Event Date(s)Sunday, December 15 from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Event LocationMeets at 1 Hart Plaza (by the electronic sign)
Event DescriptionDetroit is called the "Motor City" for good reason. The city is synonymous with cars. Detroit put the world on wheels and totally revolutionized society. In fact, one can’t go very far in any direction without being reminded of this industry's enormous legacy, its continued presence, and the early pioneers who made it all happen. MotorCities Car Culture Tour covers significant and forgotten or little known Downtown and Midtown sites related to Detroit's automotive heritage. From the route Charles Brady King took when he drove the first car on the streets of Detroit to the birthplace of the Model T which changed the world, former Cass Avenue automobile dealerships - many selling cars whose names are unfamiliar today - which once dominated the Midtown area now occupied by trendy condos, restaurants, and retail shops to beautiful public art and architecture commissioned by wealthy industrialists or their heirs and much more. We'll talk about the role labor unions played in giving a voice to autoworkers and elevating the middle class into a powerful socio-economic demographic wielding incredible political and economic clout. Along our tour route, we'll encounter multiple examples of the ancillary new industries, organizations, and products the auto industry gave rise to such as lodging, insurance, travel clubs, car washes, the nation's first coast-to-coast highway organized here in Detroit, stop lights, concrete highways, etc. We'll see examples of massive culture shifts brought on by the auto industry such as a sense of self reliance and freedom once enjoyed primarily by the wealthy but now available to the masses, Sunday drives, affordable cars, one-stop-shopping, suburbanization, and more. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to rediscover Detroit's fascinating automotive heritage. This tour has been made possible in part by a grant from MotorCities National Heritage Area. Tour price includes transit tokens, admission to Ford Piquette Plant, and an early autoworkers favorite lunch - a coney dog and soft drink. Note: This is a walking tour with emphasis on walking although we do travel aboard the Detroit People Mover and QLine. Minimum attendees (4) are required for tour to be a go.Check your email or check back with City Tour Detroit 48 hours prior to tour for confirmation.
Event TitleAutomotive Showplace: 1934 Chrysler Airflow Sedan
Event Date(s)Now through August 2020
Event LocationDetroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit
Event DescriptionWidely criticized when it debuted for its bold snub-nosed look, the Airflow is now revered by historians as a quintessential representative of an entire movement in automotive styling: but it is not just a great body design. It also possesses a myriad of noteworthy engineering advances under its Art Deco façade. Completely restored by the Chrysler Corporation in 1952, this vehicle was donated to the Detroit Historical Museum in 1959, with 28,443 original miles on it. It recently underwent a cosmetic restoration with support from the MotorCities National Heritage Area.
Event DescriptionCar enthusiasts must put this event on their calendar! This event will be five miles of parties, car shows, and other community events. There will also be auto history displays throughout the five-mile stretch. This is a great event to enjoy food, family, friends, and car fanatics alike. The night will end with a concert and a drive-in movie.
Event LocationDetroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
Event DescriptionDo you want to celebrate the new year with the kids but end up falling asleep before midnight? Join our partners at the Detroit Historical Museum for Noon Year’s Eve! This event is a celebration to ring in the new year for parents and children who want to have some family fun. The event will have a DJ, complimentary drinks, cookies, and a balloon drop at noon. Tickets are $10 for adults and children.
Event LocationYankee Air Museum, 801 Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Event DescriptionJoin our partners at the Yankee Air Museum to visit the one and only Santa. His reindeer have taken the day off, so Santa will be flying in by helicopter thanks to the museum! The event will be free to the public and will include hands on activities with the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and the Leslie Science & Nature Center. Santa arrives at exactly 11 a.m. and will be around until 2 p.m.
