Featured Events in Grosse Pointe Farms in June 2025 (July Updated)

A fundraiser in support of the Grosse Pointe Historical Society Tucked away on a secluded cul-de-sac is one of the most architecturally-significant mansions of the Pointes. Built as a “springtime residence” for Louise Webber of the Hudson’s Department Store family, the house originally sat on ten wooded and landscaped acres of spring plantings. She and her husband, John “Cap” O’Brien spent the rest of the year at homes in Palm Beach and Bar Harbor. It has been lovingly restored and re-invented as a 21st-century home for a family with perfect furnishings and fittings, offering inspiration for contemporary living in an historic setting. Designed by East Coast architect, Duncan Candler, the house is rich with hand-carved panelling, Pewabic tiles, restored original kitchen details and more. Another of his designs was Skyland Estate in Maine for the Edsel Ford family, now owned by Martha Stewart. On Friday, June 13, 2025 , the Grosse Pointe Historical Society will hold its 21st annual Summer Fundraiser Gala. This year’s event, Glamorous Night , will be held at an historic mansion built for the ages. In the tradition of great Grosse Pointe homes, it features intricate plaster and woodworking not seen in today’s homes. Taking three years to complete, a labor of love, great attention was paid to honor the home’s history and character. This year, the Grosse Pointe Historical Society gala fundraiser will be catered by 405 Hospitality Group . The culinary masterminds include next-generation Grosse Pointe natives, who will bring a fresh perspective to classic entertainment in the elegant home. The event includes valet parking, open bars, music, classic Hudson cars on display, and a strolling supper. There will be a special preview reception for Sponsors, and an optional Speakeasy Afterglow following the main event. Jazz pianist, composer and educator, Scott Gwinnell will be performing live at the Preview and Afterglow. Residing in Detroit, Michigan, Scott has been performing since the age of 16 in venues and on concert stages, local to international. Scott has recorded and performed as a bandleader and sideman on over 50 professionally released recordings. As a pianist, Gwinnell has performed/toured/recorded with: Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Heath, John Clayton, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, Aretha Franklin, Elaine Stritch, Delfayeo Marsalis, and Jon Hendricks, for whom Gwinnell was three year musical director. For sponsorship opportunities and recognition information, visit gphistorical.org or contact: Patti Timmins, Director of Development development@gphistorical.org • 313-884-7010 The Grosse Pointe Historical Society (GPHS) was founded in 1945 to preserve and protect the rich local heritage of all five Grosse Pointes and neighboring communities, and share it with the public. GPHS works to make history of our area vital, relevant, and accessible. Through programs, facilities and events, GPHS brings history to life, protects historic artifacts, and collects and shares Grosse Pointe-area stories. The Grosse Pointe Historical Society Campus includes the c. 1823 Provencal-Weir restored ribbon farm house, the c. 1840 Log Cabin, and the Grosse Pointe History Center, which houses exhibition and activities spaces, administrative offices and the Alfred B. and Ruth S. Moran Resource Center. GPHS collections include maps, blueprints, documents, bills, contracts, letters, books, catalogs, photographs, videos, prints, drawings watercolors, scrapbooks, oral histories, albums, real estate records and additional ephemera relating to the history of the Grosse Pointes and neighboring communities as well as objects, tools, household goods and furniture. 2025 Glamorous Night HONORARY COMMITTEE Mary and Michael Farley Chairs Kay Agney Dr. David S. Balle Dr. Richard K. Baumgarten and Dr. Cheryl A. Wesen Anne Berschback Suzy and Chip Berschback The Honorable and Mrs. Arthur W. Bryant Kay Burt-Willson Mr. and Mrs. J. McGregor Dodds Valerie and Peter Dodenhoff Mr. Dale Ehresman Jane Whitney Gage Stuart W. Grigg Susan Hartz Mark Heppner The Honorable Michele Hodges Maria and Thomas Jones II The Honorable Thaddeus Kedzierski Vicky L. Kruckeberg and Carl R. Nold Mr. and Mrs. Ronald C. Lamparter Susan and Craig Larsen Ann Loshaw Louisa St. Clair Chapter, DAR Mr. and Mrs. Philip P. MacKethan Sandy MacMechan Marcia M. McBrien Patrick McKeever Giocanda and Thayer McMillan Patricia E. O’Brien, PhD Amy Pfaehler and Bradley Miller Ruth and Kris Pfaehler Stefan Pfaehler Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Selvaggio Michael W. Skinner John Snyder Mr. and Mrs. Randall J. Tallerico Patti and The Honorable Louis Theros The Honorable Sheila Tomkowiak Molly and Mark Valade The Honorable Thomas A. Van Tiem, Sr. James and Karen Verney Leslie Wagner, PhD Mireille Wilkinson Lisa Worley Frederick R. Zosel Information Source: Grosse Pointe Historical Society | eventbrite

