Above: The Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the stories of Michigan citizens who served and sacrificed, here and abroad , from WWI to the present
Photo by Rick Garcia
By Rick Garcia
Michigan has a strong military history impacting both citizens and industry evolving around the war efforts from assault vehicles, planes to servicemen and women dedicating their lives for state and country.
The Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society, located in Eastpointe, opened its doors on Veterans Day 2011. The museum showcases Michigan citizens who served, sacrificed in defense of democracy. Over the last few years hundreds of visitors and history enthusiasts have visited the museum located in Eastpointe.
The Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the stories of Michigan citizens who served and sacrificed, here and abroad, from World War I to the present.
The 11,000-square-foot, Eastpointe-based museum showcases Michigan-related military products and units and features exhibits on veterans, equipment, weapons, uniforms, and other military artifacts.
The society also hosts special events, programs for children, and reenactments.
The museum was the idea of history enthusiast Chris Causley. He’s the president of the MIMTHS and is the one responsible for restoring many of the items on display. It’s a family-run organization, and his father also plays a large role with the museum.
“We have items from as far back as World War I and up to the present war,” said Bob Causley, MIMTHS treasurer and Chris’ father. “We’re really trying to give people the feeling of ‘this is what it was like.'”
The museum’s collection is vast and takes visitors on a trip through many of America’s battles during the last century.
“We had about 50 percent of what we have now when we first opened,” said Causley. “Now we’re running out of room and need to expand.”
There’s a variety of pieces on display, ranging from soldiers’ uniforms and model boats, to full-sized Jeeps, bullets and weapons. Inside the museum are display cases that house visual artifacts and information describing each piece, as well as recreated battlefield scenes and full-sized vehicles.
“We’re showcasing Michigan people doing Michigan support,” said Causley. “War is much more than military. There are all these little things you don’t think of.”
The museum also houses a 1966 Ford M-718 Frontline Ambulance. Causley described it as the type of vehicle that appeared in the television show “M.A.S.H.”
Another unique feature at MIMTHS is a display about astronaut and Eastpointe native J.M. Linenger. There’s a case that houses Linenger’s uniforms and gives some background on him.
“The display is on loan from NASA,” said Causley.
The museum also showcases the stories of Michigan soldiers. According to Causley, local families have donated letters, uniforms and other items to put on display.
“We’re trying to recreate the details and give flavor for situations soldiers faced,” said Causley.
MIMTHS is a nonprofit organization. The museum’s hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Appointments may be made to visit the museum during the week.
MIMTHS is located at 16600 Stephens Road in Eastpointe. For more information, log on to their website at www.mimths.org
This article was printed in the September 21, 2014 – October 4, 2014
