September 10, 2013
Today is the bicentennial of the Battle of Lake Erie
A field trip to commemorate the occasion, with a stop in Toledo for “Perry’s Victory” at the Toledo Museum of Art.
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August 5, 2013
Every cemetery in Detroit: Assumption Grotto
A graveyard grotto built in 1881 was once reputed to have healing powers.
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July 23, 2013
Where to celebrate Detroit’s birthday
July 24, 1701 – July 24, 2013. Here’s where to party.
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July 19, 2013
Resurget cineribus
A few thoughts about Detroit’s bankruptcy, and our history of adversity. And cholera.
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July 11, 2013
Every cemetery in Detroit: Evergreen Cemetery
Romanian arch priests, Christmas tree smugglers, the first female cemetery commissioner and the only Detroit mayor to be recalled from office converge on this Woodward Avenue cemetery.
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July 11, 2013
New project: Every cemetery in Detroit
Half-year resolution: We’re visiting every cemetery in the city of Detroit.
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June 28, 2013
Log Cabin Day is this Sunday, June 30
Thomas Palmer’s log cabin is open for visitors this weekend. Plus ice cream and square dancing.
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June 14, 2013
Happy flag day: Here’s the history, briefly, of Detroit’s flag
Designed by a Jew in 1908, it represents all manner of fate and tragedy. And it was first flown to celebrate baseball.
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March 25, 2013
Upcoming events: Nerd Nite 313 + A westward bus tour
Talking about Detroit’s first Prohibition this Thursday, March 28, at Great Lakes Coffee. Showing you around pre-automotive Detroit on Saturday, March 30, with the Detroit Bus Company
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February 15, 2013
Belle Isle and The Park Question: 1879-1881 (Part II)
Part two of the Park Question, in which Detroit actually buys Belle Isle, the Mayor fights with the Council President, and nothing actually happens for almost ten years.
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February 15, 2013
Belle Isle and The Park Question: 1871 – 1873 (Part I)
How, and why, Detroit spent three years arguing over the purchase of a park.
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January 18, 2013
PHOTO: Cute kids sledding in the cemetery
Adorable! Beautiful! And a little bit morbid.
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January 13, 2013
Drunk History is tonight, Mon. Jan. 14: Dan Austin shares Detroit’s forgotten landmarks
Meet the author of “Forgotten Landmarks of Detroit” tonight at McShane’s.
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December 28, 2012
Meet Christian Clemens, founder of Mt. Clemens
The pioneer settler of Mt. Clemens owned a distillery, was a prisoner of the British during the War of 1812, and founded a city that loved dancing.
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December 26, 2012
2012 in review + State of the nerdy local history blog
Where we’ve been, where we’re headed, and why you haven’t seen as much of me this year.
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December 19, 2012
Drunk history is tonight, Thurs. Dec. 20, at 1701 Cigar Bar
We’re meeting up at 1701 Cigar Bar to talk about the legacy of Detroit’s once-leading industry — tobacco.
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