The Garden Tour is open from 10am-4pm on Friday, June 20 and on Saturday, June 21 . Rain or shine! Your ticket is valid to visit all seven private gardens over Friday and/or Saturday . Ticket prices are $15 in advance and $20 on Tour days. Please see below for further ticket information. The Tour features: Seven private gardens plus the Veterans Garden and Trial Gardens Garden docents in the gardens Master Gardener information booth Artists in the gardens Garden Shoppe selling enticing garden items Ewald Library Seed Exchange Sweet Mountain Strings, a dulcimer group Scavenger Hunt in the gardens Pollinators Make Your Garden Grow Enjoy seven beautiful gardens offering a wide range of styles from formal to organic. Garden docents will be available in the gardens. Observe artists painting summer garden scenes. Win a prize at our tour raffle. As you tour the gardens, partake in a fun scavenger hunt of garden art for a prize drawing. Enjoy the wares at our Garden Shoppe. Stop by the Master Gardener Information table for answers to those difficult-to-solve gardening problems. Visit the Ewald Library Seed Exchange table. Refresh and relax at our two complimentary refreshment tables. Enjoy listening to Sweet Mountain Strings, dulcimer group, in one of the gardens. Online ADVANCE ticket sales end at 6pm on Thursday, June 19 . Ticket prices on Tour days increase to $20. Tour Day tickets are available for sale at the Grosse Pointe Garden Center at Grosse Pointe War Memorial at 32 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236. Please pick up your tickets at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial at 32 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 on tour days. Information Source: Grosse Pointe Garden Center | eventbrite

As the senior population continues to grow, so does the need to adapt to the rapidly evolving world of communication. From texting and emails to social media and digital publishing, technology has dramatically reshaped the way we connect with others—both personally and professionally.   This educational program is designed to empower seniors with practical tools and techniques for effective communication in today’s tech-driven society. Participants will explore ways to engage with family and friends, as well as how to connect with publishers, authors, and academic resources.   Join us for a hands-on, supportive experience that will leave you feeling more confident in your communication skills. Our session will introduce flexible communication methods that can be tailored to fit individual preferences and needs. Whether you're looking to strengthen your digital literacy or simply enhance everyday interactions, this training offers accessible solutions for everyone.  Coffee, water, tea, and some light pastries provided. To register, visit warmemorial.org/eventcalendar11/bridgingthegap.    Topics:  From Blogging to Facebook: How Technology Has Transformed Communication Across Generations     Discover how modern tools like blogging and social media bridge the gap between generations, and explore how people of all ages are staying connected today!     Publishing Your Voice: The Power of Storytelling in the Past, Present, and Future     Learn how to share your unique perspective and why it matters in today’s ever-evolving communication landscape.     Write Your Story: A Guide to Crafting Books, Short Stories, and Personal Memoirs     Unleash your creativity and discover the art of storytelling, whether it’s writing a novel, a short story, or your own life’s journey.  Information Source: The War Memorial | eventbrite

Information Source: LWVGP Program Committee | eventbrite

We welcome you to dine with us in our backyard!  Join us for a delightful evening on the back lawn of The War Memorial, where community comes together over music, food, and lakeside breezes.  Spread out your picnic blanket, relax on the lawn, and enjoy the sounds of a live DJ spinning summer favorites. The evening offers something for everyone — yard games, a bounce house for the kids, and a talented caricature artist creating fun, personalized portraits to take home.  You’ll also have the chance to connect with some of our community partners and local vendors joining us for the evening. Whether you come with family, friends, or on your own, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to meet new faces.  Outside food is welcome, and food options will also be available for purchase throughout the event.  If you are a Veteran or Active Duty service member, you are invited at no cost. This is just a small thank you for your service.  You’re welcome to bring your own picnic, but by Michigan law, no outside alcoholic beverages may be brought to the event.  For tickets, visit warmemorial.org/eventcalendar11/picnic  Information Source: The War Memorial | eventbrite