The
Detroit Historical Society’s Film Series screens documentaries that cover a
range of Detroit history subjects. Films are screened at 1 p.m. on select
Saturdays and Sundays, and are free to the public. The Summer Film Series in
August features three of our most popular recent films, including:
- “The Story of Willow Run” Exploring the Willow Run B-24 Bomber Plant and the history of Henry Ford’s involvement with aircraft production needs for the coming World War, “The Story of Willow Run” is the story of how the sprawling Willow Run plant was rolling out one B-24 every 55 minutes, 24 hours a day. This film is an original, 1945 black and white documentary, produced by Ford Motor Company. Scheduled screenings are on the weekends of August 3-4 and August 24-25. Run time is 35 minutes.
- “The Rouge,” directed by John Owens and produced by Kingberry Productions, was produced in 1997 for WDIV-TV Local 4. The film features early archival footage, rare photographs and interviews that help tell the intriguing story of one of the most famous industrial workplaces ever. From its first years as a model of integration for its time, to Ford Motor Company’s using cruel force to crush organized labor, the Rouge plant indelibly shaped the history of Detroit and the world. “The Rouge” screens on two weekends, August 10-11, and August 31-September 1. Run time is 46 minutes.
- “Borderline,” a 1997 Emmy Winner, explores the story of 8 Mile Road. No other road in Michigan evokes a response like the one you get when you mention 8 Mile. From topless dancers and the neighborhood groups that battle them, to storefront preachers and the homeless people they minister, 8 Mile remains our area’s most notorious boundary. This event will include a visit from the film’s producer, Gary Glaser, who will provide an introduction and answer questions following each screening. Screenings are scheduled for the weekend of August 17-18. The film runs 30 minutes. NOTE: Viewer discretion is advised; some material in this film is not suitable for children.
The Detroit Historical Museum, located at 5401 Woodward Ave. (NW corner of
Kirby) in Midtown Detroit, is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from
9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is
free for all, all the time. Parking in the Museum’s lot is $5 at all times.
Group tour pricing and information is available by calling (313) 833-1733.
Permanent exhibits include the famous Streets of Old Detroit, the
Allesee Gallery of Culture, Kid Rock Music Lab, Doorway to
Freedom: Detroit and the Underground Railroad, Detroit: The “Arsenal of
Democracy,” Frontiers to Factories, America’s Motor City, and The
Glancy Trains. For more information, call the Museum at (313) 833-1805 or
check out our website at www.detroithistorical.org.