Detroit History Tours and The Detroit History Club

Name: Detroit History Tours and The Detroit History Club
Address: 3103 Commor, Hamtramck, MI, 48212, US
Telephone: +13135397377
Price range: $
Rating: 4.9

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Detroit History Tours and The Detroit History Club

Detroit History Tours offers quality researched, fantastically curated, amazingly fun tours of Detroit by bus or foot.
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SINCE ITS FOUNDING BY ANTOINE DE LA MOTHE CADILLAC IN 1701 DETROIT HAS BEEN A TOWN OVERFLOWING WITH STORIES. DETROITERS EXPLORE, ADVENTURE, CREATE, INNOVATE ,CHALLENGE, CELEBRATE, DRINK, CHARM AND INVENT. DETROIT HISTORY TOURS KNOWS THAT THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE DETROIT IS TO ENJOY A DAY WITH SOMEONE WHO'S KNOWLEDGEABLE, PASSIONATE, AND COMPLETELY OBSESSED WITH THOSE STORIES. TOGETHER WE WILL EX

PERIENCE A SIDE OF DETROIT YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN, WHETHER YOU ARE A BORN AND RAISED TIGERS FAN OR BRAND NEW TO THE MOTOR CITY WE WILL TALK HISTORY, EXPLORE ARCHITECTURE, SAMPLE FOOD, EVEN ENJOY A FEW DRINKS. LET US BE YOUR GUIDE TO THE WONDERS OF OUR BELOVED CITY. WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO JOIN US ON ONE OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD WALKING TOURS, OR OUR CITY WIDE BUS TOURS OUR PROMISE IS THE SAME: WE WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE BEST OUR FINE CITY HAS TO OFFER WITH DEEPLY RESEARCHED EVENTS AND PASSIONATE GUIDES. OUR TOURS ARE DESIGNED TO BE HYPER INFORMATIVE AS WELL AS HUGELY ENTERTAINING, AFTER ALL THIS IS WHAT WE LOVE TO DO.

01/08/2025

Today in Detroit History: January 8, 1926, Milton "Soupy Sales" Supman was born, beginning the life of a beloved entertainer who would later capture the hearts of Detroiters and audiences nationwide.

Raised in North Carolina, Soupy Sales first gained recognition in Cincinnati, Ohio, as a disc jockey for radio station WHTN (now WVHU). His unique slapstick humor and comedic timing propelled him to new opportunities, leading him to Detroit.

In Detroit, WXYZ-TV Channel 7 picked up Sales to host his popular program, Lunch with Soupy Sales, which became a hit with audiences. Alongside his daytime show, Soupy hosted a nighttime program, Soupy’s On, designed to compete with 11 o’clock news programs.

Soupy Sales’ humor and charisma endeared him to fans of all ages, and he went on to live a successful and memorable life in entertainment.

Discover Detroit history every day of the year with our Today in Detroit History calendars! Just $25, printed in full color, right here in Michigan. Get yours at:https://www.detroithistorytours.com/new-products

01/06/2025

Today in Detroit History: January 6, 1994, Nancy Kerrigan was attacked at Joe Louis Arena in an incident famously dubbed "the whack heard around the world," igniting one of the biggest sports scandals of the 1990s.

Kerrigan, one of the United States' top female figure skaters and a gold medal favorite for the 1994 Winter Olympics, was struck on the right knee with a blunt object by an unidentified man after practice. The injury forced her to withdraw from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, though she was later granted a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

Suspicion quickly fell on Kerrigan's teammate, Tonya Harding. Initially, Harding denied involvement, claiming her bodyguard and then-husband had orchestrated the attack without her knowledge. However, Harding later pleaded guilty to conspiring to hinder prosecution and resigned from the U.S. Figure Skating Association.

The incident remains one of the most infamous moments in sports history, casting a long shadow over figure skating and its competitive dynamics.

