Lifting As We Climb: Grand Rapids Study Clubs and the Legacy of Black Women Cultural Workers
2026-02-12 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Presented by Asia Horne-Morton, Grand Rapids Historical Society, and Free Alchemy Studio
Black women’s social clubs were more than places of fellowship—they were engines of education, activism, and cultural leadership. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the club movement spread across the country under the motto “Lifting as We Climb,” as Black women organized to advance racial justice, literacy, civic engagement, and community self-determination.
This talk will explore the history of the Grand Rapids Study Club within the broader movement of Black women’s organizing in America. From book circles to civic campaigns, these clubs laid the groundwork for future generations of community builders, educators, and cultural workers. Together, we’ll trace their legacy and reflect on what it means for Grand Rapids today.

Notorious RBG: Film & Conversation
2026-03-03 17:30 - 19:30 | GVSU, Pew Campus, Loosemore Auditorium, 301 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Join the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council (GGRWHC) and GVSU partners: Center for Women and Gender Equity, CLAS Flim and Visual Arts, Faculty Teaching and Learning Center, GVSU Women’s Commission, for an engaging evening celebrating the life and legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Location: Loosemore Auditorium, GVSU Pew Campus
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
5:30 PM – Reception with light refreshments
6:00 PM – Screening of RBG (the acclaimed documentary)
After the Film – Panel discussion facilitated by Navid Darvishzadeh, GVSU Professor of Film and Visual Arts
Explore RBG’s groundbreaking contributions to gender equality, law, and culture through film and conversation with local experts.

Panel Discussion - A Place to Turn: The Grand Rapids Women’s Resource Center
2026-03-18 15:30 - 17:00 | GVSU, Pew Campus, Loosemore Auditorium, 301 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
For more than 50 years the Women’s Resource Center has been a support for women seeking purpose and meaningful employment. This panel discussion will feature former staff and clients examining the formative years of the WRC, including some of its early initiatives. This panel is a collaboration between the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council the Women’s Resource Center and the Kutsche Office of Local History at Grand Valley. Register at: Annual Local History Roundtable – Kutsche Office of Local History – Grand Valley State University

Women's Diaries: Unexpected Windows to the Past
2026-03-24 18:30 - 19:30 | Kent District Library – Caledonia Township Branch, 6260 92nd St SE, Caledonia, MI, 49316
Learn about the role of women’s diaries and scrapbooks as important sources of women’s history and consider how your family records might contribute to the history of Grand Rapids-area women. Led by local researcher and writer Christine Byron, this program draws on Byron’s book Perfect Omena Day!, which provides a vivid view of summer life in early 20th century Leelanau County through diary selections from Rebecca L. Richmond of Grand Rapids.

GGRWHC Annual Meeting, Reception: Historic Preservation is Women's Work
2026-05-14 19:00 - 20:00 | GVSU, Seidman School of Business, Rm. 1008, 50 Front Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Presented by Valerie Marvin
For more than 150 years, Michigan women have proudly preserved state and local history in libraries, museums, community centers, clubs, and public buildings. They’ve suffered horrific defeats – like the loss of old Grand Rapids City Hall – and won magnificent victories, including the preservation of Michigan’s Capitol. Valerie Marvin, Michigan State Capitol Director of Education and History) shares the work the female preservationists, their legacies, and the tools they’ve left behind for their daughters.
Pew Campus Parking Map

Women's Diaries: Unexpected Windows to the Past
2026-05-20 18:30 - 19:30 | Kent District Library – Alpine Township Branch, 5255 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, MI, 49321
