Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

Simply Unique’s Night Market is almost here!

On Friday, September 11, the Packard Proving Grounds will once again come alive for an evening of shopping, food, music, and community.

Spend the night browsing 100+ unique vendors, grab something delicious from the food trucks, enjoy an adult beverage, and stick around for live music — all against the backdrop of our historic grounds.

We’re excited to welcome Simply Unique and all of you back for another Night Market!

Friday, September 11
5–10PM
Packard Proving Grounds

08/27/2026

Albert Kahn is a name synonymous with Detroit architecture—but his connection to Packard went far beyond the buildings he designed.

On October 4, our Historical Speaker Series welcomes John Cole for Albert Kahn and Packard's Investors, an exploration of Kahn's relationships with James and William Packard and the influential leaders who helped shape the Packard Motor Car Company.

Drawing on decades at Albert Kahn Associates and his work with the Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation, John will offer a unique look at the people and partnerships behind two enduring pieces of Detroit history: Packard and Albert Kahn.

Join us October 4 at the Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site.

Learn more and register: PackardProvingGrounds.org/Oct4-HSS-PPG

08/26/2026

In Memorial to Alvan Macauley, president and former board member of the Packard Motor Car Company, this statue was commissioned by his wife Estelle in 1952.

The Spirit of Transportation is a bronze statue by artist Carl Miles. It depicts a native American man portaging a canoe over his shoulders. It also pays tribute to Detroit's accomplishments in automotive transit.

Learn more about the Spirit of Transportation in August's issue of the Packard Pulse.
https://conta.cc/4h55eZm

08/25/2026

Thousands of people visit Stony Creek each year—but how many know the history beneath its trails?

Before becoming part of the Metroparks, the property surrounding today’s Stony Creek Nature Center was once the Hodge Estate, a countryside retreat belonging to a prominent Detroit family during an era when many of the city’s most influential families escaped beyond the city.

On Sunday, September 27, we’re excited to welcome historian and Huron-Clinton Metroparks community outreach interpreter Charlie Shelton to the Packard Proving Grounds for The Hodge Estate: Detroit’s Hidden Retreat at Stony Creek.

Charlie will take us into the history of the Hodge family, the source of their wealth, and the story of an estate whose grounds thousands of us have walked without ever realizing what came before.

Sunday, September 27 | 1–2 PM

Join us for another fascinating afternoon of local history through the Historical Speaker Series.

Learn more and reserve your seat: PackardProvingGrounds.org/Sep27-HSS-PPG

08/24/2026

August 1933: Packard's Experimental Garage

Packard’s Experimental Garage in Detroit is where the finest minds and mechanics hand-built the future of luxury transportation.This rare behind the scenes photo shows a 1933 Packard V12 leading up the lineup. Mechanic Bernard Trombley is hard at work under the fender of the second car, while shop Foreman Larry Williams keeps watch from the center. At the workbench, Otto Manahan stands second from the front. It’s an incredible snapshot of the legendary American craftsmanship that defined the Packard name.

If you have ancestors who worked for Packard and would like to help us document them please do so here:
https://packardprovinggrounds.org/the-packard-motor-car-company-employees-search/

08/23/2026

08/21/2026

What an incredible way to honor Antonio.

Our August 19 Blood Drive in memory of Antonio Casali III collected an amazing 65 units of blood—128% of our goal! Even more exciting, 18 people rolled up their sleeves as first-time blood donors.

Those 65 units have the potential to help up to 195 hospital patients.

For a little boy whose own life was touched by the generosity of blood donors, we can think of few more meaningful ways to carry his memory forward.

To Antonio’s family, our donors, the American Red Cross, and everyone who helped make this special day possible, thank you. Our community truly showed up for Antonio—and for the patients and families who will benefit from every donation made in his memory.

08/21/2026

Looking for high-quality, low-cost finds for your upcoming wedding or event?

Check out this WDIV Local 4 / ClickOnDetroit segment featuring Mary Anne Demo, Executive Director of the Packard Proving Grounds, talking about our Wedding Garage Sale this Sunday, August 23, from 1–3 pm at our historic site.

08/20/2026

There's seeing Route 66 on a map — and then there's experiencing all 2,400+ miles of it from behind the wheel of a classic car.

Bob Feldmaier and his son have done just that, traveling historic Route 66 from Illinois to California in a 1957 Chevy. And in 2026, as Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary, there's no better time to revisit the road, its history and what remains of the legendary Mother Road today.

On September 13, Bob joins us at the Packard Proving Grounds to share stories from their journey during Route 66: The Mother Road in a ’57 Chevy, part of the PPG Historical Speaker Series.

Sunday, September 13 | 1:00–2:00 PM

Visit PackardaProvingGrounds.org/Sep13-HSS-PPG for details and registration.