HISTORY

Believe it or not, green bean casserole hasn’t always been a Thanksgiving staple.

“Ghosts of Honolulu” is available everywhere books are sold.

“We’re a part of the fabric of Detroit”

You'll never see the Masonic Temple the same way again!

While some may find cemeteries a bit spooky, they are often beautiful, peaceful places full of art and history. Elmwood Cemetery, located on Detroit’s east side, is no exception.

We're celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day in the tastiest way!

Here are the 10 biggest by the number of striking workers, according to Statista.

The speech was a part of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, an event organized to advocate civil and economic rights for African-Americans.

An affordable housing developer uncovered the ruins of the third Bethel A.M.E. Church while working on a project in Midtown.

It has been 20 years since a massive blackout put 50 million people from Detroit to New York in the dark.

The largest single-day tornado outbreak ever recorded in Southeast Michigan history happened 26 years ago.

Awards are given to community members who maintain properties that preserve the building’s historical, cultural or architectural value for a decade or more.

Tuesday marks the anniversary of a significant discovery made in an ocean: Sept. 1 is the 35th anniversary of the remains of the Titanic being discovered in the Atlantic, an occasion that brought headlines around the world in 1985.

What do you think of when you hear the words “Kentucky Derby?”

Throughout May the Ypsilanti event space will host several events ranging from a Mother’s Day brunch to an old-fashioned game night.

Has it really been about 100 years since arguably America’s first true sports icon was in his heyday?

See how Local 4's iconic song 'Go 4 It' got started and how you can audition to be part of its comeback.

Each year on April 15 marks another Titanic Remembrance Day, a time to reflect on the lives lost when the famed ship sank into the North Atlantic’s icy waters back in 1912.

Sports are so powerful -- they transcend just the court, the mat or the field: They have the power to change lives.

While the weather this time of year may be annoying, it is perfect for one thing - making maple syrup! The sweet treat that pairs perfectly with pancakes actually has a long history in Michigan, and you can learn all about it at the Oakwoods Metropark in New Boston.

The National Register of Historic Places added 22 Michigan properties to the list last year.

With the first weekend of the Winter Olympics coinciding with the first weekend of Black History Month, it’s a good time to look back at how both Olympic and Black history was made 20 years ago this month at the Winter Games.

Whether you feel like you have a strong understanding of black history, or you're working to learn more, we've assembled 10 facts, or anecdotes, from history.com, to help you grow your knowledge base.

It all started with one week in 1926, when one organization chose the second week of February to promote the achievements by Black Americans and other people of African descent.

Happy 186th birthday, Michigan! You look great. Honestly, you don’t look a day over 125. What’s your secret? Pilates? Whatever it is, keep it up. It’s working.

It’s been 45 years since a powerful blizzard dropped more than a foot of snow in Southeast Michigan, establishing itself as one of the more memorable weather events in recent history.

Ryan Turell could be the first to do something that no one’s ever done before.

National Michigan Day is Jan. 18.

Tuesday marks the anniversary of one of the most significant days in U.S. and world history, a day that still lives in infamy, 80 years later.

Dec. 7, 2022 marks the 81st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

When you enter the Hudson’s holiday exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum, you’re greeted by a large photo of Mr. John Williams.

It has been 47 years since the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior.

It has been 46 years since the Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior.

Observed annually on November 11, the federal holiday honors the men and women who serve and who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

60 years ago, the Ford Rotunda in Dearborn, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the U.S., burned down in less than an hour.

We’re celebrating WDIV’s 75th anniversary in Detroit television with a treasure trove of classic station stories, specials, promos and interviews.

Local 4 meteorologist Paul Gross is sharing a photo and a story from when he got his start at the station as we prepare to showcase a special 75th anniversary special for WDIV.

As the tallest building in Downtown Detroit, the Renaissance Center has dominated the city’s skyline for more than four decades ... but what did the city look like before the enormous building was erected?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to learn more: For some, more about your own heritage, or for others, perhaps another culture.

I recently had the privilege of working on what I consider to be one of the coolest stories I’ve done in my entire 40-year career here at Local 4.

A wall built in Detroit in 1941 to racially segregate Black and white neighborhoods has received historic designation from the state of Michigan.

Take a trip back in time with the women who lived through WWII and contributed to the war effort from Southeast Michigan.

The museum on Wednesday released renderings of the final project that will sit behind the Hitsville U.S.A. building in Detroit’s New Center neighborhood

Do you have grandparents or parents who swear not to wear white from after Labor Day Weekend to Memorial Day Weekend? Well, the fashion rule that seems to be fading holds some history.

A document considered to be the crown jewel of the University of Michigan library collection has been exposed as a fake.

Sixty-seven years ago today, the first edition of “The Guinness Book of Records” was published.

The city of Pontiac is honoring a woman who started life enslaved in Macomb County and then did something no Black person had ever done before, purchase her own property.

The event is free and open to the public.

Those little stickers actually have roots that go all the way back to the 1800s, when voting wasn’t a secret and cities and towns threw huge parties to get people to turn out to vote.

Jiu-Hwa Lo Upshur has given three major gifts to EMU totaling $1 million.

From July 21-23 and July 28-30, participants will work with professional archaeologists to dig up a survey site and excavate artifacts to learn about historical activity.

The last person to face the death penalty in Michigan was executed 84 years ago by the federal government.

This week marks the 25th anniversary of one of southeast Michigan’s most notable tornado events.

On June 28, 1990, Nelson Mandela visited Detroit and spoke to a massive crowd at Tiger Stadium, just months after being freed from prison in South Africa.

