Why 1701? - Quad anniversary lecture series

Presented by Lily Chen, DHS Curatorial Coordinator, this talk asks a deceptively simple question: how do we define a city’s birthday? Moving beyond traditional founding narratives, it explores life in Detroit before, during, and after colonial contact, highlighting the complex intersections of French, British, and American empires across the 18th and 19th centuries. The presentation examines the lasting consequences of colonization on the region’s land, waters, and peoples, while centering the enduring presence and perspectives of Anishinaabe communities in Michigan. By reframing Detroit’s origins, this talk invites audiences to recognize and celebrate the long, layered history of life where the river bends.