Speaker: Jo Ellyn Clarey Suddenly in the seventies, Kent County women broke through a barrier that had limited their runs for public office mostly to local school board races. They ran for virtually every position on local, county, and state levels, as well as for U.S. Congress. Now, in 2023, celebrate women's spectacular showings in […]
Grand Rapids Public Library, VanderVeen Room Agenda: President’s Report – Kathleen VanderVeen Treasurer’s Report – Julie Tabberer, Vice President and Interim Treasurer Welcome New Board members: Michele Coffill, Andrea Riley Mukavetz and Jeanessa Smith Renewal of board terms - none Highlights from the past year A sneak peek at programming for 2023-2024
Elizabeth Chamberlain, an adjunct professor of history at Aquinas College, will examine the late twentieth-century activism of the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters; the ways in which communities perceived their social justice activism; and the opposition they sometimes faced because of their activism. Co-sponsored by the Grand Rapids Historical Society. Ryerson Auditorium at the Grand Rapids […]
Annual Ottawa Hills Hollyhock Lane 4th of July Parade You are invited to join us as we continue the tradition of marching in the Hollyhock Parade. Meet us at the corner of Calvin and Alexander at 8 AM and join the fun with bands, bicyclists, candy, and placards. To quote a past participant: this event […]
The GGRWHC is a proud sponsor of this popular event. One day, six programs, one location. The 15th annual History Detectives program will highlight stories of the people who helped shape West Michigan. Order lunch via Eventbrite.
Jennifer Tompkins of the Grand Rapids Asia-Pacific Foundation will share the story of the often-overlooked Japanese "War Bride" community in West Michigan, and how its members built a support network that helped the next generation of Japanese brides who arrived during the Vietnam War. Through oral histories, family photographs, and historical records, Tompkins will reveal […]
Please join the Greater Grand Rapids Women's History Council for the annual reception: Tuesday, April 16, 5:30-7 p.m. L. William Seidman Center, 50 Front St. SW, Grand Rapids GVSU Pew Grand Rapids Campus Presentation by GGRWHC Board Member Sophia Brewer, followed by appetizers, beer/wine. Watch for details via newsletter, website, social media.
Annual Ottawa Hills Hollyhock Lane July 4th Parade You are invited to join the Greater Grand Rapids Women's History Council as we continue the tradition of marching in the Hollyhock Parade, the oldest continuous parade in Michigan. Meet us at the corner of Calvin and Alexander at 8 a.m. and join the fun with bands, […]
Grand Rapids Public Museum holds a precious and iconic image of the women's suffrage movement: a poster given to newly registered female voters in Grand Rapids in 1919. The poster, decorated in patriotic colors of red, white, and blue, proclaims, "A woman here registered to vote thereby assuming the responsibility of citizenship." Join Ruth Stevens, […]
From 1956 to 1958, Minnie Forbes owned the Negro League Baseball Team the Detroit Stars. Join George Bayard of the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives to learn more about the Negro Leagues and their local and national impact and enjoy his conversation with Minnie Forbes about her experiences owning the team.
