Oversight of Henry Ford’s historic Fair Lane estate on the grounds of the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus is being turned back to the Ford family-run board that runs the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores. The family gave up direct ownership of the Henry Ford Estate in the 1950s after Henry’s wife, Clara, died.

A designated National Historic Landmark, the estate will return again to the stewardship of the Ford family heirs and later undergo some major renovations.

The Detroit Free Press reports today that the Fair Lane estate will close for extensive renovations at some point in 2011 and reopen partially to the public in 2013 in advance of the building’s centennial anniversary in 2015.

The paper reports that university regents signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday that indicated ownership will be transferred to the board of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House beginning July 2011. The estate will remain open to the public through at least Dec. 31, 2010.

“Both the University of Michigan-Dearborn and the Ford House share a vision that the estate should be operated to the highest standards of museum practice,” Ken Kettenbeil, UM-Dearborn’s director of communications told the Free Press. Kettenbeil said the Fair Lane Estate needed at least $12 million in renovations and “and for the university to take it on, we would have to re-evaluated our core mission — which is teaching and research.”

The University of Michigan-Dearborn system allocated $300,000 annually to the estate’s operations, Kettenbeil said.

Henry Ford’s Fair Lane estate is nestled along the Rouge River inside the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus. The automotive pioneer employed more than 500 masons, wood carvers and craftsmen beginning in February 1914 to erect the estate, which was constructed from Ohio limestone, according to the estate’s Web site.

Ford lived there for more than three decades until his 1947 death. When his wife, Clara, died three years later, the Ford heirs commissioned an auction house to sell off its furnishings.

Ford Motor Co. bought the estate from the family in 1952, and established its corporate archives there through 1957. That’s when it donated the mansion, its powerhouse and the adjoining acreage to the University of Michigan, which used it to establish the university’s Dearborn campus. For the full story, click HERE.

(Source: City of Dearborn press release)

The General Henry Dearborn Quilting Society is presenting “Quilted Pleasures: a Quilt Show” on Friday, April 23 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is $3.

Enjoy quilts from artists Sheila DeRose and Kathy Connor and the Dearborn Historical Museum’s collection. Raffle tickets for a bed quilt made by society members and gifts will also be for sale.

The exhibits will be displayed at the Dearborn Historical Museum Commandant’s Quarters, 21950 Michigan Ave. at Monroe Street; and the McFadden Ross House, 915 Brady Street.

Please note that the Commandant’s Quarters is not wheelchair accessible. No baby strollers please.

For more information, call 313.565.3000.

(Source: City of Dearborn press release)

A variety of basic computer workshops will return to the Henry Ford Centennial Library throughout the month of May.

All workshops are free, but advanced registration is required.

Those learning to use a computer for the first time will be interested in the Basic Computers workshop. No computer knowledge or experience is required. Basic Computers will be offered on Monday, May 3 from 6-8:30 p.m. and Friday, May 14 from 2-4:30 p.m.

Internet Basics, a workshop targeted towards those who already have basic computer skills but want to learn more specifically about how to search and use the Internet, will be offered on Friday, May 7 from 2-4:30 p.m. and Monday, May 17 from 6-8:30 p.m.

Those interested in learning how to establish and use their own e-mail account can register for E-Mail Essentials, which will be offered on Monday, May 10 from 6-8:30 p.m.

Registration for each class begins one week prior to the class meeting. Visit or call the HFCL Adult Reference Desk at (313) 943-2330 to register or for more information.

Fliers containing the entire spring schedule can be picked up at the Reference Desk and the schedule is available on the library website at www.dearbornlibrary.org

Workshops are limited to 14 seats so register early.

Library card holders and Dearborn residents will receive preferential registration, space permitting; nonresidents will be placed on a wait list and will be notified shortly before the class date if any seats are still available.

All workshops will meet in the training room on the first floor (southwest corridor) of the Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave.

(Source: City of Dearborn Press Release)

The Dearborn Community Arts Council and Dearborn first lady Christina O’Reilly cordially invite you to the Annual First Lady’s Tea, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 1 at the Dearborn Hills Golf Course on Telegraph Road. Advance ticket sales are $ 35.

This is your opportunity to experience the charming, creatively decorated tables that were the talk of the town last year. A captivating afternoon luncheon promises to offer the finest teas, good company and the opportunity to experience the creative flair that is uniquely Dearborn.

Proceeds from this very special day benefit the Dearborn Community Arts Council and the Dearborn Senior Services Cultural Arts programming.

A unique addition this year is an incredible glass sculpture which was designed by Mayor John O’Reilly Jr.

It was crafted at the Dearborn Glass Academy and will be raffled off at the Annual First Lady’s Tea on Saturday, May 1. Raffle tickets for this sculpture piece are $ 10 each.

If you are interested in supporting DCAC and Dearborn Senior Services cultural programs by purchasing a raffle ticket, or attending the Tea, contact the Dearborn Community Arts Council at 313-943-3095 or by email at sgreene@ci.dearborn.mi.us