IMAGINE: The Detroit River as a World Heritage Site

By Karen Hudson Samuels/Tell Us Detroit

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - The Detroit River is one of the busiest waterways in the world with a past which cultural heritage educator Kim Simmons believes should earn it designation as a World Heritage Site.

If may come as a surprise to some that rivers, just like sites on land, can be recognized for their role in history. The Detroit River fits this category; it was a passageway to freedom for fugitive slaves. In fact the Detroit was one of the largest stations on the Underground Railroad.

Tell Us Detroit met recently with Simmons to discuss her vision to have the Detroit River declared a World Heritage Site and its importance to American history.

As Executive Director of the Detroit River Project, Simmons is a Underground Railroad descendant and nationally recognized as a steward working to preserve its remarkable history.