The Historical Society for the Eastern District of Michigan

10/21/2026

The Court Historical Society is proud to support educational programs that bring civics to life for teachers and students across our community.

One such program is the Teachers' Justice Academy, an immersive experience hosted at the Theodore Levin United States Courthouse that helps educators explore how the Bill of Rights is applied in the federal court system. Through interactive learning opportunities, participants gain firsthand insight into the judicial process and leave with tools to bring those lessons back to their classrooms.

Although registration for this year is closed, we are pleased to share a glimpse of this important initiative and encourage educators to watch for future opportunities to participate!

09/17/2026

Today the community came together to honor our Constitution. Here’s a full recap:

09/14/2026

It’s a day to come together and honor our history: Constitution Day. Please join us on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Lafayette entrance of the Theodore Levin United States Courthouse in Downtown Detroit as we commemorate the signing of the United States Constitution. In observance of Constitution Day, judges and members of the court community will gather to read selected passages from the Constitution.

05/04/2026

History happens all around us. The Eastern District of Michigan’s Historical Society honors that history with a museum tucked away in a corner of the courthouse. On the first Monday of every month, we will show you an artifact on display and share some fun facts. Our goal: to recognize the role people play in shaping history.

We’ve all seen a water fountain, but we may not know how they came to be. This is a fountain originally set up in the Levin Courthouse in 1933. It now sits on display at the EDMI museum. In the 1890’s, a young Halsey Taylor’s dad died due to contaminated water. When he grew up, Taylor became a plant supervisor for the Packard Motor Company. He watched dysentery spread throughout his employees. The main reason, he believed, was contaminated water. So, Taylor eventually invented what became the modern drinking fountain we know today. The water arc allows drinkers to stay several inches away from the faucet, rather than putting their mouths on the faucet, which helps reduce disease. From the 1920’s-1930’s, Taylor went on to create a company that made more than 80 percent of the water fountains in the United States.

06/09/2025

The Historical Society's documentary "A Light for Justice" about the U. S District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan is one of four nominees for an Emmy for the Michigan Chapter of NATAS (National Academy of the Television Arts & Sciences)!
The Awards Ceremony will be held June 14 at the Fillmore Theater in Detroit. For more information:

“The Court Historical Society is a proud auxiliary of the District Court. It was established in 1991 as a follow-up to the creation of the history office of the Federal Judicial Center. The Judicial Conference of the United States encouraged its organization when it said:

03/11/2025

https://federalcourthistoricaledmi.org/2025/03/10/invitation-to-holmes-video-presentation-on-march-26-2025/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI8lGBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYxTmYnt2Y-Pz3Kh2Gdw0Wmf0pxUVTfge3XEi1Nba5eWmn0BPKFfcN6wNA_aem_INyqNqD0zZMF97tLNcNpeA

“The Court Historical Society is a proud auxiliary of the District Court. It was established in 1991 as a follow-up to the creation of the history office of the Federal Judicial Center. The Judicial Conference of the United States encouraged its organization when it said:

11/25/2024

Happy Birthday Judge Roberts! District Court Judge Victoria A. Roberts was nominated by William J. Clinton on July 31, 1997, to a seat vacated by George La Plata. Confirmed by the Senate on June 26, 1998, and received commission on June 29, 1998. Assumed senior status on February 25, 2021. Service terminated on September 1, 2023, due to retirement.
Learn more about historical faces, places, and cases at the new online home of The Historical Society for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Visit us today! https://federalcourthistoricaledmi.org/

11/11/2024

Happy Birthday Marines! Semper Fidelis. Thank you for your service....

11/08/2024

Remembering the birthday of Judge Tuttle. District Court Judge Arthur J. Tuttle was nominated by William H. Taft on August 2, 1912, to a seat vacated by Alexis Caswell Angell. Confirmed by the Senate on August 6, 1912, and received commission on August 6, 1912. Service terminated on December 2, 1944, due to death.
Learn more about historical faces, places, and cases at the new online home of The Historical Society for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Visit us today! https://federalcourthistoricaledmi.org/

10/26/2024

Happy Birthday Judge Rosen! District Court Judge Gerald E. Rosen was nominated by George H.W. Bush on November 9, 1989, to a seat vacated by Philip Pratt. Confirmed by the Senate on March 9, 1990, and received commission on March 12, 1990. Served as chief judge, 2009-2015. Assumed senior status on October 26, 2016. Service terminated on January 31, 2017, due to retirement.
Learn more about historical faces, places, and cases at the new online home of The Historical Society for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Visit us today! https://federalcourthistoricaledmi.org/