Take a look at some of our past programs
The Genesee County Historical Society strives to offer unique, entertaining, and informative programs to our members and the public. Our events are always well-attended and highly praised. (Of course, if you are a member, you get first dibs on tickets! So if you like what you see here make sure to join!)
|
Remembering Flint Central, we believe it needs to be remembered for the greatness it was and the remarkable legacy it created. Luckily so did young filmmaker Lance Johnson...so he did something about it. He created a magnificent bit of cinematic history and the result is the film “Remembering Flint Central”. Genesee County Historical Society proudly showcased this amazing story to a sold out crowd. Held at the NCG's Trillium Theater in Grand Blanc, the event was so popular we opened up a second viewing. Learn more about the event...
|
|
Hidden Heroes of the Vehicle City, is a salute to the amazing number and array of influential and noteworthy folks that Flint and Genesee County has produced. True legends, a few of the names include Clarence "Kelly" Johnson, second only in importance to the Wright brothers in aviation history; Frank Price, Hollywood entertainment guru, father of the television mini-series, and Oscar-award winner; Harlow Curtice, Time's Man of the Year in 1955 for his successes with General Motors; the incomparable Betty Carter, improvisational jazz singer who started her own label in 1970...
The list goes on and on and on and on..... How could one community produce so many remarkable people? |
|
A Salute to Flint's Coney Culture, a milestone event celebrating one of Flint's most important iconic symbols: The coney island restaurant and the Flint-style coney! Our beloved "coney islands" have inspired songs, poems, stories, and hungry stomachs for late night feasts. Another SOLD OUT program! Learn more about the event...
|
|
A Salute to Music of Flint and Genesee County, with special guest, Sam Thompson, former music industry executive and chief of security for Elvis Presley. An amazing--and surprising--review of the large number of talented singers and musicians that came out of our area. Learn more about the event...
|
|
Straight Outta Hollywood: Ernie Gilbert, Emmy and Annie Award Winning Animator
Did you know that Ernie grew up on the Eastside of Flint!? And that his Flint roots have worked their way into his animation? Smart, witty, and humble, Ernie is a great guy, and had a lot of fascinating stories to tell! Learn more about the event... |
|
Unraveling Fact or Fiction: Genesee County Homes on the Underground Railroad
Presenter Carol Bacak-Egbo is a nationally and regionally known historian, archeologist and educator and part of the Oakland County Historical Commission. She has done extensive investigation on this topic in Oakland County and has now turned her eye on their next-door neighbor, Genesee County, its Anti-Slavery Society, well-known abolitionists, and the purported “stations” along the Railroad. We learned how to interpret a variety of historical sources including maps, census records and deeds, and analyze and evaluate historical evidence. It was a great program for historians and genealogists alike. Learn more about the event... |
|
The Boys Under the Hood, America and the world were irrevocably changed by the actions of a small band of innovators, entrepreneurs, and business and engineering virtuosos, and at least one bona fide genius, all operating out of a non-descript midwestern city. The business they built was largely responsible for inventing the middle class, the progenitor of the ‘American Century’, transformed manufacturing and invented an entire industry upon which the fate of the American Republic would rise and fall. Indeed, their brainchild became the vaunted American ‘Arsenal of Democracy”, defeating Hitler and the Nazis, Imperial Japan, and winning WWII. The ‘Boys’ in question had names like Durant, Mott, Dort, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Nash and Champion. The business was named General Motors. The city was called Flint. This program is a GCHS classic. Learn more about the program...
|
|
Sit-Down to Shut Down - In the frozen winter, at the end of December 1936, local autoworkers made their first stand with the UAW, when they shut down Flint Fisher Body Plant #1. Quickly, the movement spread to other plant locations, leading to violent clashes with the police and the eventual involvement of the National Guard. The eight decade war between General Motors and the UAW is one of the most impactful and poorly understood episodes in American history. 'Sit-Down to Shut Down' in an engaging presentation that explores its ongoing cultural ramifications. Learn more about the program...
|
|
From Jim Crow to CEO: The Willie E. Artis Story - Coming from the Jim Crow South, to the North, was a journey of overcoming obstacles, going over, around, and sometimes directly through distractions and walls. His single-minded focus, that "anyone can make it in America,” has been an inspiration and instruction manual.
Willie navigated the Jim Crow system, the inner workings of the Chicago labyrinth, and alighted in to The Vehicle City, smarter, stronger, and ready to roll. He parlayed that stance in to a multi-million dollar packaging empire, emerging as a community and business leader, Chief Executive Officer, and overwhelming economic giant. Along the way, he traveled with the likes of B.B. King, and became a valued partner with top companies, as well as the Obama Administration. |
|
The 16th Michigan Infantry in the Civil War - Kim Crawford, who retired after 28 years as a reporter at The Flint Journal, was at the Genesee County Historical Society, discussing his re-released and updated book, "The 16th Michigan Infantry in the Civil War".
On the hot summer evening of July 2, 1863, at the climax of the struggle for a Pennsylvania hill called Little Round Top, four Confederate regiments charge up the western slope, attacking the smallest and most exposed of their Union foe: the 16th Michigan Infantry. Terrible fighting has raged, but what happens next will ultimately—and unfairly—stain the reputation of one of the Army of the Potomac’s veteran combat outfits, made up of men from Detroit, Saginaw, Ontonagon, Hillsdale, Lansing, Adrian, Plymouth, and Albion. Read more... |
|
From Mexico to Michigan - Genesee County Historical Society presented From Mexico to Michigan at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, celebrating Mexican culture with food, history, and story telling.
The event included a cooking demonstration, where people learned how to make authentic enchiladas! There was also a short presentation about the immigration history to Michigan and stories from a local, Flint-Mexican family. |
|
Flint Modern Event - Presentation and Tour of two iconic Flint Modern Homes. The Saxton residence was designed by architect Alden B. Dow, and the Waller residence, which was designed by architect Quentin Garland. This program was a joint effort between the Genesee County Historical Society and the American Institute of Architects, Flint. |
