Tickets Still Available for Dearborn Historical Museum Beer Tasting Fundraiser

Editor's note: This article was submitted by the Dearborn Historical Museum.

On Sept. 27, the Dearborn Historical Museum will host a beer tasting fundraiser on the grounds of the McFadden Ross House, located at 915 Brady St., from 5 to 11 p.m.

The event will raise funds to preserve Dearborn’s history, provide educational programs for children, and maintain the museum’s historic buildings, archives and collection.

The museum is striving to become a destination by providing interesting exhibits, events and lectures. Since July 2012, the museum has been run by a group of dedicated volunteers and two part-time employees.

With drastic cuts in funding, it has become necessary to keep the museum operating with new and creative ways of raising revenue. The beer tasting is geared toward attracting a large after work crowd to visit the museum.

The McFadden Ross House, originally built as a powder magazine (a building to store explosive gun powder in wood barrels for safe keeping) for the Dearborn arsenal in 1883, is now used for exhibits, meetings, houses a gift shop and offers tours.

Several Dearborn residents will be exhibiting their collections of beer memorabilia and art work along with a Dearborn High School sports exhibit in the Ross House. Period dressed docents will be on hand to give historical information about the house.

Also on the grounds is the Gardner House. The three-room Gardner House, Dearborn’s oldest building outside the confines of Greenfield Village at The Henry Ford, provides a glimpse into simpler times. It was once occupied by a boyhood friend of Henry Ford. Today it is primarily used for educational purposes giving people a glimpse into what it was like to live as a pioneer in Michigan during the 1800s.

Kuhnhenn’s and Dragonmead breweries, both award winning local micro brewers, will offer several varieties of craft beers, wine and root beer for attendees.  

Barbecue ribs, pork, brisket and chicken will be for sale by the Detroit BBQ Company. The company is known for its quality meat and regularly grill at Detroit Lions tailgate parties and Kuhnhenn’s microbrewery. The company was a featured vendor at the West Dearborn Block Party this summer.

On the stage will be '80s Inc. With a perfect mix of the best music from the 1980s, combined with talented musicians, the band takes it's audience on a journey back to the "decade of decadence" in style.

Tickets for the event cost $8 if purchased before Sept. 27, or $9 at the door. The price includes a souvenir glass mug, one free beer, wine or root beer, entertainment and free parking at Ford Field Park or at the museum.

Designated drivers will receive free root beer and bottled water all evening. Entertainment Express will provide a free shuttle to and from Ford Field Park.

Tickets are available at the museum office, city council office, city clerk’s office, Double Olive Martini Bar, Family Dentistry at Military and Cherry Hill Road, and Steven Bernard Jewelers and Gentlemen First Barbershop at 949 S. Military St. In addition, Gentlemen First will give anyone who shows their ticket a $3 discount on a haircut.

Steve Guibord, owner of the Double Olive Martini Bar, is holding an afterglow party following the beer tasting at the Double Olive at 22027 Michigan Ave.

For more information, call the Dearborn Historical Museum at 313-565-3000.