Neighborhood History + Archives

History of Woodbridge Housing | StoryMap

Woodbridge Neighborhood Development worked with Woodbridge neighbor Mark Jones, a GIS specialist and history buff, to visually document the historic transformation of the built environment of the Woodbridge neighborhood from the arrival of French settlers to the present day.

The purpose of the resulting StoryMap is to provide a reference point for an area experiencing new development. By understanding the neighborhood's past, we as a community can better plan for its future. We acknowledge that the history of the built environment does not tell the whole story of the neighborhood but is an integral part of it. The information in the StoryMap is based on publicly available historical and reference materials, as well as the perspectives of the individuals involved in creating the document. Woodbridge Neighborhood Development welcomes suggestions for content corrections, additions, deletions, and general comments that will improve the accuracy or usability of this tool.

We invite you to scroll through the StoryMap and click on the maps and archival material included within.

Woodbridge Neighborhood Life | Digital and Original Materials Archive

Woodbridge Neighborhood Development holds an extensive collection of print materials documenting the history of community engagement and resident life in Woodbridge—including organizing documents from the original Woodbridge Citizens’ District Council and Historical Society; meeting notes from opposition to urban renewal efforts and university expansion; applications for local and state historic designation; historic home rehabilitation guides and home tour programs; original home blueprints; and more!

Click here to explore and keyword search through the archive. All materials are available to view in-person by appointment and have also been scanned for electronic share. If you’d like to look at specific materials— or have materials you’re willing to add to the archive— please contact us.

Special thanks to the Detroit Historical Society for scanning and organizing archival materials.

Voices from our Neighbors | Woodbridge Oral History Project

COMING SOON, late Spring 2023…… Interviews with longtime Woodbridge neighbors captured through an oral history recording project 2021 and 2022. These recordings are currently being edited for length and connected to the events outlined in the StoryMap.

Special thanks to Greg Sollish, Jena Brooker, and Hannah Swanson for collecting and analyzing interview content.