Wayne State University leads landmark cultural history study in The District Detroit
Wayne State University has been selected by Olympia Development of Michigan to lead a major cultural history initiative in The District Detroit, overseeing a comprehensive study that will document and honor the stories of neighborhoods including Brush Park, Paradise Valley, Cass Corridor, Black Bottom and Cass Park.
The Wayne State research team, identified as the Past Forward Project, will be led by Krysta Ryzewski, chair and professor of anthropology at Wayne State University. Her areas of expertise are historical archaeology, historic preservation and community-based research. Ryzewski has led more than a dozen public history and archaeology projects in Detroit and Metro Detroit since 2011 in partnership with numerous community and institutional partners and with funding support from federal, state and foundation sources. Six of these projects are detailed in her award-winning book, Detroit Remains: Archaeology and Community Histories of Six Legendary Places.
Hands-on learning
Twenty students in Ryzewski’s winter semester Historical Archaeology class are conducting background research for the study. This upper-level course trains advanced undergraduates and graduate students for careers in cultural resource management, historic preservation, planning and related fields. Throughout the semester, students are working in small groups to identify and research potential sites for historic markers, walking tours, or interactive displays. They are also developing public-facing research and communication skills through archival work and expert-led sessions with local, state and federal heritage professionals. Two class meetings are being held at The District Detroit Opportunity Center, allowing students to engage directly with Olympia and Related leadership and expand their professional networks. In April, students will present their proposals to the developers and a smaller group will be hired to finalize the study report.
“We believe that The District Detroit will best be developed, in part, by capturing, honoring and learning from stories of many of the people, places and experiences that came before us here,” said T.R. Reid, who is representing the Neighborhood Advisory Committee on this project. “Wayne State is both a neighbor and highly capable partner and we’re excited and inspired by the variety and energy of the students who are taking on this assignment.”
Past Forward Team
In addition to Ryzewski, the Past Forward project team includes an advisory group comprised of Wayne State faculty, staff and students: Kefentse Chike, assistant professor of African American studies; Rayman Mohamed, professor and chair of urban studies and planning; Lyke Thompson, director of the Center for Urban Studies; and undergraduate student Klaus Freidrich. The partnership was made possible by Stacie Clayton, Wayne State's regional relations director.
“Wayne State is thrilled and honored to be chosen by Olympia and Related to work on their arts and culture study. This study is designed to benefit Detroit and its future generations and it has the added bonus of providing Wayne State students with hands-on research experience and professional networking opportunities in the process,” said Ryzewski. “History is the foundation of the future and we are grateful for the opportunity to involve a diverse group of students – who are the future of Detroit – in conducting research that cultivates appreciation for Detroit’s cultural and community histories and preserves our heritage for the benefit of future generations.”
The $50,000 research initiative was defined in The District Detroit’s Community Benefits Agreement (CBA), an agreement between developers, the city of Detroit and The District Detroit Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC). The study parameters were established cooperatively with a team that included representatives from the developers, The District Detroit Neighborhood Advisory Committee, the City of Detroit Office of Arts, Culture, and Entrepreneurship, the city of Detroit historian, Michigan History Center and Michigan Historical Commission.
A public Request for Applicants was issued in April 2024 on The District Detroit’s Opportunity Center website. Wayne State’s selection for the study emerged from ongoing conversations between WSU and the community engagement teams. As discussions evolved, WSU’s application took shape, aligning with its strategic commitment to community engagement. Months of planning and collaboration ultimately led to a research initiative that not only honors Detroit’s history but also provides students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
“We are delighted to work with Dr. Ryzewski, the Past Forward team and Wayne State students to explore the history of these rich cultures in Detroit,” said Rian English Barnhill, Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Olympia Development of Michigan on behalf of Olympia Development and Related Companies. “Their application clearly demonstrated their expertise and the desire to capture the history of Detroit and spirit of the research study. We are excited to begin this study and thrilled to have Wayne State as our partner.”
The history study and the practicum course associated with it are examples of the innovative and engaged educational opportunities Wayne State provides to its students and it highlights the university’s commitment to attracting and retaining recent graduates to Detroit.
“This study celebrates the rich history of Detroit’s neighborhoods and brings WSU faculty and students together with the community to preserve stories that will inspire generations," said Laurie M. Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. "At Wayne State, we are proud to shape a lasting legacy for our city while opening doors to meaningful opportunities for our students.”
The project aligns with Wayne State’s Prosperity Agenda by advancing community-centered research and preservation efforts that strengthen Detroit’s cultural and economic vitality.
The study is expected to be completed in 2026. Results of the study will be presented to the city, the Neighborhood Advisory Committee, as well as made available online for the public.