Overview

While there are many localized projects to elevate local heritage, there is currently no coordinated effort along the Detroit River corridor to activate riverside sites through the stories of local communities. The DRSL has compiled archives of photos, videos and audio files that detail the Detroit River’s rich history of its past inhabitants. The lab wishes to compile this database into an easily adaptable, mobile- accessible website, where the solution can be expanded over time to encourage site-activation, awareness, and engagement with some of the lesser-known stories behind the river’s continuing importance to local communities.

As one of the first steps towards enhancing the narrative potential of various river-site locations, the University of Michigan School of Information Capstone Team has partnered with the DRSL in developing a product that will assist users and stakeholders in ongoing efforts to craft a more equitable and inclusive narrative infrastructure for the Detroit River region. This product aims to reconnect Detroit River communities with the multi-layered stories of a vital cultural and environmental resource. It will serve as a base to teach visitors about the region, its rich history and the experiences associated with the Detroit River. Unfortunately, due to NDA I am unable to publicly display our team’s work until it is fully completed in June, 2024.