Ypsilanti Historical Society: Preserving Michigan's Local Heritage
Founded in 1961, the Ypsilanti Historical Society (YHS) serves as the primary guardian of the rich cultural and civic history of Ypsilanti, Michigan. By operating both a museum and a comprehensive archive, the society ensures that the stories of the community—from its early settlers to its industrial milestones—are preserved for future generations.
The Historic 1860 Dow House
The center of the society's operations is the Ypsilanti Historical Museum, housed in the Historic 1860 Dow House. This Victorian Italianate mansion—a style characterized by ornate brackets and low-pitched roofs—was originally built for Asa and Minerva Dow. Asa Dow was a prominent figure who moved to the city to serve as the first president of the Ypsilanti Savings Bank.
The home's history is marked by both tragedy and transformation. Following the death of Minerva Dow in 1864 under unknown circumstances, Asa sold the property and returned to Chicago. Minerva became only the second person interred at the newly established Highland Cemetery. By 1922, the mansion had been converted into at least six separate apartments, leading to a period of significant disrepair.
In 1966, the City of Ypsilanti purchased the Dow House and other stately homes on North Huron Street, intending to create a local version of Ann Arbor's Arborland. However, this plan sparked a community boycott, which ultimately became the catalyst for the creation of the Ypsilanti Historic District. The Ypsilanti Historical Society officially took possession of the house in 1970.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Museum Highlights and Exhibits
Today, the Dow House functions as a traditional house museum, with rooms curated to reflect different eras of local life:
- The Parlor: Styled to reflect the 1880s.
- The Sitting Room: Styled to reflect the late 1920s.
- The Solarium: An original feature of the house, featuring a slatted floor for watering plants and a roof vent for temperature control.
- The Library: Home to a stained glass window crafted by Tiffany Studios (a distinct entity from Tiffany & Co.), which originally belonged to the Starweather Ladies Library.
- Additional Spaces: A dining room, an early 20th-century kitchen, and a second-floor bedroom.
The Rudisill-Fletcher-White Archives
The society manages a vast repository of records known as the Rudisill-Fletcher-White Archives. Originally located in the property's carriage house, the archives moved in 2007 to a renovated basement in the main house. The facility was renamed in honor of former YHS President Alvin Rudisill, who was instrumental in securing funding for the project.
The archives were significantly expanded when the position of Ypsilanti City Historian was discontinued. Upon the retirement of Foster Fletcher, the City of Ypsilanti Archives—previously housed at the Downtown Ypsilanti Public Library—were transferred to the YHS. Much of the current collection is the result of the dedicated work of former city historians Louis S. White and Foster Fletcher.
The facility is equipped with a reading room, meeting space, and a specialized storage room with controlled temperature and humidity to protect delicate documents.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Collections and Digital Access
The archives cover a wide array of subjects, including the history of Ypsilanti City and Township, Eastern Michigan University, the Willow Run Bomber Plant, and local school districts (Lincoln Consolidated and Ypsilanti Community Schools). Available materials include:
- Family Bibles, maps, atlases, and city/county directories.
- Postcards, yearbooks, and news clippings.
- Ypsilanti newspapers on microfilm.
- Tax assessment rolls and civil/criminal dockets.
In a partnership with the University of Michigan Library's Digital Library Production Service, the society has digitized over 17,500 photographs, making them available to the public online.
Community Impact and Recognition
The Ypsilanti Historical Museum is a proud member of the MotorCities National Heritage Area, linking the city's history to the broader industrial legacy of the region.
Since 1973, the society has published Ypsilanti Gleanings, a quarterly publication. This newsletter was recognized with the 2009 State History Award for "Communications: Newsletters and Websites" by the Historical Society of Michigan. The publication is now digitally archived and searchable via the society's website and the Internet Archive.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1961 |
| Location | 220 N Huron St, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197 |
| Current President | Bill Nickels |
| Primary Site | Historic 1860 Dow House |
| Key Publication | Ypsilanti Gleanings (est. 1973) |
| Digital Assets | 17,500+ digitized photographs |
Key Facts
- The society is headquartered in the Dow House, a Victorian Italianate mansion built in 1860.
- The Rudisill-Fletcher-White Archives houses records on the Willow Run Bomber Plant and local educational institutions.
- Over 17,500 photographs have been digitized through a collaboration with the University of Michigan.
- The Ypsilanti Gleanings newsletter won a State History Award in 2009.
- The society's efforts helped lead to the creation of the Ypsilanti Historic District.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Dow House?
The Dow House is a Victorian Italianate mansion built in 1860 for Asa Dow, the first president of the Ypsilanti Savings Bank. It now serves as the Ypsilanti Historical Museum and is a key landmark in the Ypsilanti Historic District.
What can be found in the Rudisill-Fletcher-White Archives?
The archives contain a vast collection of local history, including family Bibles, maps, tax rolls, criminal dockets, and records pertaining to Eastern Michigan University and the Willow Run Bomber Plant.
How can I access Ypsilanti's historical photographs?
The Ypsilanti Historical Society has collaborated with the University of Michigan Library to make over 17,500 digitized photographs available to the public online.
What is Ypsilanti Gleanings?
It is the society's quarterly publication, established in 1973, which provides historical insights into the community. It is available in digital, searchable formats on the society's website and the Internet Archive.
Who was Alvin Rudisill?
Alvin Rudisill was a former President of the Ypsilanti Historical Society and an influential local figure who spearheaded the funding for the archives that now bear his name.