MotorCities National Heritage Area

MotorCities National Heritage Area MotorCities National Heritage Area is a nonprofit organization & part of the National Heritage Area System of the National Park Service.
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We preserve and promote the automotive and labor heritage of 16 counties of lower Michigan.

Step into a crucial chapter of American history at River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe, MI! ⚔️🇺🇸As the site...
08/25/2026

Step into a crucial chapter of American history at River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe, MI! ⚔️🇺🇸

As the site of one of the largest battles of the War of 1812, this national park preserves the story and legacy behind the famous rally cry, "Remember the Raisin!"

Have you visited Michigan's only official National Battlefield Park? Share your experience below! 👇

Come join the celebration on August 25th for the National Park Service’s 110th Birthday. 🎂🌲Since 1916, the National Park...
08/24/2026

Come join the celebration on August 25th for the National Park Service’s 110th Birthday. 🎂🌲

Since 1916, the National Park Service has preserved America's natural and cultural treasures for current and future generations. Today, that mission spans over 400 national parks! This year, our birthday is part of National Park Week, so the party lasts all week long. 🎉

Some Great Ways to Celebrate :
1. Share the Joy: Post your celebration on social media using , , and .
2. Send a Virtual Postcard: Download the NPS App and send friends virtual postcards using your favorite park photos.
3. Earn a Badge: Have the kids earn a Junior Ranger badge!
4. Stargaze: Party past sundown to admire the night sky.

How are you celebrating? Drop your favorite park photo in the comments below! 👇

On August 24, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed the bill that established National Heritage Areas.This, as Reagan cal...
08/24/2026

On August 24, 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed the bill that established National Heritage Areas.

This, as Reagan called it, “new kind of national park” combined preservation, conservation, recreation and economic development in a culturally significant region.

The Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Area, which is made up of 60 communities in the 862 sq. miles that was impacted by the I&M Canal, was the first (hence the reason the signing was in Chicago). Today, there are 62, and we're excited to share this anniversary with them.

Looking for a fantastic day trip in Midtown Detroit? Head over to the Detroit Historical Museum! 🚗🏛️✨For over 100 years,...
08/23/2026

Looking for a fantastic day trip in Midtown Detroit? Head over to the Detroit Historical Museum! 🚗🏛️✨

For over 100 years, the museum has preserved and shared the incredible stories, innovations, and diverse history that built the Motor City.

Must-See Highlights:
🧱 Streets of Old Detroit: Take a walk back in time through full-scale historic streetscapes from the 1840s, 1870s, and 1900s.
🚘 America’s Motor City: Get an up-close look at how Detroit became the automotive capital of the world, complete with a real body-drop assembly line model!

Whether you're visiting with family, hosting out-of-town guests, or brushing up on local history, it’s an absolute must-visit destination. Have you been recently? Tell us your favorite exhibit in the comments! 👇

On August 23, 1904, Harold W**d was issued a patent for the tire chain.In the early 1900s, most roads were unpaved, and ...
08/23/2026

On August 23, 1904, Harold W**d was issued a patent for the tire chain.

In the early 1900s, most roads were unpaved, and drivers endured muddy paths that often got the better of them. W**d, who worked at a machine shop in Canastota, New York, supposedly witnessed locals wrapping their tires with rope to increase traction, so he took the same concept, but with linked chains. W**d's invention proved more successful than intended, as it also worked on snow and ice, and the same concept is still used for tire chains today.

On August 22, 1950, Ralph Teetor received his patent for speed control in motor vehicles.Despite losing his sight at fiv...
08/22/2026

On August 22, 1950, Ralph Teetor received his patent for speed control in motor vehicles.

Despite losing his sight at five years old, Teetor developed an early knack for machinery and earned a mechanical engineering degree in 1912. When Teetor was appointed president of his family’s auto parts business, Perfect Circle, in 1946, vehicles were becoming fast enough that Teetor began focusing on automobile safety.

Teetor’s work resulted in the “Speedostat,” which allowed the driver to select a speed. Once the speed was achieved, a piston would push back against the gas pedal. Speed control was a luxurious amenity at first, but it became widespread after being recognized as an effective means of fuel conservation after the 1970s oil embargo. Pictured: Teetor (right) and Perfect Circle President, William Prossner, looking at a cruise control unit in 1957; photo courtesy of The Automotive Hall of Fame.

Don't Miss Cruisin' Hines this Sunday, August 23rd from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Largest All Classics Car Cruise! 🚗Check out...
08/21/2026

Don't Miss Cruisin' Hines this Sunday, August 23rd from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Largest All Classics Car Cruise! 🚗

Check out all the information at their website here: http://cruisinhines.com

It’s , and we’re celebrating an American legend: the Chevrolet Camaro! 🏎️💨Did you know the Camaro almost had a complete...
08/21/2026

It’s , and we’re celebrating an American legend: the Chevrolet Camaro! 🏎️💨

Did you know the Camaro almost had a completely different name?

The Secret Code Name: During development in the mid-1960s, Chevrolet’s Mustang fighter was known internally as "Panther." It wasn't until just weeks before its 1966 public release that GM officially chose Camaro!

What’s a Camaro? When automotive journalists asked Chevy executives what the word "Camaro" meant, they famously replied: "A small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs." 🐎🔥

Pacesetter: In its very first production year (1967), the Camaro was chosen as the Official Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500!

From muscle car icon to track performance powerhouse, the Camaro cemented its place in automotive history across six legendary generations.

Which generation Camaro is your ultimate favorite? Drop a picture or your pick in the comments below! 👇

On August 20th, 1956, plans were announced to continue the Packard marque as a badge-engineered Studebaker for the 1957 ...
08/20/2026

On August 20th, 1956, plans were announced to continue the Packard marque as a badge-engineered Studebaker for the 1957 model year.

The Studebaker-Packard Corporation had sold the famous Detroit Packard Plant early in the month to aircraft company Curtiss-Wright. The Studebaker-Packard Corporation would go on to produce both 1957 and 1958 model Packards at the original Studebaker plant in South Bend, IN.

The 1963–64 Mercury models brought dramatic style, racing glory, and bold engineering to American roads. 🚗💨1963 Innovati...
08/20/2026

The 1963–64 Mercury models brought dramatic style, racing glory, and bold engineering to American roads. 🚗💨

1963 Innovations:

The iconic Breezeway series introduced a driver-controlled power-retractable rear window. Mid-year saw the debut of the Marauder fastback, featuring an S-55 version with a 300-hp 390 V-8.

Pikes Peak Triumph: Parnelli Jones drove a Stroppe-prepared Marauder to a record-breaking stock-car victory at the 1963 Pikes Peak Hill Climb!

1964 Silver Anniversary: Mercury celebrated 25 years with refreshed styling, 4-door Marauder fastbacks, and available 427 V-8 power alongside the luxurious Park Lane and wood-grained Colony Park wagon.

Want to dive into the full history of the Breezeway, Marauder, and Parnelli Jones' record run?

Click the link below to read the full story! 👇

🔗 https://www.motorcities.org/story-of-the-week/

Images courtesy of Henry Ford Media Archives.

Address

2937 E. Grand Boulevard
Detroit, MI
48202

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(313) 259-3425

Website

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