War Memorial secures Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity grant for museum development
GROSSE POINTE FARMS June 5, 2025 – The War Memorial has been awarded a significant grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, joining a select group of non-profit organizations across the state receiving funds to strengthen and sustain Michigan museums.
In early June, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced the recipients of $9 million in Community Museum Grant funding to support museums and nonprofit foundations across Michigan operating educational programs that foster artistic, scientific, technological or cultural exhibitions.
“Receiving this grant is both an honor and a tremendous opportunity for The War Memorial,” War Memorial President & CEO Maria Miller said. “It allows us to deepen our commitment to preserving local and national history, while expanding access to meaningful educational experiences that connect past, present, and future generations.”
The $204,771 grant to The War Memorial, applied for in January, will go toward establishing permanent museum collections and spaces for our historical artifacts and documents.
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 the community, and building internal capacity, The War Memorial will fulfill its mission to educate, enrich, and inspire future generations.
This comprehensive preservation effort will culminate in a new public experience. Once the work of studying, cataloging, and preserving War Memorial artifacts is complete, The War Memorial will be able to present them to the community in a myriad of ways to help guests of all ages and backgrounds understand two very different but important aspects – first that the Alger family had a huge impact on the business, entrepreneurial, and philanthropic arenas in southeast Michigan, and second, that the local veterans who served, fought, suffered, and perhaps died, did so with the community on their minds.
“This is a very intentional goal for The War Memorial, especially with our new Strategic Plan completed in 2024, to increase visibility and impact of veterans programming and support, to be a regionally recognized center for arts, culture, and humanities, and to safeguard our historic estate for current and future generations,” War Memorial Director of Fundraising and Development Meredith Hanoian said.
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.
The grant was open to museums and nonprofit foundations operating educational programs in Michigan. Priority was given to applicants who demonstrated the ability to leverage grant funds to secure additional federal or private funding.
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.
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CONTACT:
Alex Szwarc, The War Memorial
Patriotic Programming and Communications Administrator
313.881.7514, aszwarc@warmemorial.org