Detroit Historian Dan Austin Launches Fund to Preserve City's Past

Austin, founder of HistoricDetroit.org, aims to ensure his work outlives him through scholarships and endowment

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Dan Austin, a prominent Detroit historian and founder of the website HistoricDetroit.org, has launched the Austin Past & Future Fund to build an endowment to keep his nonprofit running after he's gone and provide scholarships for young Detroiters committed to improving the city. The 45-year-old Austin was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2024 and is using the time he has left to ensure his life's work continues.

Why it matters

Austin's HistoricDetroit.org has become an invaluable resource for documenting the city's rich history, with over 1,000 articles and 17,000 photos. By launching the Austin Past & Future Fund, he is working to preserve this legacy and inspire the next generation of Detroiters to make a positive impact on their community.

The details

The Austin Past & Future Fund has two main goals: to build an endowment to sustain HistoricDetroit.org long-term, and to provide scholarships for young Detroiters aged 16-25 who plan careers in fields like teaching, urban planning, social work, and architecture - all aimed at improving the city. Austin is also auctioning off his sizable record collection and directing donations through his Substack and Patreon pages to the fund.

  • In August 2024, Austin was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer at age 43.
  • As of March 2026, Austin is 45 years old and launching the Austin Past & Future Fund.

The players

Dan Austin

The 45-year-old founder and proprietor of HistoricDetroit.org, a prominent Detroit historian who is launching a charitable fund to preserve his life's work and support the city's future.

Elle Tivine-Austin

Austin's wife, who has a business background and will chair the board of the Austin Past & Future Fund.

Colleen Robar

A publicist working pro bono on the rollout of the Austin Past & Future Fund.

Mary Sheffield

The Mayor of Detroit, who has endorsed the Austin Past & Future Fund.

Mike Duggan

The former Mayor of Detroit, who has endorsed the Austin Past & Future Fund.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Dan Austin's love for Detroit runs deep.”

— Mary Sheffield, Mayor of Detroit

“Nobody has done more to document, advocate for and share our city's history.”

— Mike Duggan, Former Mayor of Detroit

What’s next

The Austin Past & Future Fund plans to award scholarships to 16- to 25-year-olds who are committed to careers in fields like teaching, urban planning, social work, and architecture - all aimed at improving the city of Detroit.

The takeaway

By launching the Austin Past & Future Fund, Dan Austin is working to ensure his life's work documenting Detroit's rich history lives on, while also investing in the next generation of Detroiters who will shape the city's future. This dual-pronged approach highlights Austin's dedication to preserving the past and inspiring positive change for the years to come.