Discover Detroit history every day of the year with our Today in Detroit History calendars! Just $25, printed in full color right here in Michigan. Get yours at: https://www.detroithistorytours.com/new-products

01/05/2025

Today in Detroit History: January 5, 1988, Michigan Central Station bid farewell to its last train, which set out for Chicago. After nearly 75 years of operation, the station fell silent as train travel declined in the modern era. From 1988 to 2018 the grand structure sat vacant. Today, Michigan Central Station has been restored to its former glory, as construction continues on the new Michigan Central campus.

Interested in exploring The Station on a tour? Detroit History Tours proudly powers the guided tours of The Station. Visit MichiganCentral.com for tickets!

Photo Credit: Detroit Public Library, Burton Historical Collection.
Format: 1 photographic print ; 8 x 10 in.
Description: View of Michigan Central Railroad Station with Canadian Pacific trains in foreground. Typed on back: "21. Looking northeast at five Pacifics ready to go. A dramatic display of the pace in 1927." Stamped on back: "Photography, Ed Nowak, 466 Lexington Ave., New York, N.Y. 10017. Used in Aug. 1978 Trains Magazine." Handwritten on back: "Canadian Pacific, Detroit, 1927."

01/02/2025

Today in Detroit History: January 2, 1974 , Detroit witnessed a historic moment as Coleman A. Young was sworn in as the city’s first African-American mayor.

Young’s journey began at Eastern High School before working as an electrician's apprentice at the Ford Motor Company. His time at Ford ended following a clash with management, propelling him toward advocacy and activism.

He became a union organizer with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) and an active member of the Democratic Party. After a narrow loss in his 1962 bid for the Michigan House of Representatives, Young was elected to the Michigan State Senate in 1964, becoming the state’s second African-American senator.

In 1973, Young defeated John F. Nichols in a fiercely contested election to become mayor. He went on to serve five terms, reshaping Detroit's political landscape and elevating the influence of its African-American community.

Young’s administration oversaw landmark projects, including the opening of the Renaissance Center, the launch of the Detroit People Mover, and the construction of Joe Louis Arena, leaving an enduring legacy on the city’s history.

Discover Detroit history every day of the year with our Today in Detroit History Calendars! Just $25, printed in full color, right here in Michigan. Get yours at: https://www.detroithistorytours.com/new-products

Photo Credits: Detroit Public Library, Burton Historical Collection
Format: 1 photographic print ; 10 x 8 in.
Description: Portrait of Coleman A. Young. Autographed on front: "Coleman A. Young." Handwritten on back: "Coleman A. Young."

12/30/2024

Today in Detroit History: December 30th, 1949, Mary V. Beck, the first woman on the Detroit City Council, was sworn in.

Beck became the first woman elected to the council, serving for an impressive 20 years. During her tenure, she broke barriers by becoming the first woman to hold the positions of president pro tempore and president of the Detroit City Council. Beyond her council work, Beck played many vital roles in her political career, contributing to numerous committees and commissions.

Renowned for her humanitarian work, Beck became the focal point of a song celebrating her contributions. She was also a sought-after speaker, delivering speeches across the United States and internationally. After retiring from politics in 1970, she was honored by various Detroit organizations for her lifelong dedication and even received congratulatory letters from two sitting U.S. presidents. In 1991, Mary V. Beck was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.

Discover Detroit history every day of the year with our Today in Detroit History calendars! Just $25, printed in full color right here in Michigan. Get yours at: https://www.detroithistorytours.com/new-products

Photo from the collection of the Detroit Historical Society

12/26/2024

Today in Detroit History: December 26, 1913, Detroit’s Michigan Central Station opened as the tallest train station in the world.

The iconic station officially opened its doors on December 26, 1913, ahead of schedule due to a fire at the former Michigan Central train station downtown. Fortunately, the new station was nearly complete, allowing the first train to be redirected there while firefighters were still battling the blaze at the old facility.

At 650,000 square feet, the station’s design consists of two distinct parts: the train station itself and the 18-story office tower rising to a height of 230 feet. The tower was initially intended to house a hotel, offices for the rail company, or a combination of both. However, it ultimately served only as office space and storage throughout its use.

