Michigan History
Michigan History and Lesson Plans
Government Buildings, Historic Buildings, Living History, Memorials & Michigan History
Government Buildings – Michigan State Capitol
Capitol Avenue
Lansing, MI
517- 373-2353
Take a virtual tour. Also see pictures from the State Archives.
Government Buildings – Gerald R. Ford Library The Gerald R. Ford Library collects, preserves, and makes accessible to the public a rich body of archival materials on U.S. domestic issues, foreign relations, and political affairs during the Cold War era. Presidential papers during 1974-77 and other materials are there as well. Also see the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids. For more information on Presidential Libraries, please see the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration website.
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum
1000 Beal Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI
734-205-0555
Michigan History – History Detroit – 1701-2001 Through this website, learn about the history of Detroit from pre-settlement to Fort Ponchartrain to British rule to American city.
Edsel & Eleanor Ford House
1100 Lake Shore Road
Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236
313-884-4222
The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House is located on 90 acres along Lake St. Clair. The outside is faced with Briar Hill Sandstone and leaded glass windows, studded occasionally with heraldic stained glass inserts. The Modern Room is an outstanding work of the Art Deco Style by Walter Dorwin Teague, a leading designer of the 20th century. The house remains intact with many of the original furnishings and fine arts, some of which date before the birth of Christ. Adults $5.00, Seniors $4.00 and Children $3.00.
Meadow Brook Hall
Oakland University
Adams Road, Rochester, MI 48309-4401
248-370-3140
Meadow Brook Hall is the fourth largest restored home in the United States. An architectural wonder of 88,000 square-feet preserved with original furnishings and art, beautifully exemplifies the lavish lifestyles and era of the American industrialists of the early 20th century. It is the former residence of Oakland University founders Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of automobile pioneer John Dodge, and her second husband, lumber broker Alfred G. Wilson. The Hall was built in the Tudor-revival style based on examples of English country homes from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
They offer group tours and field trip opportunities for Girl Scout troops to earn badges. Visit their website for tour information. Take a Virtual Tour.
Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance held during early August. Patrons and auto aficionados from all over the world gather to view an outdoor exhibition and judging of approximately 300 of the world’s most prized and collectible automobiles, as well as automotive art.
Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center
100 E. North Street
Lansing, MI 48906
517-483-4220
Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center A wonderfully restored turn-of-the century house that is an excellent place for children to learn about the early state pioneers while in the Capitol City. The website contains a great deal of primary source historical material. Be sure to see the kids page. Take a Virtual Tour.
Memorials – Holocaust Memorial Center
28123 Orchard Lake Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
248-553-2400
The country’s first memorial dedicated exclusively to the horrors of the Nazi’s persecution of Jews and others. It was developed to be a historical, educational institute that would introduce visitors to Jewish culture and let them witness its destruction.
Preserving History – 158th Annual Highland Games Saturday, August 4, 2007. Presented by St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit, founded in 1849, is a benevolent organization dedicated to preserving Scottish heritage through its literature, customs, music, dance, and dress.
Historic Greenmead Village
20501 Newburgh Rd (at 8 Mile)
Livonia, Mi 48152
734-742-4100
Michigan History Lesson Plans
Michigan Opera Theatre – The Margaret Garner Story – Lesson Plans and Activities The K-12 lesson plans and activities were created by the Michigan Opera Theatre’s Curriculum Committee. They can be printed out in PDF for individual student viewing. The Activity called Why Slavery Came to America is somewhat animated and will make a good activity.