Atlas Obscura, an organization that aims to highlight all the world’s hidden wonders and curiosities, is hosting International Obscura Day on Saturday, May 30.
People are encouraged to go out in groups and explore hidden gems and unusual places in and around their hometowns. Detroiters can take part in the festivities by visiting two featured Obscura Day locations in Detroit – MBAD’s African Bead Museum and Woodmere Cemetery.
Visitors to the African Bead Museum will be able to join Olaymi Dabls, a fine artist and museum curator, to explore the unique artifacts and jewelry at the museum. The tour runs from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be a Q and A session afterwards.
On the tour, guests will have the opportunity to study books on African history and culture as well as paintings and sculpture from local African American artists. Learn more about Olaymi Dabls in this exclusive Daily Detroit interview.
The cost is $5 per person. MBAD’s African Bead Museum is located at 6559 Grand River, Detroit, Michigan, 48208.
The Woodmere Cemetery tour will start at 11 a.m. and run until 1 p.m. This two-hour walking tour will take visitors through the final resting place of Detroit’s pre-automotive captains of industry. The creator of Vernors Ginger Ale, James Vernor, is buried in the cemetery.
The 200-acre cemetery offers visitors a unique look at late 19th century burial practices. The rise of cremation led to Woodmere being called the “cradle of cremation.” The walking tour will be led by Gail Hershenzon, author of Detroit’s Woodmere Cemetery, and Amy Elliott Bragg, author of Hidden History of Detroit.
Detroiters interested in participating should meet at the front gate at Ford and Woodmere Streets. The cost is $10 per person.
Don’t miss your chance to visit these unique curiosities. Experience some of Detroit’s history in an entirely new way. Grab a friend and plan to spend a few hours in awe during International Obscura Day.
