Discover Concordia University’s Earhart Manor and its new art collection from the early days of Ann Arbor with a self-led audio tour this October. Renowned for its connection to the city’s history, every one of the dozens of pieces of artwork will help museum-goers take in a taste of muddy, unpaved streets and Detroit Observatory from the 1800s. With the support of the Concordia Guild, those looking to visit can make a reservation through email at concordiagilid@cuaa.edu or by calling 734-995-7509—and a special kick-off invite-only event is being held on October 15, with all proceeds going towards the endowment fund.
James Robert Irwin proudly displays his art collection of dozens of examples of Ann Arbor’s early days at the Earhart Manor on the campus of Concordia University off Geddes Road. This historic artwork depicting the muddy, unpaved streets of downtown Ann Arbor in the 1800s, the firehouse building that exists to this day, and the Detroit Observatory at night in the early days of the University of Michigan will be open for public tours in October. With the collection on campus, Irwin notes that Concordia will have a tangible connection to the city’s history and culture.
The university’s fundraising and initiative group, Concordia Guild, is proud to announce the October launch of self-led audio tours for the public. Those interested can make tour reservations by emailing concordiaguild@cuaa.edu or calling 734-995-7509 – with a recommended donation of $10. A special invitation-only event will be held on Oct. 15 to kick off the grand opening, with all proceeds from the event going toward the endowment fund.
Irwin was delighted by the enthusiasm of Concordia University’s student body when he gave a lecture on how to best motivate people in a speech. His positive experience with the university inspired him to donate his gallery in 2018, granting the school an Ann Arbor identity and honoring the leadership of the school. The Concordia Guild is now proud to announce the launch of self-led audio tours, available for public reservations starting in October. All proceeds from the grand opening event will go towards the endowment fund.
Peterson proudly pointed out a painting of the Bethlehem Church, established by German immigrants in the 1840s and later founding Bethlehem United Church of Christ on 4th Avenue and Zion Lutheran Church on West Liberty Road. He expressed his admiration for the beautiful setting Concordia offers someplace between a park and a Big Ten town.
“The placement of the church, of course, as a Christian university, that’s very close to its identity,” he said.
However, another point of pride in the collection is the original drawings of Ann Arbor founders John Allen and Elisha Rumsey. Created by renowned artist Katherine Larson in 2016, these pieces provide a unique look into the history of the city. It is even thought to be the only image of Rumsey, as Larson had to conduct interviews with his family to learn more about his appearance. With the addition of this collection, there is now an even greater reason for people to visit the University of Michigan campus. The Earhart Manor and the vibrant red football stadium may draw attention from passersby, but the collection serves as a gateway to the rest of the university.
This historic artwork is an important addition to Concordia University, and Irwin looks forward to the university helping visitors make a tangible connection to Ann Arbor’s rich history. By offering these self-led audio tours in October, the Concordia Guild grants everyone the opportunity to appreciate even more of this local heritage. All proceeds from the grand opening event, as well as donations received upon booking the tour, will go towards a fund dedicated to maintaining and preserving such a vital part of Ann Arbor’s past. With Irwin’s help, not only will Concordia University provide people with a direct connection that has been lost across the generations, but it will also ensure future generations will be able to enjoy the same traditions.
