The inaugural Grosse Pointe History Day that took place on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at Ford House was a success thanks to all of you! 

Some highlights:

• There were approximately 40 student-led projects on display and more than 75 students that presented, including

  • Second graders from Maire Elementary School

  • Fifth graders from Grosse Pointe Academy

  • Eighth and 10th graders from University Liggett School

• Twenty-nine students were honored for their work and will receive a financial award

• The second grade class at Maire will be awarded with a pizza party!

• Teacher sponsors included:

  • Chris Hemler, Cynthia N. Ford Chair of History and Social Studies, University Liggett School

  • Dayun Marjanovic, 5th Grade Social Studies, Grosse Pointe Academy

  • Sarah Neely, 2nd Grade Teacher, Maire Elementary School

  • Michelle Totin, 10th Grade History/Social Studies, University Liggett School

• At least 200 family and community members were in attendance, including:

  • Event host and Program Book Sponsor, Ford House's President and CEO, Mark Heppner and Director of Education, Jason Dake

  • Representatives from our sponsors: The War Memorial (Gold), Grosse Pointe Academy (Gold), Grosse Pointe News (Silver), and University Liggett School (In-kind)

  • Silver Sponsors Ron and Mary Lamparter

  • Members of Sigma Gamma Association and the Detroit Institute for Children

• Nine community members were volunteer judges, including:

  • Betsy Alexander, The War Memorial Historic Education Coordinator

  • The Honorable Charles T. Berschback, City of Grosse Pointe Farms Municipal Judge

  • The Honorable David Draper, City of Grosse Pointe Municipal Judge

  • The Honorable Russell Ethridge, Retired City of Grosse Pointe Municipal Judge

  • John Farris, Wayne RESA Social Studies Consultant

  • The Honorable Carl F. Jarboe, City of Grosse Pointe Park Municipal Judge

  • David Lamb, Grosse Pointe Public Library Reference Librarian

  • The Honorable Theodore A. Metry, City of Grosse Pointe Woods Municipal Judge

  • Barney Nowicki, Grosse Pointe Historical Society Board Member

• David Hales, Michigan History Day Senior Manager, Historical Society of Michigan, assisted the judges and the judging process.

• The entire Ford House and Continental team were excellent hosts and provided delicious food!

The following students and projects from Grosse Pointe History Day received honors at the Michigan History Day competition:

• First Place: Youth Individual Documentary | Elliott Hemler (University Liggett School)

• Best Entry in Use of Primary Sources | Elliott Hemler (University Liggett School)

• National Finalist: Senior Group Exhibit | Annabel Klaasen, Teresa Romanelli, Zaire Polk (University Liggett School)

• Best Entry in African American History | Oliver Lindow, Reagan Rochert (Grosse Pointe Academy)

• Best Entry in Michigan History | Leighton Maltby, Enzo Rossi (University Liggett School)