Mid-Michigan premiere of documentary on Detroit’s 1967 civil unrest Aug. 24

Free event also offers pre-screening Michigan History Museum access and panel discussion.
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MHC News

Aug. 14, 2017

Contact: Tobi Voigt, 517-241-1442

Michigan History Center hosts mid-Michigan premiere of documentary film on Detroit’s 1967 civil unrest

Aug. 24 event also offers pre-screening museum access and panel discussion

collage of still frames from the film 12th and ClairmountHome movie footage donated by metro Detroiters provides the spine of the documentary film, “12th and Clairmount,” which looks back at the Detroit riot/rebellion of 1967 and its causes and aftermath. Those five days in July were among the most pivotal – and divisive – in the city’s history, with the turmoil leaving 43 dead.

While the 50th anniversary of the summer of ’67 was the impetus for the film, the home movie footage in “12th and Clairmount” captures a wide spectrum of Detroit life, from proud streetscapes to dance parties to neighborhood sporting events. The documentary was produced by the Detroit Free Press in collaboration with Bridge Magazine and WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) and a group of metro Detroit cultural institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Historical Society.

The Michigan History Center is pleased to host the film’s mid-Michigan debut with a free outdoor showing at the Michigan Library and History Center on Thursday, Aug. 24, from 8 to 10 p.m. The event will be held outdoors in the building’s second-floor courtyard. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the Michigan History Museum will be open for pre-show visits.

At 8 p.m., the evening will begin with a short panel discussion featuring Bill McGraw, journalist for Bridge Magazine and the film's co-producer, about the development of the film. He will be joined by Kalisha Davis, director of community outreach and engagement at the Detroit Historical Society, who will talk about commemoration efforts and community partnerships. Tobi Voigt, community engagement director for the Michigan History Center, will moderate and participate in the panel.

The film will begin once it is fully dark, around 8:45 p.m., and will conclude by 10 p.m.

The film screening is free, but space is limited. Guests are encouraged to pre-register at bit.ly/1967filmMHC. Limited seating will be available in the courtyard, but guests are encouraged to bring camp chairs or blankets. Please note that the courtyard is paved.

Refreshments such as popcorn, ice cream, water and soft drinks will be available for purchase.

In the event of rain or inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled. Visit www.michigan.gov/michiganhistory and www.facebook.com/MichiganHistoryCenter for any scheduling changes the day of the event.

The Michigan History Center fosters curiosity, enjoyment and inspiration rooted in Michigan’s stories. Its 12 museums and historic sites across the state provide family-friendly places where people of all ages can have fun actively learning about their heritage and the history of Michigan seven days a week through exhibits, special events and diverse programming. The Michigan History Museum and the Archives of Michigan are located in downtown Lansing. The center’s statewide historical museums and sites include the Michigan Iron Industry Museum near Marquette, the Tawas Point Lighthouse and Walker Tavern in Brooklyn. Visit www.michigan.gov/michiganhistory for more information.

/Note to editors: An accompanying image is available below for download. A suggested caption follows.

The Michigan History Center will host the mid-Michigan premiere of “12th and Clairmount,” a documentary film on Detroit’s 1967 civil unrest, with a free outdoor showing and panel discussion on Thursday, Aug. 24./


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