The conclusion of World War II led to the prosperity of the 1950s, with consumerism on the upswing, manufacturing booming and unparalleled population growth. The latest program series, The 1950s: Affluence and Anxiety in the Atomic Age, which runs through May 7 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center, on Macomb’s Center Campus in Clinton Township, features several events that examine Detroit’s growth and development during the decade.
On March 24 at 11 a.m., Charles Ballard, professor at Michigan State University, examines Michigan’s economy at its peak in the 1950s, with its growing population and manufacturing sector, and how these phenomenal successes led to the economic struggles of today in Economics of the 1950s.
On April 2 at 1 p.m., Jack Lessenberry, Michigan (WUOM-FM) radio commentator, and professor of journalism at Wayne State University, highlights Detroit’s glory days in the 1950s and the changes bubbling below the surface that would change the city, area and life in general in Detroit in the 1950s: Tail Fins, Freeways and Fears Below the Surface.
On April 13 at 11 a.m., Kenneth Jackson, professor at Columbia University, describes the rise of suburbia in metro Detroit and its post-industrial decline in the context of national trends, and whether an urban revival is likely in the 21st century in Crabgrass Frontier: The Past and Future of Metropolitan Detroit.
On April 15 at 11 a.m., , Robin Boyle, professor at Wayne State University, focuses on 50 years of local public planning policy that has resulted in separating the central city from its metropolitan space in Separating Space: The Suburbanization of Detroit.
On April 29 at 11 a.m., Thomas Sugrue, professor at the University of Pennsylvania, examines the transformation of Detroit during the 1950s, as racial conflict intensified, suburbanization accelerated, and industry decentralized, downsized and collapsed in Rust and Race: Detroit and the Myths of the 1950s.
The 1950s series features more than two dozen free presentations, as well as free exhibits in the cultural center, including Atoms for Peace – a display of lithographs on loan from the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History – and Affluence and Anxiety in the Atomic Age – a multimedia exploration of life in the 1950s. All presentations require advance registration by calling 586.445.7348.
The Lorenzo Cultural Center is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Additional information about the cultural center and the 1950s program series is available at www.LorenzoCulturalCenter.com. Group visits are welcome during the series and may be arranged by calling 586.445.7348.
About the Lorenzo Cultural Center
The Lorenzo Cultural Center (www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com) explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment. Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield Roads in Clinton Township, the cultural center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for Performing Arts.
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 48,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.
Media Contact:
Tish Wirth
Communications & Community Relations
Macomb Community College
586.445.7560
wirthp@macomb.edu