War Memorial among recipients of America250MI History Grant Program
GROSSE POINTE FARMS June 24, 2025 – As America’s 250th birthday draws closer, The War Memorial is excited to announce it is the recipient of a $50,000 grant from the America250MI Committee.
In all, over 50 grant recipients will share nearly $1 million in funding. The War Memorial is considered a tier 3 grantee, with the maximum amount of $50,000.
“It’s a true honor for The War Memorial to be selected as a recipient of the America250MI History Grant,” War Memorial President & CEO Maria Miller said. “This support fully aligns with our mission to honor those who served, enrich our community, and deliver exceptional experiences.”
Funds from the America250MI History Grant at The War Memorial will go toward the Alger Hall of History which aims to preserve legacy and celebrate service. The primary goals of the project are to lay the essential groundwork for a future museum at The War Memorial that honors Michigan’s civic and military history, stabilizes and organizes key historical collections, and sets a foundation for engaging, community-rooted interpretation.
“This grant marks the beginning of a multi-year journey to create a community-rooted, accessible museum that preserves and shares the rich legacy of our region,” Miller said. “It lays the groundwork for meaningful preservation, interpretation, and engagement—and strengthens The War Memorial’s role as a regional leader in historical education and cultural stewardship.”
The America250MI History Grant Program is funding projects that will help preserve Michigan’s history for future generations. The grant program represents a key element of the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This project isn’t the only connection The War Memorial has with America’s 250th anniversary. On Memorial Day 2024, The Louisa St. Clair Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Grosse Pointe dedicated a Revolutionary War Patriots marker. The marker is located within the beautiful Veterans Gardens at The War Memorial.
Over the next year, The War Memorial will focus on three interconnected objectives: professional collections management, interpretive planning, and preparing physical spaces for future exhibitions and programming. In doing so, The War Memorial will preserve and interpret Michigan’s history through the creation of a museum that honors the legacy of the Alger family and the region’s military service.
Building on current efforts for historical research and a dedication to cultural preservation and community engagement, this four-year museum project represents a pivotal moment in The War Memorial’s history—blending stabilization, growth, and visionary planning to create a sustainable and impactful institution. By preserving its historical legacy, engaging with the community, and building internal capacity, The War Memorial will fulfill its mission to educate, enrich, and inspire future generations.
The origins of The War Memorial began in 1910 when a historic home was built for Russell A. Alger, Jr. and his family. His father, Russell Alger, Sr. was a great American Statesman and lumber baron, growing from an impoverished orphan to meritorious military service as a Civil War Union general, then Secretary of War under President McKinley, and eventually his years as Michigan Governor. His son, Russell Jr., was an entrepreneur of Michigan enterprise, an original investor of the Wright Brothers, president of the Michigan Aero Club, and co-creator of the Packard Car Company.
In showcasing Michigan’s military and civic history through the lens of the Alger family and our local veterans, we ensure that these important narratives are accessible, relevant, and inspiring for future generations. This work not only strengthens our community ties but also positions The War Memorial as a leader in historical education and cultural stewardship in southeast Michigan.
Building upon the America250MI grant, The War Memorial also received a $204,771 grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity for establishing permanent museum collections and spaces for our historical artifacts and documents. Additionally in the spring, a $20,000 grant was awarded from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan to support a yearlong series of programs commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
To learn more about The War Memorial, visit warmemorial.org.
About The War Memorial
The War Memorial, located on the shores of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms, is an experiential space open to everyone. For over 75 years, this nonprofit organization has served as a patriotic, cultural, and community center, offering a wide range of innovative programs for all ages. Annually, The War Memorial welcomes thousands of guests for community events, educational programming, and private gatherings in its unique and historic setting.
At its core, The War Memorial celebrates the ideas of American democracy while honoring those who have defended these ideals with tireless effort and personal sacrifice. As a dynamic and forward-thinking hub for southeast Michigan, The War Memorial remains committed to inspiring and enriching the community through unparalleled experiences. This includes a steadfast commitment to patriotic programming that honors the legacy of service members and amplifies the voices of veterans through storytelling, education, and public engagement.
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CONTACT:
Alex Szwarc, The War Memorial
Patriotic Programming and Communications Administrator
313.881.7514, aszwarc@warmemorial.org