpiece of scientific advancement at the University of Michigan. Funds for the new observatory were raised largely in Detroit, hence its name. Throughout the latter half of the 19th century, it was considered among the top two observatories in the world. It housed precision instruments such as the Fitz and Meridian telescopes, through which astronomers made groundbreaking discoveries. Before time zones were established, the astronomers at The Detroit Observatory used the positions of heavenly bodies to set Michigan's standard time for businesses and citizens. The observatory played a crucial role in helping map the North American continent for westward expansion, land management, mapmaking, and geology.

From comets to planets, astronomers to cartographers, teachers to students, The Detroit Observatory helped transform U-M into a world-class research institution. The Detroit History Club is pleased to announce a special invitation extended to our members to enjoy a talk on the history of the Observatory, followed by a tour of the facility.

HELPFUL INFORMATION:

  • Parking is available onsite for a fee to U-M, there is also metered street parking in the area.

  • All guests must be 18 years of age or older

  • All guests must be a member of The Detroit History Club, in good standing, to attend this event.

    • Buy or renew your Detroit History Club membership

    • If you are not yet a member, you can still buy tickets to an event: Simply use member number “000” when you add the event tickets to your cart. Then add the corresponding number of Detroit History Club memberships before check out. Our team will match your new membership number(s) to your event ticket(s) once it’s been assigned.

    • The Detroit History Club operates as a members-only club. We exist in the brightest of shadowy places. Holding expertly curated events out of private homes, hidden spaces, and secret locations. We welcome anyone over the age of 18 to join our noble ranks.

  • To best enjoy this event guests should be prepared to move around the massive zoo campus, stand for extended periods (benches are available in most spaces for guests to rest should they require it), and climb stairs or uneven surfaces.

  • Good, comfortable footwear is highly recommended.

  • We are delighted to welcome guests who require wheelchairs or other mobility assistance and will work hard to ensure the best possible experience. For specific mobility questions please email Office@detroithistorytours.com.

  • Your order confirmation email will serve as your only ticket- nothing will ship to your address. Please save your email and be prepared to show it on your phone or printed to enter the event. The ticketed guests name(s) will also be on a check in sheet when you arrive. (We do this to avoid the ticketing fees that come along with ticketing systems. The price of your ticket will remain the same throughout checkout with no added fees or service charges.)

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Steeples and Stories: Sweetest Heart Of Mary Church
$23.00

Sunday May 19th, 2024 

Doors open at 3:00 pm

3:15 pm to 4:30 pm.

Sweetest Heart Of Mary Church, 4440 Russell Street, Detroit MI, 48207.

Steeples and Stories is an ongoing program presented by The Detroit History Club; It pairs a historic house of worship tour with a presentation about an aspect of history related to the house of worship, the neighborhood, or the community it serves.

When discussing churches in Detroit, certain names are frequently mentioned, among which Sweetest Heart of Mary stands out for good reason. This Detroit gem boasts some of the most impressive—and recently restored—stained glass in the country. It is also the oldest Polish Parish in Detroit still in operation today, having celebrated its first mass on Christmas Eve 1893. However, beyond the beauty of this sacred space lies a controversy that ignited a civil war within Detroit’s Polish community, lingering in the memories and hearts of many for years and straining the fabric of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Join the Detroit History Club at Sweetest Heart of Mary for a 75-minute tour and discussion in one of Detroit's true living pieces of art. Learn about a maverick priest, a resilient immigrant community, and their struggle to find their place in a new country. Discover the church that emerged from that struggle and witness this Midwest marvel in all its glory.

Ample time will be made available for personal photography, and cameras are welcome.

Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear and respectful casual attire. The church does not have a dress code but kindly asks guests to be mindful of the space in choosing their outfits. 

The ticket price includes parking, access to the church, tour, and presentation. A donation to the church is also included in each ticket sale. 

HELPFUL INFORMATION:

  • Sweetest Heart of Mary is located on Russell and Warren in Detroit, with parking next to, and behind the church in clearly marked lots. The church address is 4440 Russell Street, Detroit MI, 48207.

  • Parking is available both behind the church and on the street.

  • Video recording is prohibited. 

  • Personal still photography is welcome. 

