It's Bizarre To Think That Detroit Is Home To One Of The World's Largest Collections Of Hummels, But It's True
By Melissa Mahoney|Published December 27, 2022
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
Back in the 1930s in Germany, a Franciscan sister named Berta Hummel began to create drawings of children, and she eventually became famous worldwide. You may have heard of Hummel figurines, and perhaps you have some in your home. But did you know that Detroit is home to one the world’s largest collections of Hummels?
Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Detroit may seem like an unlikely place to house one of the world's largest collections of Hummel figurines. However, there is a bit of a religious background to the origin of Hummels.
Also known as Maria Innocentia, Berta Hummel was an aspiring artist who grew up not too far from Munich. She went to art school before joining the Convent of Siessen in 1931.
Eventually, her sketches became published works of art. And in 1935, her works were turned into porcelain figurines. M.I. Hummel figurines have become popular collector's items throughout the world.
The Historic Trinity Lutheran Church became home to Hummel Hall after Jim Stokes and Fred Hoffman donated a collection of 1,400 Hummel figurines, pictures, and more to the church.
Did you know that Detroit is home to one of the world’s largest collections of Hummels? Have you seen the collection at the Historic Trinity Lutheran Church? Do you collect Hummel figurines? Let us know in the comments! To learn more about the M.I. Hummel collection at the Historic Trinity Luthern Church, visit the church’s website.
