Join Us for Special Screenings and More
For three weekends in February, Metro Detroiters can enjoy a free, interactive experience at The Station at Michigan Central. This event, part of our "Great Migrations" docu-series and "Destination Detroit" oral histories initiative, highlights the early 1900s migration of Black Americans that profoundly shaped the city's culture, industry, and legacy.
The Station at Michigan Central, meticulously restored by Ford, will be the site of screenings of Prof. Gates’ new documentary series, live music from Detroit artists, a food menu featuring local Black-owned businesses, historical displays and artifacts, shopping and more.
Plus, visitors can share with Detroit PBS their personal histories of how their families came to Detroit and the lives they created.
The event is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on these dates:
Saturday, Feb. 8 | Sunday, Feb. 9 | Saturday, Feb. 15 | Sunday, Feb. 16 | Saturday, Feb. 22 |Sunday, Feb. 23
Because of the expected immense public interest in Michigan Central and this event, capacity is limited. Registration is required by visiting: michigancentral.com/events
Saturday, Feb. 22, will be a special day. Besides all the above activities, there will be a panel discussion, led by “American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson and leading authorities and cultural figures, including Detroit’s official city historian, Jamon Jordan.
Event Details
Daily Schedule
10 a.m. | Event Opens for Registered Guests
Detroit PBS Begins to Videotape Family Histories (continues throughout the event)
11 a.m. | Screening of “Great Migrations” documentary
Noon | Live Music by Detroit Artists
1 p.m. | Screening of “Great Migrations” documentary
2 p.m. | Event Concludes
Throughout the day: Family History Recording, Local Food, Historical Artifacts and Displays, Shopping
Note: On Saturday, Feb. 22, a special panel discussion hosted by Detroit PBS’ Stephen Henderson, activities that day end at 3 p.m.
Parking
Public parking is available for $5 at the Bagley Mobility Hub
1501 Wabash St. Detroit, MI 48216.
In the early 20th century, upwards of 300,000 Black Americans migrated to Detroit from the South seeking refuge from systemic oppression and the promise of freedom and opportunity. The bustling halls of what was then Michigan Central Station were often their first glimpse of what the North might have to offer and for many, the first time they had experienced integrated public spaces. It is a story masterfully told in the epic new PBS series, “Great Migrations: A People on the Move,” by Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., now airing on Tuesdays on Detroit PBS.
During these weekend events, the Detroit PBS One Detroit team will be video recording visitors wishing to relate their personal histories and how their families made a home for themselves in Metro Detroit.
Michigan Central Station, est. 1913
Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities, and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of about 730 employees from 133 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility and society.
