Education Everywhere — Everyone is invited to learn something new about the history of Grand Rapids with the History Detectives on January 17.
History Detectives GR is a joint venture hosted by the Grand Rapids Historical Commission and sponsored by several Grand Rapids organizations, including Grand Rapids Public Library and The Grand Rapids Public Museum. The event begins at 10 a.m. and features five 45-minute presentations at the Grand Rapids Public Library.
10:00 a.m. – Uncovering Grand Rapids Public School’s History as a Community: Learn about the controversial closing of South High School in 1968 and the history of segregation and integration in Grand Rapids Public Schools.
11:00 a.m. – Give Mother the Vote: Images from the Women’s Suffrage Movement: Check out a collection of postcards from both the pro- and anti-suffrage movements that were active in Grand Rapids.
12:00 p.m. – Tracking Down a Local Indigenous Footpath: Learn how some of the major West Michigan roadways, like Fulton Street and Lake Drive, started out as Native American footpaths.
1:30 p.m. – Vietnamese in West Michigan: Explore a unique oral history project created by local educators, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnamese American Community in Grand Rapids.
2:30 p.m. – Festival of the Arts – One Perspective: The Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts graced downtown Grand Rapids for decades. Hear from a long-time organizer and volunteer about the celebration of the arts that evolved and grew, but has since ended.
The program is free and no registration is required. Visitors can attend any or all sessions. You can also see past History Detective GR programs on their YouTube page.
