Windmill Point
Grosse Pointe Historical Society
Local History Brought to Life!

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Painted By William House - Click to Learn More
Society Windmilll LogoThe Grosse Pointe Historical Society was organized in 1945 to promote the preservation of our local heritage and to share that knowledge with the community. The Society's logo represents the 18th century French windmill which stood on Windmill Pointe.

The Society works to make the history of our exceptional community vital, relevant, and accessible. Through our programs, facilities, and events, we bring history to life and protect historic artifacts so that we all can experience the past first hand. Join Us

News

Pointes of History Walking Tour: Saturday September 13. Led by Scott Vandemergel, the one hour tour will leave the Provencal-Weir House promptly at 2pm. Please join us to view historically significant buildings and sites of former magnificent mansions. Complimentary

New! GP Farms Survey Exhibition View a slideshow tour of Grosse Pointe Farms streets as they appeared in the early 1920's, many still unpaved, as the great estates and farm land began to be subdivided and developed.

New! Watch the Documentary Video, "Past as Prologue" New! View the index of all of our Online Exhibits.

Employment Opportunity: Executive Director
The Society seeks an energetic and dynamic individual to lead the organization in the next phase of its growth.

 Click to View the Flying Exhibition Slideshow

Teacher's Curriculum

  • The One-Room Schoolhouse is now open. Children will be able to turn back the clock and experience the classroom as local predecessors did.

    The 2nd floor of the Provencal-Weir House, c. 1823, has been transformed into a one-room schoolhouse, complete with benches, individual chalkboards and McGuffy Readers.
One Room Schoolhouse
One Room Schoolhouse

Resource Center

  • The Resource Center welcomes visitors with scholarly or personal interest in the history of Grosse Pointe. The Center houses numerous books, maps, manuscripts, newspaper and magazine clippings, genealogical materials, and other Grosse Pointe memorabilia.

    GPHS Resource Center
    381 Kercheval Avenue - Suite 2
    Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
    48236-3085 | 313.884.7010

    Open Tuesday and Wednesday
    10:00 am - 12:30 pm & 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
ResearcherResource Center

Provencal-Weir House

  • The Provencal-Weir House, c. 1823: This landmark Greek Revival farmhouse is believed to be the community's oldest surviving residence. It was built circa 1823 by Pierre Provencal on a site near Provencal and Lake Shore Roads. The Society completed restoration of the house in 1996. It is now the site of numerous events that recreate life in the early days of Grosse Pointe.
  • Also located on the Provencal-Weir property is our
    Log Cabin dating from between 1830 and 1860. Dismantling, relocation and reconstruction were accomplished primarily by volunteers between 1996 and 1998.
Provencal-Weir House, c. 1823The Log Cabin

More

  • Educational workshops and events on-site and in the schools help generations of Grosse Pointe children to connect to a fascinating community with long-standing roots in the development of America.
  • Bronze Historic Plaques are presented annually to notable residences, buildings, and sites in the area. Learn how to submit your property for consideration
  • Lectures and classes on historical and architectural topics provide enlightening and interesting information to a widespread audience. The Dr. Frank Bicknell Educational Lecture is given each fall.
EventsReceiving Plaques

Grosse Pointe Historical Society - 381 Kercheval Ave. - Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan 48236 - 313.884.7010
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