Preservation Detroit

Overview

Preservation Detroit is Detroit's oldest and largest architectural and cultural resource preservation organization. As the first Detroit recipient of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Honor Award, we have been working to honor Detroit's rich architectural and cultural heritage since 1975. Over the last three decades, the scope of Preservation Detroit has grown from the Wayne State campus to encompass the entire city, from historic homes to skyscrapers to sites of cultural significance. Please join us to ensure that Detroit's history is protected and celebrated for generations to come. Preservation Detroit also continues to celebrate Detroit’s past and current achievements through educational tours, lectures, and publications, promoting awareness and the discussion of public history. The organization holds more than 130 tours each year, on subjects ranging from architectural history to sculpture to the history of bootlegging. In addition, a free lecture series features guest speakers; past lectures have included the history of Brush Park, Art Deco in Detroit, and architect Leonard B. Willeke, to name a few. Recently, the organization commenced the digitization of its historic archives which contain photos, slides, blueprints, newspaper clippings, ephemera, and document collections related to specific Detroit buildings and neighborhoods. Rounding out efforts in education, advocacy, and awareness, Preservation Detroit provides a resource for press and other organizations seeking knowledge on Detroit’s history, development, architecture and culture. Preservation Detroit publicly speaks out to raise awareness about preservation issues in Detroit and strives to influence the preservation of Detroit’s ‘sense of place.