A major highlight of the museum’s makeover is ‘Built by the River’ exhibit in the John A. and Marlene L. Boll Foundation Gallery that highlights the ways in which residents of Detroit have been using the rivers and lakes to build industries, engage neighbours and pursue recreational passions.
A large display simulating a speedboat racing down the Detroit River and re-creation of an 18th century canoe to climb in and experience the feelings of early settlers to the region are featured in the exhibit. In addition, the Detroit River Watch webcam has been reinstalled in a new interactive kiosk and upgraded to include higher definition images with the support of Strategic Staffing Solutions.
A new temporary exhibit River’s Roar in the museum’s Great Lakes Gallery will offer an overview of the history of hydroplane racing in Detroit. Visitors will also get to see some of their favorite boats, and revisit the legendary days of Gar Wood, Guy Lombardo, Wild Bill Cantrell, Fred Alter, Bill Muncey and Chip Hanauer.
The Museum’s other well-known attractions which have also been renovated include the Gothic Room from the city of Detroit III in Polk Family Hall; the Miss Pepsi championship hydroplane featured in its own pavilion; the Oliver Dewey Marcks Theater; the William Clay Ford Pilot House; and an array of treasures outside the walls of the Museum that include the bow anchor from the Edmund Fitzgerald, two War of 1812-era cannons, a U.S. Coast Guard utility
boat, and more.
The Detroit Historical Society’s Belle Isle attraction, the Detroit River and the Great Lakes, have been closed to the public since 2 December 2012 for renovation.
