You haven't lived here until ... You visit the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn

posted on: Feb 15, 2015

S THE MUSEUM THE ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND IN THE COUNTRY? Yes, the Arab American National Museum is the first and only museum in the U.S. that is devoted to Arab-American history and culture. The museum documents, preserves and presents the history, culture and contributions of Arab Americans.

WHERE IS THE MUSEUM? The museum is located in Dearborn at 13624 Michigan Ave.

WHAT SORT OF EXHIBITS DO THEY HAVE? The museum has three permanent exhibits, according to director Devon Akmon. The first gallery, “Coming to America,” focuses on the immigration experience, Akmon said. He said the exhibit highlights the 22 different countries that Arab Americans come from. He said the first significant number of immigrants came between 1880 and 1920.

The second exhibit, “Living in America,” highlights how Arab Americans have become an integral part of U.S. history. The gallery shows some of the “traditions that they’ve retained and that have been passed down,” Akmon said.

The third gallery, “Making an Impact,” looks at individuals who have made an impact in their respective fields, such as entertainment and politics. Individuals such as world-renowned surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey, presidential candidate and consumer advocate Ralph Nader, White House journalist Helen Thomas, and auto racing legend Bobby Rahal.

The Arab American National Museum, located in Dearborn, is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to Arab-American history and culture. (Photo: Bruce Harkness)
HOW LARGE IS THE MUSEUM? The museum is about 40,000 square feet. The museum has a separate building, called the annex, that’s used for special programs.

WHAT SORT OF SPECIAL PROGRAMS OR EVENTS DOES THE MUSEUM HAVE? The museum offers guided tours for students and other groups. The museum also hosts a number of events that can be seen on its website: www.arabamericanmuseum.org/Events.

HOW LONG HAS THE MUSEUM BEEN OPEN? It opened in May 2005. This May, the museum will be celebrating its 10th year.

WHEN IS THE MUSEUM OPEN? The museum is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. For general admission, tickets are $8. For students, seniors and children ages 6 to 12, tickets are $4. Children 5 and under are free.

WHAT’S ONE THING ABOUT THE MUSEUM PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW? The museum is among the few in Michigan to be affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, which allows it to collaborate often on projects. The museum previously partnered with the Smithsonian for a youth project on the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Rides. According to Akmon, the museum also offers a “full immersive experience.”

Contact Katrease Stafford: kstafford@freepress.com or 313-223-4759. Follow her on Twitter @KatreaseS_Freep.

Source: www.freep.com