DETROIT – The Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle marked its 65th anniversary Saturday, drawing families from across the region to celebrate Detroit’s rich maritime history.
Visitors toured exhibits packed with artifacts, photographs and stories tracing the region’s deep connection to the Great Lakes and the Detroit River.
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For Douglas Dossin, whose family helped fund the museum, the milestone was deeply personal.
“I remember the groundbreaking day. I was in short pants. My cousin and I had the shovel,” Dossin said.
The celebration also resonated with longtime visitors who have their own memories tied to the museum. Terry Russell, visiting from St. Clair Shores, reflected on what the place has meant across generations.
“A long long time ago I was here with my father,” Russell said.
For Rick Sanchez and Pauline Solano of Woodhaven, the museum holds an even more intimate memory — their daughter was married in front of its iconic stained glass window in 2019.
Tracy Irwin, Chief Exhibition and Enrichment Officer, said the museum fills a unique role in telling the city’s story.
“We’re really the only institution that tells specifically Detroit stories. We tell Detroit stories and why they matter,” Irwin said.
Painting a future
Beyond touring exhibits, visitors had the chance to contribute to the museum’s future by painting sections of a mural that will be displayed inside the museum.
“Hopefully a generation from now, somebody will be talking to their grandkids and say, ‘Hey, I was a part of that,’” Irwin said.
Steve Till of the Antique Outboard Motor Club said events like Saturday’s celebration serve a critical purpose for younger audiences.
“It keeps it alive for the younger generations because the younger generations need to know about all of this. This is what makes Detroit Detroit,” Till said.
The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday on Belle Isle. For more information on hours, admission and upcoming events, visit the Dossin Great Lakes Museum website.