    • Professional photography must be approved at least 10 business days in advance by contacting office@detroithistorytours.com. 

  • The church is ADA compatible, however please be prepared to walk, stand, and traverse stairs to best enjoy this event.

    • We are delighted to welcome guests who require wheelchairs or other mobility assistance and will work hard to ensure the best possible experience. For specific mobility questions please email Office@detroithistorytours.com.

  • All guests must be 18 years of age or older

  • All guests must be a member of The Detroit History Club, in good standing, to attend this event.

    • Buy or renew your Detroit History Club membership

      • If you are not yet a member, you can still buy tickets to an event: Simply use member number “000” when you add the event tickets to your cart. Then add the corresponding number of Detroit History Club memberships before check out. Our team will match your new membership number(s) to your event ticket(s) once it’s been assigned.

        • Membership to The Detroit History Club is $5.00 per person per calendar year.

  • Your order confirmation email will serve as your only ticket- nothing will ship to your address. Please save your email and be prepared to show it on your phone or printed to enter the event. The ticketed guests name(s) will also be on a check in sheet when you arrive. (We do this to avoid the ticketing fees that come along with ticketing systems. The price of your ticket will remain the same throughout checkout with no added fees or service charges.)

  • All tickets and events are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

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THE HISTORIC DETROIT ZOO SCAVENGER HUNT
$62.50

Friday, May 31st, 2024 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm.

Doors open for check in beginning at 5:30 pm.

The Detroit Zoo: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067

Are you a super sleuth? Can you piece together clues and trace stories through history by exploring habitats, architecture, and animal care? Join The Detroit History Club for an unforgettable adventure - an adults-only, evening, scavenger hunt through the world-famous Detroit Zoo!

Opening to the public in 1928, this zoo was not the city's first; however, its spacious habitats, care of its species, and top-notch innovations quickly catapulted it to international fame. From lions, to tigers, to bears... oh my, the zoo has long been a site of scientific exploration, species preservation, and wildlife education. It has also played host to unique moments in history; during the Great Depression, the zoo turned open land into farms to help feed Michiganders. From 1933-34, the Civil Works Administration and Federal Emergency Relief Administration provided funds and manpower to build the hippopotamus house and beaver habitat. From 1935-37, the federal Work Projects Administration (WPA) built an animal hospital and administration building and provided major landscaping to the zoo. And in 1968 the Penguinarium opened, the first zoo building in the world designed entirely for penguins.

From the tycoons of industry who donated buildings, monuments, and animals to the very creatures that come from all corners of the world, you'll never look at the zoo the same way again.

Guests will arrive at the closed-to-the-public zoo where you’ll explore, investigate, and seek out locations and history within the massive zoo campus, working in teams of 2 to 6 players. For three and a half hours, the zoo is yours to explore without the crowds but, with a mission - complete the scavenger hunt.

During this adventure, teams will discover the oldest animals at the zoo, explore intricate architectural details, and learn about the innovations that have made the zoo special for nearly a century. From the monkeys to the giraffes, the main gallery to the reptile house, you’ll step, crawl, slither, and gallop into the fascinating history of the zoo. Together with your team, you’ll examine art by internationally celebrated artists and scan the chilly Arctic Circle for images from the past. From birds that served in the Army during WW2 to a turtle found lost on 14 mile road in 2012, this promises to be an adventure over 90 years in the making.

As time runs out, your team will return to the pavilion. The team that has correctly solved the most riddles, clues, and mysteries will be the winner. First, second, and third place winning teams will leave with fantastic Detroit-made prizes, Detroit Zoo swag, and, of course, bragging rights.

HELPFUL INFORMATION:

  • Parking is at guests own expense and is charged at $8 per car the evening of the event.

    • Save time on arrival by prebuying your parking via the Zoo’s website HERE

    • Detroit zoo members may show their Detroit zoo membership card for free parking

  • Included in the cost of your ticket is the scavenger hunt, prizes, and bottled water. No food or bar service is provided or able to be brought into the zoo; we recommend eating before your arrival.

  • Guests need absolutely no special skills or preexisting knowledge to compete, and win.

    • All guests must be 18 years of age or older

    • Teams can be 2 to 6 players

      • Guests will form their own teams. It is not necessary to book as a team but every player will need a ticket.

