Having heard good things about Ann Arbor City Club’s day trips, I finally decided to sign up for one – A Day Trip to Dearborn. Now I remember Dearborn from when I was a child, largely a community of Detroit auto workers, busy streets, Jacobson’s clothing store, and an old Italian Restaurant. Not so today. I expected to see changes and Arab influence, but was surprised by how much I learned about the Arab culture, history and the Islamic religion.
Our trip took us first to the Arab National Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate and the only museum in the US devoted to Arab American history and culture. Surprises abound. Stories of immigrant families depicted through photo displays, a typical Arab kitchen showing cuisine and the importance of Arab hospitality, and photos of famous Arab immigrant families. Who knew that racing legend Bobby Rahall’s family came from Lebanon or that Helen Thomas, famous White House journalist, had roots in Tripoli? I was reminded of the significant contributions of actor Danny Thomas and of Ralph Nader whose parents came from Lebanon. Our guide, a volunteer in the museum, detailed the history of immigration to Dearborn, gave us a glimpse of warm, Arab hospitality, and fielded our many questions.
If not for a scheduled visit to the Islamic Center of America, an active mosque since 1964, we could easily have spent a day at the museum. Well versed in the parallels in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, our Islamic Center guide talked about the Islamic religion and its beliefs and practices. While aware of the prayers 5 times a day, most of us were unaware of the cleansing process prior to prayer. Again, a very interesting experience.
Not to be missed, of course, is the Shatila Bakery for coffee and pastries. Having time to peruse the assortment of Arab pastries, we found little delicacies to enjoy with coffee and some to take home for later.
Before returning to Ann Arbor, we experienced a typical Arab dinner at Alameer with a sampling of appetizers, lamb and chicken dishes, a variety of vegetables, and dessert.
It was a worthwhile day in every respect – education, new perspectives, good food, and most enjoyable company. I look forward to a return trip to a rediscovered Dearborn, to the museum and to enjoy good Arabic food and hospitality. And I look forward to taking more of the City Club’s day trips.
About the author of today’s post: Marcia Knapp joined the City Club 2004. She is president of the City Club Board of Directors for 2016-17.
Our trip took us first to the Arab National Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate and the only museum in the US devoted to Arab American history and culture. Surprises abound. Stories of immigrant families depicted through photo displays, a typical Arab kitchen showing cuisine and the importance of Arab hospitality, and photos of famous Arab immigrant families. Who knew that racing legend Bobby Rahall’s family came from Lebanon or that Helen Thomas, famous White House journalist, had roots in Tripoli? I was reminded of the significant contributions of actor Danny Thomas and of Ralph Nader whose parents came from Lebanon. Our guide, a volunteer in the museum, detailed the history of immigration to Dearborn, gave us a glimpse of warm, Arab hospitality, and fielded our many questions.
If not for a scheduled visit to the Islamic Center of America, an active mosque since 1964, we could easily have spent a day at the museum. Well versed in the parallels in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, our Islamic Center guide talked about the Islamic religion and its beliefs and practices. While aware of the prayers 5 times a day, most of us were unaware of the cleansing process prior to prayer. Again, a very interesting experience.
Not to be missed, of course, is the Shatila Bakery for coffee and pastries. Having time to peruse the assortment of Arab pastries, we found little delicacies to enjoy with coffee and some to take home for later.
Before returning to Ann Arbor, we experienced a typical Arab dinner at Alameer with a sampling of appetizers, lamb and chicken dishes, a variety of vegetables, and dessert.
It was a worthwhile day in every respect – education, new perspectives, good food, and most enjoyable company. I look forward to a return trip to a rediscovered Dearborn, to the museum and to enjoy good Arabic food and hospitality. And I look forward to taking more of the City Club’s day trips.
About the author of today’s post: Marcia Knapp joined the City Club 2004. She is president of the City Club Board of Directors for 2016-17.
Shatila Bakery. Photo credit: Matthew LaVere, Brownbook.tv
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