The Great Crusade: Echoes of Global Conflict Exhibit
The Great Crusade: Echoes of a Global Conflict, in partnership with Selfridge Military Air Museum and The Grosse Pointe Artists Association, is an original exhibit and art installation in the Patriot Gallery located in the lower level of the Alger Center for Arts and Culture at The War Memorial.
The exhibit, on display for a limited engagement throughout the summer, offers a unique perspective examining World War II history and storytelling featuring in-person lectures, multimedia presentation, archival video, and historical artwork and artifacts.
General Exhibit Hours
Monday–Saturday: 9AM – 7PM
Sunday: 9AM–3PM
The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular building hours. Please note the exhibit may be closed due to private events.
The Great Crusade: Echoes of a Global Conflict exhibit has been made possible through partnerships with The War Memorial, Selfridge Military Air Museum, and Grosse Pointe Artists Association.
Lecture Series by Steve Mrozek
About Steve Mrozek
Steve Mrozek, Executive Director of the Selfridge Military Air Museum, has an enthusiastic interest in military history and an extensive career working with historical museums. He joined the growing roster of volunteers at the Selfridge Military Air Museum May 2020 and became the Museum’s Curator in July. Steve’s museum career includes positions at the Detroit Historical Museum, the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown as well as several local museums. He admits that it’s his interest in military history and past Army National Guard service that led him back to Selfridge. As an avid military historian with several books to his credit, he had served as the historian for the 82nd Airborne Division Association. It was also this interest which led him to the Army and a 26 years long career. As a paratrooper, Mrozek served over ten years in Company F, 425th Infantry, a Long Range Surveillance unit stationed at Selfridge. Later attached to the 82nd Airborne, he deployed to Afghanistan in 2007. In February 2021, he took over the position as Executive Director of the museum.
The Road to The Great Crusade
Join us on June 27th, 2023 for The Road to The Great Crusade lecture by Steven Mrozek, Director of Selfridge Military Air Museum, is highly anticipated by history enthusiasts and military aficionados alike. The lecture promises to shed light on the intricate and complex events that led to the Great Crusade, a pivotal moment in world history. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in military history, Mrozek will deliver a captivating and insightful talk that will give attendees a greater understanding of the road to D-Day. Attendees can expect to learn the political and social factors that fueled the Crusade and the opposing forces' military strategies.
This event is free to the public.
The Airborne Phase Overlord
On July 11th, 2023 Steve Mrozek, Director of Selfridge Military Air Museum, will provide a unique perspective on the training and equipment used by paratroopers and glider-borne troops in 1944 and the challenges of inserting three allied airborne divisions deep behind enemy lines. Gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history and the sacrifices made by those who served. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the foremost experts in the field!
This event is free to the public.
Operation Cobra, The Beachhead Break Out
Join Steve Mrozek, Director of Selfridge Military Air Museum, on August 8th, 2023 for Operation Cobra, the Beachhead Break Out lecture. For over a month, the armies of the allied nations battled in the challenging hedgerow terrain of Normandy. Despite being outnumbered, the resourceful German forces managed to stall the Allied advance from the beaches. As casualties mounted, a daring plan was devised to regain the momentum of the Great Crusade - Operation Cobra. However, as with any ambitious project, significant risks were involved. Steve will delve into this often-overlooked aspect of the Normandy campaign and explore the details in depth. Take advantage of this opportunity to better understand this pivotal moment in history.
This event is free to the public.