        • Simply show up as a group to play as a team.

      • All guests must be a member of The Detroit History Club, in good standing, to attend this event.

  • To best enjoy this event guests should be prepared to move around the massive zoo campus, stand for extended periods (benches are available in most spaces for guests to rest should they require it), and climb stairs or uneven surfaces.

    • Good, comfortable footwear is highly recommended.

    • This event will take place outdoors and inside many of the zoo's buildings. Good weather appropriate clothing is essential to guests enjoyment of the event.

      • This event will take place in all types of weather with the exception of emergency conditions deemed unsafe by the Detroit Zoo.

    • The Detroit Zoo is ADA compliant, however please review all information to ensure the best possible experience, before booking.

      • We are delighted to welcome guests who require wheelchairs or other mobility assistance and will work hard to ensure the best possible experience. For specific mobility questions please email Office@detroithistorytours.com.

Your order confirmation email will serve as your only ticket- nothing will ship to your address. Please save your email and be prepared to show it on your phone or printed to enter the event. The ticketed guests name(s) will also be on a check in sheet when you arrive. (We do this to avoid the ticketing fees that come along with ticketing systems. The price of your ticket will remain the same throughout checkout with no added fees or service charges.)

All tickets and events are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Quantity:
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Steeples and Stories: Trinity St. Marks
$23.00

Saturday, June 15th, 2024 

11:15 am to 12:30 pm

Doors open at 11:00 am

Trinity St. Marks, 9315 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48209

Steeples and Stories is an ongoing program presented by The Detroit History Club; It pairs a historic house of worship tour with a presentation about an aspect of history related to the house of worship, the neighborhood, or the community it serves.

In the shadow of Woodmere Cemetery lies a church with a rich history, a strong connection to the neighborhood, and a continued dedication to improving the quality of life in Southwest Detroit. Trinity-St. Marks is a hidden gem that stands out prominently on Fort Street. Why hidden? This will be the church’s first public tour in nearly a decade.

This congregation, established by German immigrants, has supported their church since 1885, with the current building enduring since 1917. Despite various challenges, they have remained a steadfast presence in Southwest Detroit. Featuring stunning stained glass (made locally in Detroit), the church offers a sanctuary that is both intimate and majestic. Together, we'll explore the church from the altar to the organ loft on a tour of the storied building. Then we’ll delve into one of the early challenges faced by the congregation: the Spanish Flu pandemic that swept through Detroit, the nation, and the world from 1918 to 1920.

Join the Detroit History Club to discover Trinity-St. Marks, learn about this cornerstone of Southwest Detroit, and understand the impact of the Spanish Flu in Detroit.

HELPFUL INFORMATION:

  • St Marks Trinity Church

  • Parking is available both behind the church and on the street.

  • Video recording is prohibited. 

  • Personal still photography is welcome. 

    • Professional photography must be approved at least 10 business days in advance by contacting office@detroithistorytours.com. 

  • The church is ADA compatible, however please be prepared to walk, stand, and traverse stairs to best enjoy this event.

    • We are delighted to welcome guests who require wheelchairs or other mobility assistance and will work hard to ensure the best possible experience. For specific mobility questions please email Office@detroithistorytours.com.

  • All guests must be 18 years of age or older

  • All guests must be a member of The Detroit History Club, in good standing, to attend this event.

    • Buy or renew your Detroit History Club membership

      • If you are not yet a member, you can still buy tickets to an event: Simply use member number “000” when you add the event tickets to your cart. Then add the corresponding number of Detroit History Club memberships before check out. Our team will match your new membership number(s) to your event ticket(s) once it’s been assigned.

        • Membership to The Detroit History Club is $5.00 per person per calendar year.

  • Your order confirmation email will serve as your only ticket- nothing will ship to your address. Please save your email and be prepared to show it on your phone or printed to enter the event. The ticketed guests name(s) will also be on a check in sheet when you arrive. (We do this to avoid the ticketing fees that come along with ticketing systems. The price of your ticket will remain the same throughout checkout with no added fees or service charges.)

  • All tickets and events are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Add To Cart

Office@detroithistorytours.com 313-539-7377

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