Happy 310th Birthday Detroit! Metro-Area Malls and Museums Host Parties to Celebrate

The City of Detroit is turning 310 years old and to celebrate, the Detroit Historical Society is planning a series of birthday parties at malls and museums throughout Metro Detroit.

“As an institution, we are best-suited to celebrating the founding of the city of Detroit,” said Bob Bury, CEO of the Detroit Historical Society, in a release. “This year, we’re excited to expand our festivities into the tri-county area to unite our region in the celebration.”

Macomb Mall on Gratiot in Roseville will play host to one of these celebrations 1-4 p.m. today in Kohl’s Court. No RSVP is necessary and everyone is invited.

The celebration will include cupcakes, Detroit history and children’s activities, one of which encourages kids to put their imagination and innovation to the test by designing a flying car.

The party continues on Sunday when the Detroit Historical Museum, located at 5401 Woodward Ave., opens its doors with free admission.

The public is invited to the museum 1-4 p.m. Sunday to enjoy activities featuring Kidz Art Zone Crafts, the Pettibone Native American Tribe and the French Canadian Heritage Society.

At 1 p.m., visitors can also attend a free screening of Regional Roots: The Birth and Evolution of Detroit and its People, with a presentation by the documentary's director, Carrie Lezotte.

Admission, and cake while it lasts, is free.

Other locations joining the birthday celebration include:

Saturday

• The Northland Center, located at 21500 Northwestern Highway in Southfield, will welcome visitors to test their knowledge in a Detroit-themed trivia contest at 1-4 p.m. Answer questions to win passes to the Detroit Historical Museum.
• The Fairlane Town Center, located at 18900 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn, will invite families to participate in the festivities as storyteller Linda Boston leads an immersive presentation focusing on the Underground Railroad at noon-3 p.m. The audience will discover the role that the Detroit River and the people of Detroit played in this important time in American history. After the presentation, families can enjoy cupcakes and snacks. 
• The Westland Shopping Center, located at 35000 W. Warren in Westland, will feature the Dodworth Duo performing Americana songs at 1-4 p.m. as visitors enjoy cookies by Mrs. Fields.

Sunday

• The Dossin Great Lakes Museum, located at 100 Strand Drive on Belle Isle, will offer free cupcakes, while they last, at noon-2 p.m.
• The Somerset Collection in Troy, located at 2800 W. Big Beaver Road in Troy, will feature the Dodworth Duo singing a program of classic Americana tunes at noon-3 p.m. Guests will receive vouchers for free soda pop at the Detroit Shoppe. Those who make purchases up to a specified value at the Detroit Shoppe Sunday will be instructed to take their receipts to the Somerset concierge to receive a pass worth free admission to the Detroit Historical Museum.