Western Michigan
EVENTS
The Dodworth Saxhorn Band
When: Fri May 18
Where: Vicksburg
The Vicksburg Historical Society welcomes the Dodworth Saxhorn Band, who will play 19th century Civil War songs on original instruments. There will also be a picnic dinner before the show. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 6:45 p.m. at the Vicksburg United Methodist Church. Tickets for the dinner are $8, and admission into the concert is free. For more information, call (269) 649-1733 or visit www.vicksburghistory.org.
Heritage Hill Weekend Tour of Homes
When: Sat May 19 - Sun May 20
Where: Grand Rapids
The Heritage Hill Association presents its 43rd annual “Heritage Hill Weekend Tour of Homes.” Come see seven private homes, four historic buildings, and an array of architecture, colors, decorating styles, and urban gardens from the 19th and 20th century. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 12 to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $15 in advance and $18 at the door. For more information and to order tickets, call (616) 459-8950 or visit www.heritagehillweb.org.
Viewing of the Roger Dykehouse Outboard Motor Collection
When: Thu May 24
Where: Coopersville
The Coopersville Area Historical Society presents “Viewing of the Roger Dykehouse Outboard Motor Collection.” Join Roger as he discusses the history of his collection and the method he used to restore each piece. A carpool will depart from the society at 6:15 p.m. to Fruitport to see the collection. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call (616) 997-6978 or visit www.coopervillehistoricalmuseum.org.
Michigan's West Coast Lighthouse Festival
When: Sat June 2 - Sun June 3
Where: Whitehall, Mears, and Ludington
The Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association presents its first annual “Michigan's West Coast Lighthouse Festival.” Various lighthouses along 70 miles of Lake Michigan coast will host a number of tours and events during this event. Events run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days. Admission may vary by location. For more information, call (231) 845-7417 or visit www.splka.org.
Spring Gathering with the Michigan Museum Association
When: Fri June 8
Where: St. Joseph
The Michigan Museum Association presents its “Spring Gathering.” The gathering begins at the Krasl Art Center with a tour of the “Biennial Sculpture Invitational,” followed by a quick walk to Heritage Museum and Cultural Center to tour the exhibit “Ice Age Imperials.” Guests will also be lead through beer, wine, and food stations. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is $40 for members and $55 for non-members. For more information and to register, call (313) 334-7643 or visit www.michiganmuseums.org.
Centennial Park: Cultural Center Point
When: Tue June 12
Where: Holland
The Holland Area Historical Society presents “Centennial Park: Cultural Center Point.” Longtime resident and writer Paul Van Kolken will discuss the history of Centennial Park and its place in Holland’s history as a market place, event area, landmark, and cultural center point for our community. This program is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the Maas Auditorium, Hope College, 264 Columbia, Holland. For more information, visit http://hope.edu/jointarchives.
The Mysteries of the Wreck of the Steamship Chicora
When: Wed June 13
Where: Saugatuck
The Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society presents “Michigan’s Titanic: The Mysteries of the Wreck of the Steamship Chicora.” Kit Lane will present the disaster story and the attempt to find its remains. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at the boathouse in the gardens at the Old School House History Center. For more information, call (269) 857-7901 or visit www.sdhistoricalsociety.org.
Lost in Shangri-La
When: Thu June 14
Where: St. Joseph
The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center presents “Lost in Shangri-La: An evening with New York Times bestselling author Mitchell Zuckoff.” Zuckoff will discuss his recently published book, “Lost in Shangri-La: A True Story of Survival, Adventure and the Most Incredible Rescue Mission of World War II.” A wine and cheese reception begins at 6 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m. Registration is required for the wine reception. Admission is $10 for the program and $50 for the program and the wine reception. For more information and to register, call (269) 983-1191 or visit www.theheritagemcc.org.
10th Annual Postcard Show in Mears
When: Sat June 16
Where: Mears
The Oceana County Historical and Genealogical Society presents their 10th Annual Postcard Show. A wide variety of postcards collected over the years from many locations will be on display. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Old Town Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.oceanahistory.org.
