NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM

Historic Elijah Fish Grave Marker At Greenwood Cemetery Repaired And Restored

Elijah Fish’s gravesite was recently listed on the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom for the role Deacon Fish played in the early anti-slavery movement in Birmingham. He organized area abolitionists and bought national lecturers here in the 1840s and 1850s, paving the way for freedom seekers fleeing enslavement. He died in 1861, however, before the Civil War brought a final end to the institution of slavery, and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery.

Over time, the grave marker bearing his name fell into disrepair. Attempts were made to stabilize it, but actually contributed to its ongoing deterioration. In recent years, the marker had fallen flat, accelerating its deterioration The Friends of the Birmingham Museum and the Fish family descendants worked with the Birmingham

Museum to engage Carter’s Cemetery Preservation Service to repair and restore the marker for the historically significant burial site. A section had to be removed to stabilize it, but the original base was found and it was set back in its proper place. Visitors will now be able to view the Elijah Fish marker for many years to come.

The Birmingham Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $7; children 5 and under and Friends members are free Questions? Contact the museum at 248-530-1928 or museum@bhamgov.org, or check us out on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

July News From The Baldwin Public Library

Beat the heat with some cool library programs! Join us this month for our first ever Story Time Battle for all ages. Parents can take part in strategy sessions, while teens will get an intro to Dungeons and Dragons. Learn more about finding your female ancestors in historical records as we continue our Genealogy Series, and get the history on the Straits of Mackinac And kids can sign up for the Owl Diaries Hootenanny, or create some Cards for Hospitalized Kids Find all of these amazing events, and more at baldwinlib org/calendar

Summer Reading 2023

Participants of all ages can register for the summer reading challenge until August 4, counting any progress made since June 9! Full details are at baldwinlib.org/summer-reading.

PHASE 3 RENOVATION KICKS OFF JULY 5!

Follow our progress on the renovation and expansion of the Front Entrance and Circulation area of the library at baldwinlib.org/renovation, or any library social media accounts.

visit www.baldwinlib.org or call (248) 647-1700. The library will be closed on Tuesday, July 4

ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE

Thursday July 6th, 6:00 pm.

George Selim, B.A., M.A. - Senior Vice President for National Affairs, Anti-Defamation League

The Anti-Defamation League fights all forms of anti-Semitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating anti-Semitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all The ADL focuses on fighting anti-Semitism, combatting extremism, disrupting online hate and harassment, protecting civil rights, challenging bias and securing democracy. Mr. Selim has served in the administrations of Presidents Bush, Obama and Trump and was selected to lead the Countering Violent Extremism Task Force.

MONARCHS: A Dwindling Species

Tuesday, August 1 at 12:30 pm

Debbie Jackson, Monarch Watch Conservation Specialist

Have you noticed how hard it is to find a monarch nowadays? Recall seeing them in your youth around the parks, in the gardens or just swooping in the wind currents? Their population is about 10% of what it used to be and like the canary in the coal mine, it's an indication of the perils our ecosystem is facing Come learn how you can help this lovely creature without investing a lot of money or time. Join us as Debbie Jackson shares her 50 years of knowledge about this beautiful species and hear how you can get involved to help boost their population.

HOT WHEELS ON MIDVALE!

Tuesday, August 15 from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm

Join us as we transform our Next parking lot into a showcase for classic cars, muscle cars and other unique vehicles. Mingle with the owners and hear stories about their “babies”. Enjoy a Coney dog and a bag of chips while you “cruise” the parking lot If you have a vehicle you or someone you know would like to display, contact Pam Hall at 248-203-5280 or phall@birmingham.k12.mi.us.

NEW: LOW IMPACT AEROBICS

Instructor: Teri Keller

Free Demo Monday, July 24 Class begins Wednesday, July 26

Ongoing Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 to 10:00 am

Start your day in a low-impact way! We’ll get things warmed up with some small movements and stretching, then transition into some basic moves to get our heart rates up. We’ll add in some strength, balance, seated and standing core work then end the session with a cool down and more stretching This class is for anyone who is looking for a great workout without impacting their joints Teri is a NETA Certified Personal Trainer, Yoga and Group Exercise Instructor, specializing in functional fitness and longevity training.