Historical Preservation
Historical preservation has been one of FOROT's founding pillars, grounded in our commitment to researching, documenting, protecting, and sharing the history of Royal Oak Township and the communities that emerged from its original 36 square miles.
Our early vision included securing historical recognition for sites located in the community, such as Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School, and establishing a freestanding historical archival library. These long-range goals reflected our belief that the history of Royal Oak Township, its institutions, and its people must be preserved and made accessible to future generations. Our work encompasses historical research, archival collections, educational presentations, documentary filmmaking, and community engagement, including the preservation of records dating to the Township's establishment in 1833.
Bringing that vision to fruition required perseverance. For more than a decade, FOROT pursued historical recognition while navigating limited funding and resources. On July 21, 2023, that commitment reached a significant milestone with the installation of a Michigan Historical Marker recognizing Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School.
"We are so proud to honor Ulysses S. Grant School. It was the building block of our culture and education." - Brigitte Hall, Founder
Grant School represents more than a historic building. For generations of Royal Oak Township families, it has been a place of learning, community connection, and shared experience. Its recognition acknowledges an important chapter in the Township's educational and cultural history.
Today, FOROT continues this preservation work through historical research, community storytelling, public programs, and initiatives such as Truth Toward Reconciliation and A Tale of Ten Cities. The 2026 centennial of Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School provides another opportunity to recognize the people, educators, and families whose contributions shaped the school's history and the community it served.
We invite visitors to explore the historical marker, read its inscription, and discover the stories that connect Royal Oak Township's past with its present.
Film Screening: A Tale of Ten Cities
A Tale of Ten Cities, the first documentary in FOROT's Truth Toward Reconciliation initiative, explores the historical development of southern Oakland County and the transformation of the original 36-square-mile Royal Oak Township into ten municipalities.
Completed in 2023 with assistance from the University of Michigan, the 25-minute film examines annexation, community development, and the experiences that shaped the region.
Through public screenings and discussions, FOROT brings historical research and community perspectives together, inviting audiences to examine the relationship between past decisions and present-day communities.
The documentary is part of a broader effort to document the voices, experiences, and history of Royal Oak Township, including the planned continuation of the film project.
Explore Truth Toward Reconciliation
Why This Project Matters
Royal Oak Charter Township's history is a microcosm of the broader destruction of Black communities in America, akin to Detroit’s Black Bottom, Tulsa’s Black Wall Street, and Rosewood’s Massacre. Through extensive historical research, listening sessions, and interviews, we are uncovering the stories of those who lived, worked, and attended school in this area and neighboring communities.
The Power of Truth and Reconciliation
In the face of historical and ongoing racial injustices, our project stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action. By documenting and sharing these stories, we aim to foster understanding, healing, and reconciliation. Our effort will join other truth and reconciliation movements across the nation, including those in Chicago, Evanston, Asheville, and Greensboro.
Recent Milestones
In 2023, with the assistance of the University of Michigan, we completed a 25-minute short film titled "A Tale of Ten Cities," capturing the early journeys of South Oakland County and historic Royal Oak Township. This film serves as a funding appeal to complete Phase II of our documentary, "The Voices," which will feature "The Phoenix Rising." Additionally, in July 2023, we installed a historic marker at the former site of Grant Elementary School, a key location in the desegregation battle between the Ferndale District and Health Education and Welfare. We also hosted a panel on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January 2023, focusing on History and Reparations.
A Blast from the Past
Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School | 1926–2026
A century of education, community, and shared experiences.
As we commemorate 100 years of Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School, FOROT celebrates the students, educators, families, and community members whose experiences are part of its history.
Explore Centennial activities, historical photographs, community recollections, and the continuing story of Grant School.
Centennial Hub
A Tale of Ten Cities
