LANSING - State Rep. Gino H. Polidori (D-Dearborn) will join visitors, museum fans, officials and dignitaries at Thursday's grand opening of the Arab American National Museum, the nation's first ever museum dedicated to Arab Americans.
"All of Dearborn should be proud to have this jewel in our city," Rep. Polidori said. "This landmark institution pays a fitting tribute to a community that has made many important contributions to our country. I'm delighted for my Arab-American friends and neighbors, and pleased that my hometown has such an exciting addition to its many, many cultural attractions."
The Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, or ACCESS, spearheaded the $15-million project. The three-story, 38,500-square-foot facility is an institution of preservation, and will include an educational facility, an auditorium, classrooms and a library. The building reflects the architecture of Arab nations.
Among the museum's attractions:
* Exhibits about early Arab immigrants and the continuing contributions of Arab Americans.
* Displays showing Arab Americans who have made an impact in the mass media.
* Murals of renowned Arab Americans, such as Stephen Yokich, former UAW leader.
* Memorabilia from people such as driver Bobby Rahal and NBA star Rony Seikaly.
Around 25 percent of Dearborn's residents are of Arab ancestry, giving the city one of the highest concentrations of Arab Americans in the nation. Some of the nation's leading Arab-American institutions in media, civil rights and business are based in Dearborn.
Dearborn is also home to other world-renowned museums and attractions, such as the Henry Ford and Greenfield Village.