Interested in a tour? Detroit History Tours is proud to power the tours of The Station! Tickets at MichiganCentral.com

Photo Credit: DPL
Format: 1 postcard : col. ; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Description: View of Michigan Central Railroad station; automobiles in street in front of station. Printed on front: "New Michigan Central Depot, Detroit, Mich." Printed on back: "Michigan Central Station, located near Michigan Avenue, between 15th and 17th Streets, covers 21 acres. Total cost $15,000,000.00. There are 11 tracks in the station that will accommodate 135 passenger coaches. The accommodations for passengers will not be excelled by any railroad station in the world, as the conveniences include a drug store, with facilities for the care of invalids, change rooms, where travelers may at a nominal cost obtain shower baths and change clothing. Pub. by United News Co., Detroit, Mich., 18354."

12/25/2024

Today in Detroit History: December 25, 1811 Eber Brock Ward, known as the "steamship king of the Great Lakes" and the "first of the iron kings," was born.

Ward founded the Eureka Iron Works in what is now Wyandotte, Michigan. Using his own fleet of ships, he transported raw ore from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to his plant, where the iron produced became essential to nearly every industry in Detroit. With a vision for industrial integration, Ward built an empire encompassing raw materials, transportation, and manufacturing, all under his control.

Discover Detroit history every day of the year with our Today in Detroit History calendars! Just $25, printed in full color, right here in Michigan. Get yours at: https://www.detroithistorytours.com/new-products

12/24/2024

Today in Detroit History: December 24, 1814, The Treaty of Ghent was signed, officially ending the War of 1812.

During the war, Fort Detroit was surrendered to British forces early on due to fears of heavy casualties. Remarkably, the U.S. Army lost only seven men in the initial conflict. A year later, the U.S. recaptured Detroit after British troops abandoned the fort.

The Treaty of Ghent, negotiated in Ghent (now in modern-day Belgium), marked the end of hostilities between the United States and the United Kingdom, establishing peace and restoring pre-war boundaries.

Discover Detroit history every day of the year with our Today in Detroit History calendars! Just $25, printed in full color, right here in Michigan. Get yours at: https://www.detroithistorytours.com/new-products

Image: "The Signing of the Treaty of Ghent, Christmas Eve, 1814" by Charles Amédée Forestier. The leading British delegate Lord Gambier is shaking hands with the American leader John Quincy Adams. The British Undersecretary of State for War and the Colonies, Henry Goulburn, is carrying a red folder.

12/19/2024

Today in Detroit History: December 19, 1887, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) performed the first concert of its inaugural subscription season at 8:00 p.m. inside the Detroit Opera House.

In its early years, the DSO experienced instability, with several conductors taking turns at the podium. By 1900, Hugo Kalsow was appointed music director, a role he held until the orchestra ceased operations in 1910.

The DSO was revived three years later, thanks to the efforts of ten Detroit society women who each contributed $100 (approximately $2,500 today) and pledged to recruit 100 additional subscribers to donate $10 each. Their successful fundraising campaign led to the rebirth of the orchestra, and Weston Gales was appointed music director for a new concert season that began in February 1914.

Discover Detroit history every day of the year with our Today in Detroit History calendars! Just $25, printed in full color, right here in Michigan. Get yours at: https://www.detroithistorytours.com/new-products

Photo Credit: Detroit Public Library, Burton Historical Collection
Format: 1 photographic print mounted on mat board ; image 4 x 6.25 in.
Description: Aerial view of Detroit Opera House and adjacent businesses; church in background. Handwritten on back: "Detroit Opera House and surroundings in 1878." Label on back: "Detroit Opera House and surroundings in 1878, showing spire of the First Presbyterian, or First Protestant church in background, and which stood on the site of the present Hudson store."

12/18/2024

Today in Detroit History: December 18, 1868, Ben Fletcher of the Michigan News Company became the first person to ride a bicycle on Detroit's streets. He rode a French-built velocipede, weighing around 100 pounds, along Jefferson Avenue near Woodward.

The following day, the Detroit Free Press published an article titled "The First Detroit Velocipedist," describing Fletcher's ride:

"Yesterday the first Detroit man that had the temerity to bestride the (not foaming, but very restive and treacherous) velocipede and show his skill (?) in the public street, might have been seen moving slowly along Jefferson avenue, followed by a large crowd of men and boys of all ages, classes and conditions. The bold rider was no other than the irrepressible Ben Fletcher, of the Michigan News Company."

