Daytime Speakers
Speaker presentations will be at Next with seating dictated by room size for social distancing. A few speakers will still be held on Zoom, indicated in the topic description.
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Family Genealogy: Connecting the Points on your Family's Genealogical Map
Thursday, August 18, 2022 | 2:00-3:00pm
Derek Blount, V.P., Oakland County Genealogical Society
Connecting the Points on your Family’s Genealogical Map Thursday, August 18 at 2:00 pm Cost: Complimentary members / $5 guests In this presentation, Mr. Blount will review the modes of transportation and routes used across the nation and across time, and how both apply to your family’s genealogical map. In a nutshell, he’ll help you discover, “How did my ancestors get here from there?”
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Michigan Rediscovered
Thursday, September 8, 2022 | 1:00-2:00pm
Join Ron Rademacher for an entertaining and educational presentation that will uncover numerous back road adventures. A rollicking road trip across Michigan to more than a dozen destinations most travelers have missed. Discover the underground rathskeller in the Irish Hills, the gravity mystery in Frankfort, the Monarch Butterfly Migration, Lady Godiva in Michigan and others.
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Earth Friendly Gardening - with Compost
Thursday, September 15, 2022 | 10:30-11:30am
Join Advanced Master Composter Lillian Dean in the Next courtyard for an interactive workshop, focusing on making and using compost in the home garden. Lillian coordinates the Healthy Garden Project for the Southeast Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA), now in its 25th year. Topics will include: making compost the easy way; a gardener's best friend; the magic of mulches; and using compost for a sustainable garden.
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Birds of Prey - Live @ Next!
Thursday, September 22, 2022 | 1:00-2:00pm
Look straight into the dark eyes of a beautiful barred owl. Understand the mysterious sounds of the night. Meet one of the fastest of the birds of prey. These are just some of the things we’ll experience and discover when the Wildlife Recovery Association brings its natural history program to Next’s doorstep. Laugh, learn and develop a passion for these magnifi cent birds. Five to six birds of prey will be featured. Generously sponsored by Goosehead Insurance.
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Detroit Art, Mass Media, & Organized Crime
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 | 10:30-11:30am
The History of Detroit - Local Historian Robert E. Sullivan, Jr.
This presentation will cover three diverse Detroit history topics. The fi rst is a look at art in Detroit, including the DIA, Pewabic Pottery, the Freer Gallery, Marshall Fredericks and paint by numbers. Next is an exploration of the historic contributions of Detroit newspapers, radio and television. Finally, Mr. Sullivan will examine early 20th Century crime in Detroit, including the Purple Gang, Prohibition-era crime and deadly riots in 1943 and 1967.
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Bring out your Dead, Plagues, Epidemics & Pandemics
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 | 2:00-3:00pm
Derek Blount, V.P., Oakland County Genealogical Society
Mr. Blount will discuss epidemics from the 1300s to present, including the Bubonic Plague, Yellow Fever, the Spanish Flu and Covid-19. He will also discuss where to fi nd data records about the epidemics and records of people that succumbed to them.
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Mysterious Michigan
Thursday, October 13, 2022 | 2:00-3:00pm
Explore Michigan’s ghostly lore, legends, haunted history and strange creatures. Researcher and author Amberrose Hammond returns to Next to take you on a fun journey into the mysterious and supernatural past of the Great Lakes state. An avid local history and cemetery enthusiast, Amberrose has lectured extensively around the state at libraries, conferences and historical cemetery tours — and has shared her love of Michigan’s weird side with thousands. She will surely get us all in the Halloween spirit! Generously sponsored by The Care Team.
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Presidential Travel by Train
Tuesday, October 18, 2022 | 2:00-3:00pm
Former Secret Service agent, Rad Jones returns to Next to discuss the history of Presidential train travel and the planning required during such trips. The presentation will also include some of his personal experiences while in the Secret Service.
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Tea History & Afternoon Tea
Tuesday, October 25, 2022 | 1:00-2:00pm
Barbara Gulley, Author & Owner of Barb’s Tea Service
Join us as Ms. Gulley gives us the history of tea, tea ceremonies, and tea's place in England, including the creation of afternoon tea. She will discuss tea etiquette, tea brewing tips and favorite tea rooms in the U.S. and Europe, with special focus on Michigan's own marvelous tea spots. Tea and a sweet accompaniment will be served. Feel free to bring your own favorite tea cup! Generously sponsored by American House Stone.
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Detroit's Historic Suburbs
Wednesday, October 26, 2022 | 10:30-11:30am
HISTORY OF DETROIT Local Historian Robert E. Sullivan, Jr.
Mr. Sullivan will review the history of Detroit’s suburbs. With over 200 suburbs in Metro Detroit, the focus will be on Hamtramck, the Grosse Pointes, Dearborn, Pontiac, Monroe, Farmington. Troy, West Bloomfield, Franklin Village and Mount Clemens
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Diwali - The Festival of Lights
Wednesday, October 26, 2022 | 2:00-3:00pm
Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated in India. Diwali symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Enjoy beautiful music, treats and more!
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Dia De Los Muertos - Day of the Dead
Tuesday, November 1, 2022 | 1:30-2:30pm
Join Mary Luevanos as she educates us about Dia de los Muertos or "Day of the Dead" through storytelling and art. Mary will help us create our own calavera (skull), one of the most recognizable and artistic elements of Day of the Dead festivities, while she explains the traditions of this ancient celebration.