Ontario Canada is just across the Detroit River and is home to many wineries, restaurants, and a historical village you need to check out. We spoke to the experts at Destination Ontario to learn more about Fort Maldon.

“Do you believe that modern-day slavery exists?” Cassimy asked Seydi Sarr. “It has always existed,” Sarr replied.

Neighborhoods throughout Metro Detroit are celebrating Juneteenth with festivals, art and music.

The Allied invasion of the Nazi-held French coast at Normandy is widely regarded as one of the most important military operations in history.

Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo each year, but the holiday isn't as popular in Mexico as it is in the U.S. Here's why.

It’s safe to say the entirety of the Detroit Tigers fanbase is proud of Miguel Cabrera for becoming one of only dozens in the league to reach 3,000 hits during a home game Saturday.

Nestled into what are now parks, picnic spots and soccer fields are the scattered remnants of an era gone by. The left behind ruins of when Detroit was on the literal front lines of the Cold War.

The Detroit Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera has made baseball history Saturday, becoming the 33rd player to ever reach 3,000 hits and the first-ever Venezuelan player to do it -- and his fans couldn’t be more excited for him.

Nestled into what are now parks, picnic spots and soccer fields are the scattered remnants of an era gone by. The left behind ruins of when Detroit was on the literal front lines of the Cold War.

Though Easter has been around for centuries, some of its most popular traditions have not been.

Across Metro Detroit, there are relics from the Cold War hiding in plain sight.

A piece of Detroit history that was nearly torn down has been made new again, and is ready to be seen by visitors at Greenfield Village in Dearborn.

The Schvitz is rich with history dating back to the 1930s, and nearly a century later, you can still visit the bathhouse in Detroit to relax. However, now you can also grab a meal while you’re there.

Have you ever wanted to own a piece of the Mackinac Bridge? This auction is for you!

Two burial sites in Birmingham’s Greenwood Cemetery have been recognized by the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

While the weather this time of year may be annoying, it is perfect for one thing - making maple syrup! The sweet treat that pairs perfectly with pancakes actually has a long history in Michigan, and you can learn all about it at the Oakwoods Metropark in New Boston.

March marks Women’s History Month, and the world has spent the past few weeks highlighting and remembering some of the most famous achievements by women throughout the course of history.

In the wake of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer’s retirement announcement in January, President Joe Biden has nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson to be his replacement.

St. Patrick’s Day is here! How much do you know about the holiday, beyond the green beer? Do you know anything about St. Patrick himself, or why we celebrate?

Rising gasoline prices across the U.S. are setting new records, adding to financial hardships that many are already facing amid the pandemic and high inflation.

What happened at Oakland Hills Country Club is devastating for its members, the Metro Detroit golf community and the entire golf world.

Tuesday marks the start of Women’s History Month, a time to commemorate and celebrate the vital role of women in American history.

In this segment of our History 4 All special, we’re taking a look back at “The Scene”: A TV show that showcased Detroit’s spirit and culture in the 1970s.

In this segment of our History 4 All special, we’re talking about the Jim Dandy Ski Club, the nation’s first-ever Black ski club.

In this segment of our History 4 All special, we’re sitting down with brothers and teammates Gemel and Givani Smith, who have made history together in the NHL as Detroit Red Wings.

In this segment of our History 4 All special, we’re visiting Idlewild on Michigan’s west side: A former summer vacation hotspot for Black Americans before the Civil Rights Movement.

In this segment of our History 4 All special, we’re discussing the modern day effort to restrict voting rights following the 2020 presidential election.

In this segment of our History 4 All special, we’re learning about the Green Book and how it was used as a guide by Black people traveling in the U.S. before the Civil Rights Movement.

Michael Rosato knew he had an incredibly important assignment on his hands when he was commissioned to paint a Harriet Tubman mural in Cambridge, Maryland.

Valentine’s Day -- the holiday made for a Hallmark movie. At least that’s what it seems like now. But it wasn’t always so closely associated with roses and teddy bears.

The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History revealed its upcoming schedules for spring break, the planetarium and tours.

Now that February is officially here, we can say it: Happy Black History Month.

Take a look at what was inside of King Tut's final resting place

It’s been 44 years since a powerful blizzard dropped more than a foot of snow in Southeast Michigan, establishing itself as one of the more memorable weather events in recent history.

Happy 184th birthday, Michigan! You look great. Honestly, you don't look a day over 125. What's your secret? Pilates? Whatever it is, keep it up. It's working.

The June 1963 march in Detroit was, at the time, the largest civil rights demonstration in U.S. history, with 125,000 marching down Woodward Avenue.

Why do we cheers with champagne on New Year’s Eve?

It’s a holiday tradition for families around the world -- putting up the tree. But why do we do it?

For decades, there were stories of the Christmas Day Truce of 1914 -- and a recently-found letter tells that story well.

59 years ago, the Ford Rotunda in Dearborn, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the U.S., burned down in less than an hour.

Now, the original treasure will shine bright for all to see as it will be part of the University of Michigan’s William L. Clements Library collection.

The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 -- ah, seems like just yesterday!

Each year, our nation commemorates Veterans Day on Nov. 11, to pay tribute to all American veterans -- living or dead -- but especially to those who served our country honorably during war or peacetime.

The event will take place on Friday, Nov. 19.

59 years ago, the Ford Rotunda in Dearborn, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the U.S., burned down in less than an hour.

While some may find cemeteries a bit spooky, they are often beautiful, peaceful places full of art and history. Elmwood Cemetery, located on Detroit’s east side, is no exception.