It's likely that Fletcher's inaugural ride began outside the Michigan News Company's offices, located on Jefferson, a half-block west of Woodward. This event marked the beginning of Detroit's rich cycling history, paving the way for the city's vibrant bicycling culture that continues to thrive today.

Discover Detroit history every day of the year with our Today in Detroit History calendars! Just $25, printed in full color, right here in Michigan. Get yours at: https://www.detroithistorytours.com/new-products

12/16/2024

Today in Detroit History: December 16, 1909, 44 prominent Detroiters gathered at the Pontchartrain Hotel to establish Michigan’s first aero club, with the assistance of Orville and Wilbur Wright.

The Detroit Aero Club's founding meeting was attended by several notable figures, including William E. "Bill" Metzger, a visionary investor in bicycles and automobiles. Metzger played a key role in selling the idea of the club and securing investment from Detroit's elite for this groundbreaking initiative.

The event captured significant public attention, with coverage in all three major Detroit newspapers. The Detroit News even ran editorial cartoons speculating about the potential impact of aviation on the city’s future.

Discover Detroit history every day of the year with our Today in Detroit History calendars! Just $25, printed in full color, right here in Michigan. Get yours at: https://www.detroithistorytours.com/new-products

Photo Credit: Detroit Public Library, Burton Historical Collection
Format: 1 postcard : col. ; 3.5 x 5.5 in.
Description: View of Hotel Pontchartrain and adjacent commercial buildings. Streetcar and Barbour Memorial Fountain in foreground. Printed on front: "The Hotel Pontchartrain, Detroit, Mich." Handwritten on front: "1909." Printed on back: "The Hotel Pontchartrain, Detroit's latest and best hotel, is beautifully situated on the Campus. It is ten stories high with three stories underground. This hotel was opened to the public in October 1907 and is strictly fireproof. It is a marvel of convenience, the underground portion being the most important for the comfort of the guests. Over four million pounds of steel were used in its construction. 170, published by A.C. Dietsche, Detroit, Mich. and Frankfort, Germany. Made in Germany." Handwritten on back: "The Pontchartrain in reality! Not a version. We are having the Retail Show Convention here now. It is pretty tame. Not much doing. J.W.H." Card is postmarked July 21, 1909.

12/11/2024

Today in Detroit History: December 11, 1911, the Detroit Zoological Society was founded, marking the beginning of an effort to create a world-class zoo for the city.

Detroit’s first zoo, established in 1883, closed just a year after opening. However, the second attempt proved more successful, leading to the founding of the Detroit Zoological Society and the start of planning for a state-of-the-art facility.

After overcoming several early challenges, the Zoological Society purchased land along Woodward Avenue, north of 10 Mile Road. They enlisted renowned designer Heinrich Hagenbeck, who pioneered the revolutionary "cageless" zoo design. This innovative approach created enclosures that closely mimicked natural habitats, helping animals adjust to life in captivity.

Today, the Detroit Zoological Society is celebrated for its sustainability efforts and remains a thriving organization dedicated to valuing animals, nature, people, and resources.

Learn Detroit history every day of the year with our Today in Detroit History calendars! Only $25, printed in full color, right here in Michigan. Available here: https://www.detroithistorytours.com/new-products

Photo Credit: Detroit Historical Society, Education Collection
Catalog Number: 2014.002.053
Content: Detroit Zoological Society certificate signifying the life membership of Edwin S. George in the organization, dated October 1, 1912. The certificate is signed by the society's president, Bryant Walker, and secretary of director, Richard E. Follett. The document is printed on parchment and features an engraving of a bison, as well as the header, "Detroit Zoological Society, Founded in 1911 for Establishment of a Zoological Park and the Preservation of Wild Animal Life."

12/10/2024

Today in Detroit History: December 10, 1887, the first crematorium in the state of Michigan was built in Detroit, just a year after the first crematorium in the United States was established in Washington, Pennsylvania.

