This March, celebrate Women’s History Month at Meadow Brook Hall – a remarkable National Historic Landmark that offers a true example of matriarchal leadership. The Great Estate was lovingly created and led by Matilda Dodge Wilson, the renowned philanthropist and business woman who founded Meadow Brook Hall and Oakland University.
Women’s History Month recognizes the vital, often overlooked contributions of women to American history, culture, and society. Learn more about a remarkable local woman leader and delve into the lives and accomplishments of the women of Meadow Brook Hall on a tour.
Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month with a special promo code! Take $5 off a Guided or Self-Guided House tour until Tuesday, March 31.
Tickets must be booked online in advance. Visit meadowbrookhall.org/tickets and click “Book Tickets.”
Choose the tour, date and time and enter the promo code at checkout.
PROMO CODE: MATILDA
book tour ticketsMatilda Dodge Wilson Led with Compassion
The daughter of a saloon-keeper, Matilda (Rausch) Dodge Wilson (1883-1967) was a self-made, modern woman of the 20th century who lived an all-American success story. She built a legacy as a businesswoman, preservationist, art collector, horsewoman, farmer and philanthropist.
She was the first woman:
- On the board of an automotive company (Graham-Paige, 1931)
- Lieutenant Governor in America (1940)
- On the Michigan Board of Agriculture (1931)
- Chairman of a bank (Fidelity Bank & Trust Co., 1931)
Upon her husband John Dodge’s (of Dodge Brothers Motor Car Company) death, she became one of the wealthiest women in the world. She used this fortune for good, giving generously throughout her life, serving with more than 40 community service, political and philanthropic organizations, and a passionate advocate for women’s rights.
Matilda was actively engaged with the causes she cared about, personally choosing clothes and gifts and wrapping presents for orphans and children of unwed mothers at Denby House.
Matilda was devoted, untiring and brought a visionary approach to her life’s work. Deeply generous, resilient and driven, she shared her gifts of wealth, grace, perseverance, and even luck, to better the community and world around her.
Explore Local History on a Meadow Brook Tour
Meadow Brook Hall is open for Guided and Self-Guided House Tours Fridays through Tuesdays.
Explore the three main living levels of the historic mansion and learn the incredible story of the pioneering Dodge and Wilson families during a Guided or Self-Guided House Tour.
book tour ticketsMeadow Brook Hall is fully self-supporting, relying on touring and special events for the preservation and interpretation of this National Historic Landmark. For more information, call (248) 364-6200 or visit meadowbrookhall.org.
Meadow Brook Hall is the historic home built by one of the automotive aristocracy’s most remarkable women, Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of auto pioneer John Dodge, and her second husband, Alfred Wilson. Constructed between 1926 and 1929, Meadow Brook Hall represents one of the finest examples of Tudor-revival style architecture in America, and is especially renowned for its superb craftsmanship, architectural detailing and grand scale of 88,000 square-feet. It was the center of a country estate that included 1,500 acres, numerous farm buildings, recreational facilities, several residences and formal gardens. Named a National Historic Landmark in 2012, Meadow Brook Hall strives to preserve and interpret its architecture, landscape, and fine and decorative art so that visitors may be entertained, educated and inspired by history. Meadow Brook Hall is located in Rochester, Mich. on the campus of Oakland University.
