Neighbor News
Detroit Tank Arsenal is highlighted in new program series
The impact of the Detroit Tank Arsenal is highlighted in Making Macomb: A Journey Through 200 Years
The Detroit Tank Arsenal takes center stage on Saturday, March 17, at 1 p.m. during the Lorenzo Cultural Center’s Making Macomb: A Journey Through 200 Years, a program series celebrating Macomb County’s bicentennial. John Lind, local historian and director of the Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum, will discuss the historical impact of the Detroit Tank Arsenal and the ongoing role Macomb County plays in outfitting today’s military.
Built in 1940, the Detroit Tank Arsenal was responsible for the assembly of approximately 25,000 tanks that were sent overseas during World War II. Lind will discuss how the arsenal came about, how it helped America gain its footing in the war and what the arsenal meant after the war.
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“Macomb County is the defense corridor of America,” said Lind. “People from all over the world come to see what we produce here in Macomb every day.”
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Making Macomb: A Journey Through 200 Years, Feb. 28 through May 5, is held at the Lorenzo Cultural Center on the college’s Center Campus in Clinton Township. The program series consists of presentations on the history and development of Macomb County complemented by a variety of exhibits in the cultural center’s Discovery Hall. The presentations range from an examination of early Native American influences in the area to modern day impacts such as Selfridge Air National Guard Base. The accompanying exhibits give visitors a view of Macomb’s past through artifacts, displays and interpretative panels including a scale replica of the Gratiot Drive-In and iconic vehicles including the locally built military M37 transport and the 1950 Ford F150. Artifacts include personal belongings of the county’s namesake, Alexander Macomb, and other items representing significant places and events in the county’s history. Also included is a traveling exhibit from the Arab American National Museum highlighting some of the stories of one of the newer groups of immigrants to Macomb County.
While the presentations and exhibits are open to the public free of charge, preregistration is required for the presentations by calling 586.445.7348 or by emailing [email protected]. No registration is required to visit the exhibits. The cultural center is open Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
For a complete listing of all Making Macomb: A Journey Through 200 Years programming visit www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com.
About the Lorenzo Cultural Center
The Lorenzo Cultural Center (www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com) provides interactive learning opportunities for all ages, extending student discovery beyond classroom walls and creating multi-faceted experiences for community members to explore the influences and experiences that shape our community’s heritage.
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to nearly 40,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded by community colleges and is the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.
