Mount Elliott Cemetery Tour Event
Offsite event | Friday May 9 • 1pm
Instructor: Tom Ridley • Local History
Note: this event will begin at the Solanus Casey Center across Mt. Elliott from the cemetery.
Mt. Elliott cemetery, consecrated in 1841, is the oldest existing Catholic Cemetery in Detroit and many generations of prominent Detroit families are buried there, including the earliest French settlers who were removed from the original graveyard at old St. Ann’s church. Famous French names include Campau, Beaubien, Chene, Palms and Morross. Many members of the most prominent 19th century immigrant communities are here as well. Famous businessmen, politicians, judges, lawyers and clergy include mayor Jerome Cavanagh, mayor James Van Dyke and the Crowley family. Nowhere in Detroit is there a better place to discuss the early history of the region than here.
About the Presenter: Tom Ridley is a retired naval aviator with a special interest in Detroit-area history. He has been a volunteer for the group Preservation Detroit for 15 years and has led every Mt. Elliott cemetery tour for the past 10 years. Those who attended the Art Deco class with him during the Fall 2024 Session will recognize his undeniable knowledge of Detroit art and architecture.
