History Detectives: History Detectives 2020

• Saturday, January 18, 2020

• 9:30 am – 4:00 pm

• Grand Rapids Public Library Main - Ryerson Auditorium

• 111 Library St NE

• A day-long event showcasing six programs exploring various aspects of Grand Rapids history.
• Presented by area historians and members of historical and cultural organizations, topics are varied and reflect the unique heritage of West Michigan.
• Admission is FREE, and you are welcome to come to one - or all- of the programs.

Questions? Please email historydetectivesgr@gmail.com OR call 616-234-3038.

History Detectives 2020 Brochure: Printable PDF version

9:30 a.m.—10:15 a.m.

• All Aboard for Kalamazoo!  
• Speaker: Marty Thompson Arnold
• Sponsor: Grand Rapids Public Library

10:30 a.m.—11:15 a.m.

• House History: Uncovering Stories of Early African Americans in West Michigan
• Speaker: Don Bryant
• Sponsor: Western Michigan Genealogical Society

11:30 a.m.—12:15 p.m.

• Centennial 2020! Grand Rapids, Suffrage City
• Speakers: Julia Bouwkamp & Jo Ellyn Clarey
• Sponsor: Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council

12:15 p.m.—1:00 p.m.

• Lunch

1:00 p.m.—1:45 p.m.

• How the Pokagon Avoided Removal
• Speaker: Marcus Winchester
• Sponsors: Grand Rapids Historical Society and GVSU Kutsche Office of Local History

2:00 p.m.—2:45 p.m.

• An Island in the Furniture City: The Black Hills Neighborhood and Grand Rapids Industry
• Speaker: Dr. Matthew Daley
• Sponsor: Grand Rapids City Archives

3:00 p.m.—3:45 p.m.

• Roots and Results: The Furniture Strike of 1911
• Speaker: Timothy Gleisner
• Sponsor: Grand Rapids Historical Commission