History Hounds™ Lecture Series
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Or call (800) 692-1828.
If you enjoy “sniffing out” and exploring Michigan’s most fascinating historical facets, join us for our evening series of in-depth lectures. The Historical Society of Michigan’s History Hounds™ Lecture Series allows attendees to delve into Michigan’s history and dig up a bone or two of new appreciation to take home.
- History Hounds is FREE for individual members of HSM. If you are not a member but would like to become one, see our membership page.
- Non-members are welcome to enjoy a lecture for $7.
- An HSM member organization has the option to live-stream the lecture for free for its members.
- Lectures start at 7 p.m. (unless noted) at the Meijer Education Center at the Historical Society of Michigan, 5815 Executive Dr., Lansing, Michigan. The lecture and Q&As usually last about an hour.
- Registration for each History Hounds lecture closes at 3 p.m. the day BEFORE the scheduled talk. Seating is limited. Walk-ins are welcome as long as seats are still available.
- Participants can “attend” remotely, if they prefer, through Zoom Video Communications and will be able to interact with the speaker and other attendees.*
- For in-person attendees, light refreshments will be available.
*For full interaction, microphone and webcam are required on your device. Instructions on how to remote-in to the workshop will be sent to attendees.
Wednesday,
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Invading Russia: The Polar Bear Expeditionwith Gordon Olson, Grand Rapids City Historian Emeritus
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Near the end of World War I, U.S. soldiers were sent to Russia to help stop the Bolshevik takeover. Today, American intervention in the Russian Civil War is nearly forgotten in the United States–as is the fact that many of the U.S. soldiers fighting there were Michigan men. |
Wednesday,
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Under the Waves: Remembering the Rockawaywith Kenneth Pott, Meijer Heritage Center
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In 1983, the wreck of the schooner Rockaway was discovered in 70 feet of water near South Haven. Archaeological fieldwork on the Rockaway would represent the first full-scale excavation of a historic shipwreck site on the American side of the Great Lakes. Learn about this fabulous find and its contribution to maritime history. |
Wednesday,
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Semper Fi: A Michigan Marine’s Journey From Detroit to Tokyo Baywith Christopher N. Blaker, Historical Society of Michigan
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During WWII, Eugene E. Parker Jr., a young Marine from Detroit, served as orderly to the legendary Navy Admiral William F. “Bull” Halsey. Parker participated in some of the Pacific War’s fiercest battles and witnessed the Japanese surrender on the battleship Missouri. Come hear the gripping story of Corporal Parker’s war experiences. |
Wednesday,
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Hear the Roar: The Detroit Tigers’ Talewith William Anderson, Ludington/Mason County Cultural Economic Development Task Force
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Four World Series championships. Eleven league pennants. Seven division titles. Since 1901, the Detroit Tigers have been one of baseball’s most exciting teams. The Tigers have fielded dynamic athletes and played a great many unforgettable games. Join us as we explore the Tigers’ storied history and remember how much baseball has changed. |
Wednesday,
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Idlewild: Michigan’s Premier African-American Resortwith Morris Thomas, Michigan State University
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In the days of racial segregation, the Idlewild Resort near Baldwin, in Lake County, was the Midwest’s most popular resort for African Americans. During its peak, 25,000 tourists would come to Idlewild, and entertainers who performed there represented a “Who’s Who” of African-American stars. Come to hear about this landmark of African-American heritage. |
Wednesday,
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Can You Dig It? Archaeology at Fort St. Josephwith Michael Nassaney, Western Michigan University
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In 1998, Western Michigan University (WMU) archaeologists located the long-lost site of Fort St. Joseph near present-day Niles. The French fort, trading post, and Jesuit mission was founded in 1691 and abandoned after the American Revolution. Come learn about WMU’s award-winning archaeology program and its latest discoveries about colonial life. |
Wednesday,
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The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgeraldwith John Beck, Heritage Christian Academy
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The S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald sank more than 40 years ago. Since then, the ship’s demise has been examined, explained, and explored. So is there anything left to learn about the shipwreck? Or has it all been said and done? John Beck will show that there is still plenty to learn. |
Wednesday,
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Riding the Rails: The Pere Marquette 1225 Locomotivewith Kevin P. Keefe, Author
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The Pere Marquette 1225 was just one of dozens of “Berkshire”-type steam locomotives. Most went to the scrapyards, but the 1225 survived as an outdoor exhibit at Michigan State University. This is the amazing story of the rebirth of the historic Berkshire locomotive and her becoming the real-life model for the Polar Express. |
Refunds will not be issued for cancellations less than one week before each lecture.