The facility later combined with Woodmere Cemetery to become known as the Woodmere-Detroit Crematorium. Its first cremation took place in 1887, honoring the final wish of Barbara Schorr. Originally from Millersburg, Ohio, Barbara's remains were transported 200 miles to Detroit to fulfill her desire to be cremated—a remarkable choice for the era.

Photo Credit: Detroit Public Library, Burton Historical Collection
Format: 1 photographic print mounted on mat board ; image 4.25 x 7.25 in.

Description of Photo: Front view of Detroit Crematorium. Handwritten on back: "Detroit Crematory, Lafayette near Springwells Ave." Printed on back: "From Alvord & Co., exclusive commercial photographers, 55 Rowland St., Detroit, Mich., ground floor gallery

Discover Detroit history every day of the year with our Today in Detroit History calendars! Just $25, printed in full color, right here in Michigan. Get yours at: https://www.detroithistorytours.com/new-products

12/09/2024

Today in Detroit History: December 9th, 1935, the Detroit Lions won their first NFL Championship, defeating the New York Giants 26-7.

The team originally began in 1928 as the Portsmouth Spartans in Ohio. In 1934, George A. Richards, owner of WJR radio station, purchased the team for $8,000 (equivalent to about $190,000 today) and relocated them to Michigan, renaming them the Detroit Lions. Remarkably, the championship win came just one year after the team’s relocation and rebranding.

The 1935 championship game was held at the Lions’ home field, the University of Detroit’s Titan Stadium.

Following their first championship, the Lions went on to win NFL titles in 1952, 1953, and 1957. However, since their last championship in 1957, the team has not advanced past the National Football Conference Championship Game.

Discover Detroit history every day of the year with our Today in Detroit History calendars! Just $25, printed in full color, right here in Michigan. Get yours at: https://www.detroithistorytours.com/new-products

12/04/2024

Today in Detroit History: December 4, 1843, Detroit's first Odd Fellows Lodge was officially chartered, marking the beginning of a new fraternal organization in the city. The Odd Fellows were established as a society for men who committed themselves to noble principles such as visiting the sick, aiding those in distress, and ensuring proper burials for the deceased.

The group’s name, "Odd Fellows," reflects its origins as a haven for men in smaller or less common trades who lacked representation through unions or other lodges. These "odd ones out" found camaraderie and purpose within the fellowship, creating a community that welcomed those otherwise overlooked.

Discover Detroit history every day of the year with our Today in Detroit History calendars! Just $25, printed in full color, right here in Michigan. Get yours at:https://www.detroithistorytours.com/new-products

Photo Credit: The Detroit Public Library, Burton Historical Collection.

1 photographic print mounted on mat board ; image 5.5 x 8 in.

Collection note: Group of men wearing sashes; room decorated with ornate overhead light fixture; statuary against walls; lamp pedestals decorated with skull and crossbones; "No smoking allowed" signs on wall. Ink circle drawn around head of man leaning against left pedestal. Handwritten on back: "Oddfellows of 1890; Grandpa, Wm. Haase, 267 High St., Detroit, had a horseshoe and wagon making shop on the corner of High and Hastings. Tom Beggs had the coal yard there; Oddfellows Hall, Monroe Ave.?"

12/03/2024

Today in Detroit History: December 3, 2017, Crowds gathered to watch the demolition of the Pontiac Silverdome, the former home of the Detroit Lions and a once-iconic arena with a seating capacity of 80,000. When the initial explosives were set off, the expected implosion didn’t go as planned—only a few small puffs of smoke appeared. Adamo, the demolition company, explained that about 10% of the explosives had failed to detonate. Project superintendent Kevin Lindke assured onlookers, "Gravity will eventually take over," explaining that once one section collapsed, the rest would follow. If that didn’t happen, he said, they would return to either reset the charges or manually pull the structure down with cables.

The Silverdome served as the Detroit Lions’ home until 2001. The failed implosion drew jokes from fans and sportswriters alike. Retired journalist Terry Foster humorously remarked on Twitter, "The Pontiac Silverdome did not implode this morning. I guess the building is not used to implosion on a Sunday until 1 pm."

