Old Glory Returns to Detroit’s Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Building

Tomorrow, for the first time in over 50 years, Old Glory returns to Detroit’s Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Building. On Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 1:30 p.m., a special ceremony will take place as the United States Flag is once again raised over the GAR Building at 1942 Grand River Avenue. An exciting
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150 Years Ago Today, the 24th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Marched Out of Detroit and Into History

150 years ago today, my Great Great Grandfather Abner Delos Austin, as a newly-enlisted 16-year-old private in the 24th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, marched out of Detroit and into history. At 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 29, 1862, to the cheers of thousands of onlookers, he and his regiment marched out of Camp Barns (located at
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Detroit’s Newly Purchased Grand Army of the Republic Hall – GAR Building to Be Renovated

One of Detroit’s most notable Civil War landmarks, the historic Grand Army of the Republic Hall at Cass and Grand River, is soon to receive a new lease on life thanks to a plan from a Detroit media firm. It took nearly six years, but downtown Detroit’s castle-like building originally used by Union Civil War
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Coming to PBS in November: “The Michigan Experience: The American Civil War Years”

Coming to your local PBS station this month is “The Michigan Experience: The American Civil War Years”, a Michigan-based production from Executive Producers Rodney W. Brown, Leon Collins, and Donna Ullrich and iMichigan Productions (iMp) in East Lansing. As the descendant of two Michigan Civil War soldiers, I am thrilled that this statewide broadcast will
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Genealogy Pros to Present at the Plymouth Historical Museum

Kathy Petlewski and Ceil Wendt-Jensen, two professional veteran genealogists, will be presenting at the Plymouth Historical Museum on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. Located in downtown Plymouth in the heart of the cultural campus, the museum has plenty of convenient free parking. The all-day event will include lunch and access to the current
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I was Honored to Speak at the Michigan Historical Museum “Plowshares into Swords” Civil War Sesquicentennial Exhibit Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

During the kick-off of the Michigan Civil War Sesquicentennial on April 12, 2011, the 150th anniversary of the Confederate firing on Fort Sumter, I was honored to speak at the ribbon-cutting for the new exhibit at the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing. “Plowshares to Swords” is a special exhibit exploring how the Civil War changed
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Michigan Historical Museum “Plowshares into Swords” Civil War Sesquicentennial Exhibit Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

As we kick off the Michigan Civil War Sesquicentennial next week, I am so very blessed to have the opportunity to speak at the ribbon-cutting for the new exhibit at the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing on Tuesday, April 12th. I encourage everyone to visit this important new exhibit and all of the exciting living
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“Born Killers: The Iron Brigade” Tomorrow on the History Channel

“Born Killers: The Iron Brigade” will be presented on the History Channel tomorrow, March 1, 2011 at 7 a.m. EST as part of its Civil War Journal series. Don’t miss it!

Detroit’s Historic Fort Wayne Needs Your Vote to Receive a National Trust for Historic Places Grant

Historic Fort Wayne Coalition Vice-Chairman Bob Hovansian has entered Historic Fort Wayne into a National Trust for Historic Places Grant Community Challenge worth $25,000. The money is being petitioned for the rehabilitation of the 1905 Post Headquarters building. Through Mr. Hovansian’s tireless efforts, the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition has made it past three phases of
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“Home, Sweet Home / There’s No Place Like Home” Now Available

Just in time for Christmas, I’ve released a medley of timeless holiday favorites “Home, Sweet Home” and “There’s No Place Like Home”. The song is available for streaming and purchase on Spotify, Apple Music / iTunes, Amazon Music, Pandora, and more. You can click below to view the music video. I first became familiar with
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