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“Frontier to Freedom” Historical Documentary Screening *Pre-Registration Required
Reserve your seat for “Frontier to Freedom,” a historical documentary that unearths the rich and often overlooked history of Michigan. 🎟️. Film screening will be followed by a roundtable discussion with producer Keith Patterson, Dr. Martin Hershock PhD Professor of History and Dr. John Chenoweth, PhD Professor of Archaeology, both of University of Michigan- Dearborn. Must register online to reserve seat, limited seating. www.thebattlefield.org
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT
Event Details
Event: Frontier to Freedom Documentary Screening and Roundtable Discussion
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
Schedule:
- 2:00 p.m. – Screening begins
- 4:00 p.m. – Intermission
- 4:15 p.m. – Roundtable begins
Location: Visitor Center, River Raisin National Battlefield Park, 333 N. Dixie Hwy., Monroe, MI 48162
Cost: Free; pre-registration required online www.thebattlefield.org (limited to 155 seats)
Major Sponsors: Doug & Diane Chaffin, DTE Energy, ITC Holdings Corp., La-Z-Boy Incorporated, Monroe Community Credit Union, and Wyandotte Nation.
Education Sponsors: The Mannik & Smith Group, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, and The Youth Connection.
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT
Free Admission -Pre-Registration online required:
“The founding of the United States was nothing short of miraculous, but the full story is far more complex than many of us realize. Even though Michigan was not one of the original 13 colonies, our region played a significant role in shaping the nation’s early history. There are chapters that inspire pride—and others that may surprise or even shock us. This story deserves to be told, and WGVU is proud to bring Frontier to Freedom to public media audiences across the country,” – Jim Rademaker, General Manager of WGVU Public Media
“From concept to a grant-supported documentary, Keith Patterson’s journey shows what thoughtful public investment in history can achieve. This powerful documentary, Frontier to Freedom, was funded through the America250MI History Grant program. This is exactly the kind of project America250MI was created to champion—work that interprets, preserves, and explores Michigan’s rich history, delivers lasting impact, and aligns with our 5 Guiding Themes. We’re thrilled by what Keith has accomplished and wish him and Manitou Films continued success!” – Robert Doran-Brockway, Program Director of America250MI
“Frontier to Freedom brings Michigan’s early history to life by sharing not only well-known narratives but also the stories and perspectives of Indigenous nations, African American communities, and other voices too often left out of traditional narratives. The film invites audiences to understand Michigan’s path to statehood—and the ideals of freedom and self-determination—from a place of depth and honesty. We are proud to have contributed to the thoughtful, inclusive storytelling in this film that helps to broaden understanding of Michigan’s early history.” – Kathryn Buckner, President and CEO of The Americana Foundation