Brian Dunnigan Discusses the War of 1812
When: Tue June 19
Where: Vicksburg
The Vicksburg Historical Society presents “War of 1812.” Join Brian Dunnigan, curator of maps at the William L. Clements Library, as he discusses Michigan’s role in the War of 1812. The event begins at 7 p.m. in the Vicksburg Community Center. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.vicksburghistory.org.
Vandalia's Underground Railroad Days
When: Sat June 23 - Sun June 24
Where: Vandalia
The Underground Railroad Society of Cass County presents its third annual “Underground Railroad Days.” Tours and programs share the history of the Vandalia area and its role in the Underground Railroad. The Bonnie House, home of Quaker abolitionist James E. Bonnie, will also be open during the celebration. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Milo Barnes Park. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call (269) 445-7358 or visit www.urscc.org.
The Circus Comes to Douglas
When: Wed July 11
Where: Saugatuck
The Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society presents “The Circus Comes to Douglas.” DHS member Bob Sapita will discuss the history of the old-time circus and cover how this amazing model circus was built. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Old School House History Center. For more information, call (269) 857-7901 or visit www.sdhistoricalsociety.org.
A Grand Opening with the Oceana County Historical & Genealogical Society
When: Sat July 14 - Sun July 15
Where: Mears
The Oceana County Historical and Genealogical Society presents the grand opening of its newest addition to the transportation exhibit. Come see old cars, dune buggies, tractors, sleighs, and the newly added mural. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Transportation Building. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.oceanahistory.org.
A Lake Michigan Cruise into the War of 1812
When: Sat August 4
Where: South Haven
The Michigan War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission presents “A Lake Michigan Cruise into the War of 1812.” Visitors will cruise Lake Michigan on the historic replica sloop Friends Good Will, listen to presentations about the Great Lakes during the War of 1812, and tour the Michigan Maritime Museum. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $50 for MCHE members and $60 for non-members. Registration is required by June 30. For more information and to register, e-mail Dr. Jim McConnell at jam1776@sbcglobal.net or visit www.michiganhistoryed.org.
Base-ball in Douglas
When: Wed September 12
Where: Michigan
The Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society presents “Take Me Out to the Ball Game - and Buy Me a Hot Dog.” Meet the Douglas Dutcher Team and hear the story of base-ball in Douglas through the years. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Old School House History Center Courtyard. Beer and hot dogs will be served. For more information, call (269) 857-7901 or visit www.sdhistoricalsociety.org.
Strange Tales at the Taylor and Plummerville Cemeteries
When: Wed October 10
Where: Saugatuck
The Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society presents “Strange-But-True and other Cemetery Tales.” Guests will take part in a photo and story tour through the nearby (and ancient) Taylor and Plummerville cemeteries. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Old School House History Center. For more information, call (269) 857-7901 or visit www.sdhistoricalsociety.org.
EXHIBITS
20th Century at War
When: Fri April 20 - Wed June 6
Where: Otsego
The Otsego Area Historical Society presents “20th Century at War.” This live history exhibit will give visitors a chance to hold an M1 rifle and ride in a half track, just like the soldiers during WWII. Admission is by donation. Veterans are admitted free of charge. For more information, call (269) 692-3775 or visit www.otsegohistory.org.
Shipwrecks, Heroes & Scallywags
When: Wed May 9 - Mon June 18
Where: Saugatuck
The Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society presents “Shipwrecks, Heroes & Scallywags.” Developed by 6th graders at Saugatuck Middle School Sixth Graders, the exhibit tells Lake Michigan stories through words, artwork, and model building at the Old School House Historical Center. For more information, visit www.sdhistoricalsociety.org or call (269) 857-7901.Through the Lens of L.H. Bailey: Plants, Places and People
When: Sat June 23 - Sat September 15
Where: South Haven
The Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum presents “Through the Lens of L.H. Bailey: Plants, Places and People.” Come see Liberty Hyde Bailey’s personal photo collection, which changed the field of horticulture and show glimpses into Bailey’s personal life. Admission is $5 for the general public; $3 for students and seniors; and free for museum members, veterans, and children under five. For more information, call (269) 637-3251 or visit www.libertyhydebailey.org.