Two 19th Century transportation marvels will be part of the focus during an upcoming series on American Ingenuity at Macomb Community College.
In separate programs this fall, historical re-enactor Michael Deren will share the stories and the songs of the men who created the Transcontinental Railroad and the Erie Canal. Deren’s presentations will be part of a larger series at Macomb’s the Lorenzo Cultural Center, American Ingenuity: Embracing the Freedom to Dream.
The series explores those past and present who have made their mark through invention, innovation and entrepreneurship. National and local creations and developments will be featured and the series will include presentations by famed choreographer Twyla Tharp and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.
“My goal is to use songs and stories from the period to help both children and adults learn about these fascinating episodes in American history,” said Deren, a former teacher who has been performing in a variety of educational re-enactment roles for the past 20 years.
American Ingenuity runs Sept. 25 – Nov. 21 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center, located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, M-59 and Garfield, in Clinton Township. The exhibits are free, and there is no charge for the majority of the presentations, though advance registration is required.
Deren said connecting the country by rail was a major advancement for American.
“A trip West could now by accomplished in days, rather than weeks or months,” he said.
Deren’s presentations are free. The presentation on the Transcontinental Railroad will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17. The Erie Canal: Dewitt Clinton’s Vision & Michigan’s Future is scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3
The exhibits on display at Macomb during the series will include Kites to Kitty Hawk, which chronicles the kites and their inventors in the movement toward the goal of man-powered flight, and Yesterday’s Tomorrows, from the Smithsonian Institution Museum on Main Street Program, which showcases how Americans of the late 19th and early 20th centuries envisioned the future.
A number of presentations will focus on great inventors of the past and present, including programs on A Day in Thomas Edison’s Lab, Oct. 6; Inventing Michigan: Inventors Known and Unknown, Oct. 20; Buckminster Fuller’s Dymaxion House: Invention and Innovation, Oct. 21; Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla: Inventors in Conflict, Oct. 23; and Stanford Ovshinsky: Sparking a Revolution, Nov. 10.
The Lorenzo Cultural Center is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Additional information on the center and on the American Ingenuity program series is available at 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 (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 (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:
Dan Heaton
586.445.7271
heatond@macomb.edu