Students’ history project selected for display at Smithsonian National Museum of American History

University Liggett School is thrilled to announce that a history project created by three of its students has been chosen for display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. The project created by sophomores Annabel Klaasen, Zaire Polk, and Teresa Romanelli titled "The Gross Points of Grosse Pointe," will be showcased at the prestigious Washington, D.C., museum in June.

The project, which recently earned state honors, was the only project selected to represent Michigan at the National History Day (NHD) Exhibit Showcase. The NHD Exhibit Showcase at the National Museum of American History is a remarkable opportunity for students to share their historical research with a global audience.

The students' exhibit delves into the discriminatory practices of a 1940s system in Grosse Pointe, where prospective homeowners were ranked based on criteria such as race, religion, accent, swarthiness, education, and relationships. Titled "The Gross Points of Grosse Pointe," the project explores the origins of this prejudiced system, its eventual abolition, and its lasting impact on the diversity of the Grosse Pointes today.

"We are immensely proud of Teresa, Annabel, and Zaire for their outstanding achievement," said Chris Hemler, Cynthia N. Ford Chair of History and the Social Studies at ULS. "Their dedication to researching and presenting this important aspect of local history exemplifies the spirit of inquiry and critical thinking we foster at our school."

The students' project was selected from a pool of entries from across the state of Michigan, with only one project chosen to represent the State at the national level. Their success underscores the caliber of education and the commitment to excellence upheld at ULS.

The National History Day event at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History will take place on June 12. The students will set up their exhibit and interact with visitors throughout the day.