What is the Grosse Pointe War Memorial?

For over half a century, the War Memorial has remained true to its purpose of touching the lives of those in our community through programs and services. Our objective, every day, is to foster growth through learning and enrichment. Hopefully, each time the War Memorial is used, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to have a center for community activity as alive and useful as is ours.

We welcome you to our home, and hope that you will discover all the many facets of our service to the community and our dedication to its improvement through our commitment to providing the highest quality programs and events.

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. Mrs. Allen Shipman was the landscape architect; and the house and gardens were designed together as a unit with particular attention to the use of various ground levels to the best advantage. It was called The Moorings.

For two decades after its completion, the Moorings was the family headquarters for Alger, his wife Marion, and their children, Russell III, Fay and the daring Josephine.

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. In 1949, it was dedicated 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 and charitable activities of the Grosse Pointe community. The War Memorial is unusual - some say unique - because of its dual use.

Bronzed plaques near the grand staircase preserve the names of all Grosse Pointers who served in World War II as well as the names of those who died. Smaller plaques in the entrance hall list those who served in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts and in Operation Desert Storm. In addition, a meritorious service plaque honors those killed during peacetime.

Two additions have expanded the facilities of the War Memorial. The Fries Auditorium and Crystal Ballroom were dedicated in 1962, and the Center for Arts and Communications was completed in 1993.

Our Mission

Honoring those who served our country in the Armed Forces, the War Memorial provides educational, cultural, civic and patriotic programs, services and facilities to enrich the lives of the Community.

Our Core Values

Our contribution to the community
Our commitment to professional transparency
Our diversity of offerings
Our commitment to patriotism
Our stewardship of a local, state and national institution

Our Vision

The vision of the Grosse Pointe War Memorial is to be a financially stable and active center for community enrichment through its programs, facilities and services that is well respected for its commitment to the community in honor of veterans.