A History of Forward Thinking

As we embark on our 75th year as a community nonprofit organization, The War Memorial is filled with a reenergized determination to honor those who served, enrich our community, and deliver exceptional experiences.

Situated on the grounds of the historic Alger Estate in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, The Grosse Pointe War Memorial Association (more commonly known as The War Memorial) serves approximately 100,000 individuals with over 3,000 functions annually, including programs to honor veterans, engagement experiences for adults and children, community events and celebrations, and premier hospitality services. Honoring our legacy and embarking on our historic future with new intentional programming, hospitality and leadership, The War Memorial is a unique, dynamic and forward-thinking hub for southeast Michigan with a mission to honor those who served, enrich our community, and deliver exceptional experiences.

The Spirit of The War Memorial

Watch the Live Inspired Productions video.

A Curated Environment

We curate a unique environment where people, arts, entertainment and culture come together at their best.

The War Memorial exists to introduce new ideas, expand horizons and celebrate culture. We exist to combat the trend of anti-intellectualism in our country and help people become more aware, more tuned in, and more hungry for knowledge.

We exist to provide access. Access to art, music and entertainment from across the region, across the country and around the world. Access to our historic Grosse Pointe estate and beautiful Lake St. Clair. We exist so that people can celebrate life and all of its joyous moments in a safe, comfortable, familiar environment. Whether that’s a summer concert on the lawn next to beautiful Lake St. Clair, a teenage dance, or an elegant wedding.

And we exist to promote the ideals of democracy — the ideals valued within a perfect Union.

Everyone is welcome at The War Memorial — there are no residency requirements and membership is not necessary.

Our History

The spacious Italian Renaissance-style home built in 1910 for Russell A. Alger, Jr. and his family was designed by architect Charles A. Platt of New York; the house and gardens were designed together as a unit with particular attention to the use of various ground levels to the best advantage, and upon the finish, it was named “The Moorings.”

For two decades after its completion, “The Moorings” was the family headquarters for Alger, his wife Marion, and their children, Josephine, Caroline (Fay), and Russell III.

After Russell Alger’s death in 1930, the family sought a way for the house to be used to improve the quality of life in the community. From 1936 to 1948, the building became a branch of the Detroit Institute of Arts. In 1949, it was dedicated by the newly formed Grosse Pointe War Memorial Association to a twofold purpose: to serve as a perpetual memorial to the 3,500 Grosse Pointers who served and the 126 who died in World War II; and it was to serve as a continuing center for educational, cultural, and charitable activities of the Grosse Pointe community. The War Memorial is unusual – some say unique – because of its dual use.

The 1910 Alger House (The Moorings) as it stands today

Bronze plaques in the historic Alger foyer pay tribute to veterans from Grosse Pointe

Bronze plaques near the grand staircase preserve the names of all Grosse Pointers who served in World War II. Smaller plaques in the entrance hall list those who served in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts and in Operation Desert Storm. In addition, there are plaques inscribed with names of our fallen heroes from WWII, the Korean, and Vietnam wars, and a meritorious service plaque honoring those killed during peacetime.

Three additions have expanded the facilities of the War Memorial. The War Memorial Theater (temporarily closed) and original lakefront ballroom of the Fries Auditorium were dedicated in 1962. Our arts and education wing was originally completed in 1977 and renovated twice after. Most recently, the Fred M. Alger Center opened in the fall of 2022.

View our Historical Timeline

Our Future

With deep respect of our transformative past, we emerge again.

Our statements are bold, they are powerful, and they serve to help define a place that matters to people. The War Memorial curates things anew, and its leadership demonstrates quality and integrity, because we know that no matter the power of a word, everything crumbles without the stewards of excellence and honor.

To honor those who served, enrich our community, and deliver exceptional experiences, we remain true to a set of core values to impact all actions, decisions, and engagement with the community and with one another.

Our core guiding values are —