Discover Detroit history every day of the year with our Today in Detroit History calendars! Just $25, printed in full color, right here in Michigan. Get yours at: https://www.detroithistorytours.com/new-products

12/02/2024

Today in Detroit History: December 2, 1830

Elizabeth Chandler organized Michigan's first-ever antislavery society, marking a significant step in the fight against slavery in the state. Chandler was also the first female writer in the United States to make the abolition of slavery her principal theme, using her voice and pen to advocate for justice and equality.

In 1825, at just 18 years old, her poignant poem, The Slave-Ship, was published and gained national attention. This led to an invitation from Benjamin Lundy, a prominent abolitionist and publisher, to contribute to his periodical, The Genius of Universal Emancipation. She not only wrote for the publication but also edited its Ladies' Repository section, appealing to women to support causes such as the humane treatment of Native Americans and the immediate emancipation of enslaved individuals.

Elizabeth Chandler's fearless advocacy and eloquent writing made her one of the most influential female voices of her era, leaving an enduring legacy in the fight for human rights and social justice.

Learn Detroit history every day of the year with our Today in Detroit History calendars! Only $25, printed in full color, right here in Michigan. Available here: https://www.detroithistorytours.com/new-products

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today marks the 98th running of America's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which first rolled down Woodward Avenue in 1924. It’s also the 34th anniversary of the great penguin escape of 1990.

Beloved cartoon character Chilly W***y the Penguin's giant parade balloon was caught by a gust of wind and escaped his handlers. The 30-foot-tall balloon flew over 35 miles before eventually making its way into Lake St. Clair, where it was spotted enjoying a swim.

Photo Credit: Detroit Free Press, November 1990.

Image Caption: Chilly W***y, a 30-foot-tall penguin balloon, blew away from Thursday's Michigan Thanksgiving parade. It was later discovered taking a dip in Lake St. Clair.

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3103 Commor
Hamtramck, MI
48212

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+13135397377

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http://www.detroithistorytours.com/

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Videos

Michigan Central Station Float!

Yellow Light Coffee and Donuts opens Friday!

🍩 Big news at Michigan Central Station! On the eve of their grand opening and the very first Friday of Winter at The Station, we’re thrilled to welcome Yellow Lights Coffee and Donuts to the station family. A huge thank you to Yellow Light for the warm hospitality—they treated our Detroit History Tours guides to some of the first-ever donuts devoured in their new space, and trust us, they’re every bit as incredible as the history here. Stop by, grab a coffee, and taste what everyone will be talking about! Michigan Central Station tours powered by Detroit History Tours are officially SOLD OUT for 2024! But don’t worry—you can still experience the magic of the station during Winter at The Station! ❄️ Tickets are just $10 on Fridays and FREE on Saturdays. Grab yours now at michigancentral.com Yellow Light Coffee & Donuts Michigan Central

Our animal friends at the Detroit zoo, a 1932 Detroit Freep press pictorial.

Check out this gem from The Detroit History Club's collection! "Our Animal Friends at the Detroit Zoo," was created in 1932 by The Detroit Free Press. It is a delightful piece of history and our copy was lovingly, and completely filled in by its original owner. We hope you’ll enjoy this video where our Executive Director, Bailey, shares the story behind this charming little book. Want to learn more about The Detroit History Club or join our adults-only History Scavenger Hunt at the Detroit Zoo on May 31st? Visit our website: https://www.detroithistoryclub.com/events/the-historic-detroit-zoo-scavenger-hunt

THE HISTORIC DETROIT ZOO SCAVENGER HUNT, Friday, May 31st, 2024. 6 PM to 9:30 PM. Adults only. 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! For more information or to secure tickets, please visit: https://www.detroithistoryclub.com/events/the-historic-detroit-zoo-scavenger-hunt

Lost and found at Michigan Central Station

We are always learning and exploring at The Detroit History Club. Today our Executive Director, Bailey, is deep in archive research examining what was lost and found at Michigan Central Station (the Detroit Train Station) nearly a century ago!

A short history bedtime story of the Detroit Lions fight song

A short history bedtime story of the Detroit Lions fight song: Gridiron Hero’s. Go Lions! #onepride