Detroit Historical Society Gets $500,000 Grant

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The Ford Foundation has awarded a $500,000 grant to the Detroit Historical Society as part of the society's $20.1 million fundraising effort, the "Past>Forward Campaign."

The grant announced this week will be used to support exhibitions, public programming and other efforts during the fifth and final year of the campaign.

Bob Bury, executive director & CEO of the society, said the fundraising effort has already raised $18.5 million.

"Our future is both exciting and challenging, and we appreciate that the Ford Foundation has chosen to be a major part of it," Bury said in a statement. "We are perfectly positioned to be part of the larger transformation that is redefining Detroit -- and continuing to seek the funding needed to complete our campaign and ensure the long-term sustainability of our organization, while meeting the needs of our growing audience."

The Past>Forward Campaign has funded the $12 million renovation of the Detroit Historical Museum and the $2 million renovation of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle. It also has supported free admission at both museums and boosted other efforts.

For more information on the Detroit Historical Society, visit www.detroithistorical.org.

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