After an extensive seven-year journey of research and documentation, a Windsor publishing company has unveiled a remarkable project that delves into the profound connection between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan. The book and accompanying museum exhibition, titled 'A River Runs Between Us,' represent a comprehensive exploration of the unique cross-border relationship that defines the region.
The Genesis of a Seven-Year Project
The ambitious undertaking began in 2018 when Elaine Weeks and Chris Edwards embarked on what would become a deep dive into the historical, cultural, and personal ties that bind the two cities separated by the Detroit River. The project, which the creators admit 'we didn't plan it' to evolve as it did, grew organically as they uncovered layer after layer of interconnected stories and shared experiences between the communities.
On November 14, 2025, the culmination of their efforts was officially revealed at a museum exhibit in Windsor, Ontario. Both Weeks and Edwards were present, holding copies of their newly published work that represents nearly a decade of dedication to understanding one of North America's most fascinating cross-border relationships.
Uncovering the Deep Windsor-Detroit Connection
The Detroit River, while physically separating the two cities, has historically served as a conduit for exchange rather than a barrier. 'A River Runs Between Us' examines how this waterway has facilitated cultural exchange, economic partnerships, and personal relationships across the international boundary.
Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the project captures the essence of what makes the Windsor-Detroit corridor unique among border communities. The work explores everything from shared industrial heritage to musical influences, from family connections that span the border to the environmental challenges facing the river ecosystem they both depend upon.
A Multimedia Approach to Storytelling
The project extends beyond traditional publishing with its museum exhibition component, creating an immersive experience for visitors. The exhibit, which opened concurrently with the book release, features photographs, artifacts, and multimedia elements that bring the cross-border narrative to life.
This comprehensive approach allows residents of both communities to see their shared history reflected in new ways, while also educating visitors about the special relationship that has developed between these neighboring cities despite their national differences. The timing of the release comes as both cities continue to navigate post-pandemic border dynamics and reestablish the close ties that were temporarily disrupted.
The completion of this seven-year project marks a significant contribution to the understanding of cross-border relationships in North America, offering insights that extend far beyond the Windsor-Detroit corridor to inform how neighboring communities separated by international boundaries can maintain and strengthen their connections.
