Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society

Behind-the-Scenes at the Apple Island Dig
The Society is leading an effort to secure Michigan State Historic Site and National Register of Historic Places designations for 35-acre Apple Island, owned by the West Bloomfield School District, and located in the middle of Orchard Lake. GWBHS received a $10,000 grant from the St. Francis Foundation of Michigan for the project, with the archaeological dig conducted by Dr. David Brose, nationally known archaeologist, and Western Michigan University’s Dr. LouAnn Wurst and her students in an anthropology class.

Apple Island Public Tours
This weekend the public not only can tour the island but also learn about the archaeological dig being done by Western Michigan University (WMU) leaders and students. Tours begin at the Orchard Lake Museum where presenters include Liam Collins of the Detroit Center for Public Archaeology. Take a pontoon boat ride to Apple Island for a docent-led island group tour and then, at your own pace, learn about the dig from the WMU team. First-come, first-served, in-person sign-ups begin at 11 a.m. at the Orchard Lake Museum. No phone reservations. Last tour group leaves the museum at 3:30 p.m. Allow 2 1/2 to 3 hours roundtrip and must climb 15 stairs up to the island. Wear walking shoes and dress for the weather as the boat ride and island are cooler than the shore. No strollers are allowed on the boats or island. $15 for adults, $10 for children 12 years and under. GWBHS members free, including new memberships sold this weekend.

NO reservations or tickets, or pre-sales; first come, first served.
NO strollers or walkers. This is a WALKING TOUR.
EVERYONE must wear a life jacket on the boat ride.

• When: Saturday, May 18, 11-5 p.m. & Sunday, May 19, 11-5 p.m.
• Where: Orchard Lake Museum

Field Lab Open Houses
Thursday, May 16 & Tuesday, May 21, 7-8:30 p.m., Orchard Lake Community Church, Presbyterian, 5171 Commerce Road
Come see what the WMU team is discovering during the archaeological dig on Apple Island.

Dig Farewell Dinner & Dig Summary
Thursday, May 23, 6 p.m., Orchard Lake Community Church, Presbyterian, 5171 Commerce Road
After a spaghetti dinner, Dr. LouAnn Wurst, 2013 principal investigator, will summarize the dig’s findings. Reservations required by Monday, May 20, to Jeanne Miller, 248.851.4075. $15 per person.

2014 Historic Homes Tour and Events Planning Meeting

Please come to the initial 2014 event-planning meeting at the Orchard Lake Museum. Help plan a Historic Homes Tour along with other events to mark the 40th GWBHS anniversary. Volunteers are needed at every involvement level. We need you! Call Gina Gregory, 248.661.5345 with questions.

• When: Saturday, April 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Where: Orchard Lake Museum

Apple Island Spring Forum

Don Moore, Education Manager of the Nokimos Learning Center, Native American Cultural Center in Okemos, MI, will speak about the history and culture of Michigan’s first inhabitants and the life of Chief Okemos who some think was born on Apple Island.

• When: Wednesday, April 10, 7-9 p.m.
• Where: Orchard Lake Community Church, Presbyterian, 5171 Commerce Road
• Cost: $5 adults, children free.