DETROIT – A team of workers is busy working behind the scenes at the Detroit Historical Museum.
They are busy putting the finishing touches on a new interactive exhibit that’s focused on the history of the Detroit Lions.
The exhibit is called Gridiron Heroes. Organizers say it will highlight decades of the football team’s players and contributions to American sports.
“I think people are going to find It really special,” said Rebecca Salimen-Witt, Chief Marketing Director for the Detroit Historical Museum.
Salimen-Witt said Gridiron Heroes will feature a variety of artifacts. There will be uniforms from different eras in the Lions’ history, to championship trophies, and unique items from the team’s launch up to the recent NFL Draft.
“We’ve got focuses on the 30s when, of course, we were winning championships,” Salimen-Witt said. “We’ve got focuses on the 50s when we were winning championships. And we’ve got a focus on the modern era which, knock on wood, maybe a championship’s coming.”
Gridiron Heroes will be an interactive exhibit. Children can try on jerseys and helmets inside a locker room preserved from the team’s time at Tigers Stadium.
Museum visitors and football fans will also be able to take advantage of photo opportunities in other areas of the exhibit and do much more.
“You know, our mission is to tell Detroit stories and why they matter,” Salimen-Witt said. “And right now, the Lions are a Detroit story, and man, do they matter to this city.”
The exhibit’s public launch on Saturday, Aug. 24, will include special attractions both inside and outside the museum. Staff said guests can enjoy coffee and snacks outside on Legends Plaza.
During the public launch, a variety of artifacts will be on display on Legends Plaza. As a keepsake, the first 400 children will receive a miniature replica of the Detroit Lions helmet.
“If you didn’t get tickets to the game, and you just want to absorb some of the energy and excitement of the day, come on down here,” Salimen-Witt said.
The Gridiron Heroes exhibit opens to the public on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the second level of the City of Champions Gallery.
Click here for more details about the exhibit and museum hours.