The Grosse Pointe War Memorial is steeped in American history. It’s a place where everyone is welcome, and programs and events abound to draw people from not only the Grosse Pointes, but from surrounding communities as well.
Located on the grounds of the historic Alger Estate on the shores of Lake Saint Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms, it includes the Italian Renaissance-style home designed by architect Charles A. Platt of New York and built in 1910 for Russell A. Alger, Jr. and his family. After Alger’s death in 1930, the family wanted the house to be used to improve the quality of life in the community. From 1936 to 1948, the building became a branch of the Detroit Institute of Arts.
In 1949, it was donated to the newly formed Grosse Pointe War Memorial Association, and it had a dual purpose: to serve as a perpetual memorial to the 3,500 Grosse Pointe residents who served and the 126 who died in World War II; and to provide continuing educational and charitable activities center for the Grosse Pointe community. Its mission is and always will be to honor those who served, enrich the community, and deliver exceptional experiences.
It seems only fitting then, with our nation celebrating its 250th anniversary, that this beloved patriotic institution honored that milestone with a celebration of its own. An Evening of Red, White & Blue, was held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in the historic Alger House and ballroom.
Co-Presented by Jeffrey Smith, Lisa Vallee-Smith and Mary and Ron Lamparter, and with honorary co-chairs Fred and Veronica Alger, the evening took many months of planning. “The energy in the building the week before was just insane,” says Maria Miller, its president and CEO. “You could just sense this freneticism.”
The invitations were designed by its in-house graphic designer, Emily Orttenburger. “We are blessed to have her,” she says. “The invitations were fantastic, and she also did the programming and delved deep into American history. She made a map from 200 years ago and put it on parchment-type paper. When unfolded, the map denoted locations where the food had come from for the meals that night.”
The 300 tickets sold out fast. Attendees, dressed in cocktail attire—some featuring the iconic colors of the American flag—enjoyed a strolling reception, live entertainment, and a three-course dinner menu designed by its executive chef and culinary team. These meals were accompanied by amazing wine pairings.
The menu, titled Sea to Shining Sea, included Lobster Bisque, Pan-Roasted Pacific Halibut, Charcoal-Seared USDA Prime Angus Filet, and Michigan Cherry Sorbetto. Even the butter molds to go with the bread were creative.
“We were actually excited about butter molds,” says Maria, laughing. “They were only an inch tall, and we chose four individuals—George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony—who we believed helped shape American history.”
While guests dined, an auction and paddle raise took place. Later in the evening, dessert and nightcaps were enjoyed.
Many of the auction prizes, which featured luxurious gifts and exclusive experiences such as an African safari, were donated. “People have been amazing and gracious with their donations,” she says. “Being in this community and working here as much as I do, I can see that people really look out for each other.”
The nonprofit is continually thankful for the public’s support. “All of the social events that we have in this beautiful home, in our beautiful ballroom, support our mission work and the upkeep of this beautiful 1910 estate.”
The Red, White & Blue celebration was a resounding success, and something guests will remember for many years to come.
Other highlights of its America 250 program include Tea & Treasures: A Toast to America at 250 with Detroit Opera, Second Saturdays at TWM, and a Jazz Brunch featuring Dave Bennett, spotlighting American compositions and traditions.
Of course, The War Memorial is not just a place for special events, although it has its fair share, including weddings, but it’s also a home for many community-minded organizations and programming. “We have Gilda's Club and they offer their members free programming,” says Maria. “The Family Center's been here for a while, as well as the Grosse Pointe Artists Association. Another partner group is the Grosse Pointe Garden Center that tends to our beautiful gardens. They all do great work.”
Providing for veterans is also a large focus of the nonprofit. “Veterans have done so much for us and for our freedoms, and we want to thank them. For example, an American Legion post holds its meetings here and we waive the room rental. In the end, we're a patriotic institution.”
She adds, “We are giving other organizations the ability to be here, because it's part of our nonprofit mission. We're trying from a community perspective to support each other.” Maria estimates that they have provided close to a million dollars of discounted services, food and rental space.
The War Memorial is the only public space on the water in the Pointes, she explains. Everyone, not just those living in the Grosse Pointes, is welcome to visit and enjoy the grounds for free.
“When you're walking around here, you can't help but be struck by how special it is,” she says. “And, I think any event that folks have attended here leaves them feeling like there's been a memory made, and hopefully they're all good memories.”
Some of the other events taking place this summer include a SummerFest blues concert with Thornetta Davis, a Simon & Garfunkel tribute, and a WWII/1940’s-esque set list by the Rhythm Society Orchestra. Movies and more will also be happening.
“We had Shakespeare on the Rocks last year, where there was a little twist of a Shakespeare vignette, and people loved it,” says Maria. “Each of these events brings in different groups, a different crowd. It's fun to see the various types of people who are walking through our doors.”
While these events draw many of the same people year after year, there are always new faces in the crowd, and she hopes to see even more. “There are people even in this community who don't step foot in here, and some of them who have just moved into the community didn't even know you could,” she says. “So, really getting that word out that, ‘Hey, this is your space. It's not my space’ is important. I'm just helping to be that shepherd for the community and make sure the programming's working and meeting the needs of the community.”
The War Memorial is always offering new things, and its programming for veterans and others continues to evolve. “I’m always hopeful that people will come here and enjoy our events, and also give us feedback,” says Maria. “We want to know what we're doing right, and what we can improve on or are missing. Let us know.”
To learn more, go to WarMemorial.org.
“All of the social events that we have in this beautiful home, in our beautiful ballroom, support our mission work…”