Detroit Historical Society asks council to continue $2 million in annual support and fund $1.5M in capital repairs

Ilana Ruh, president and CEO of the Detroit Historical Society, told the council that the nonprofit operates the Detroit Historical Museum, the Dawson Great Lakes Museum and the Collections Resource Center and cares for nearly 300,000 artifacts. She said the society has grown membership and programming, delivered “more than 20 new or refreshed exhibits” in the last 12 months and reached a record membership base.

Ruh said the society is asking the council to continue $2,000,000 a year in operating support and to provide $1.5 million in new capital dollars to protect city‑owned museum buildings, preserve the collections and ensure safe, functional workplaces for staff. “These are the most urgent capital investments that we feel we need to protect the public assets,” she said.

Rodney Diehl, the society’s vice president for education and outreach, described expanded school partnerships and programs. He said the society expects renewed partnership agreements with the Detroit Public Schools Community District and that about 15,000…