As communities continue to comply with staying safe at home, families everywhere cite an increasing need for at-home activities that provide both entertainment and education. Lakeshore Museum Center has addressed this growing need by making many resources available for family members of all ages.
“This is definitely a difficult time,” stated Jackie Huss, Program Manager at the museum. “But while we may not be able to offer our traditional programming, we are continuing to find ways to serve and support the community.”
From the comfort and safety of home, patrons can enjoy a virtual historic visit by browsing and viewing the museum’s collection at lakeshoremuseum.org/our-collection. In addition, the museum has made it easy to find an activity for each member of the family, all in one place.
“We have created a page on our website dedicated to fun and educational resources and activities that can be done at-home,” shared Huss. “Just like at the museum, there’s something for everyone!”
From science and other videos to podcasts and downloadable activity booklets, links to crafts for young kids, the mini mastodon scavenger hunt map and more, multiple resources are waiting to be discovered and enjoyed, all made available by the museum, free of charge.
Families are encouraged to check the webpage often as the museum is continually updating it with new information and fun ideas. Adults can also join in by sharing their experiences during this difficult time to be submitted in a social diary for the museum archives.
Said Huss, “Just because we are all having to stay at home, doesn’t mean we can’t still learn and have fun.”
It sounds bizarre to many that a company named Grand Rapids Brewing Co. bottled its product in Muskegon. Hear the story behind it, a bubbly narrative, as uncovered by a man who traced the corporate history of those that once brewed our beer. The one-night Lakeshore Museum Center event “The Curious History of Grand Rapids Brewing in Muskegon” hosts West Michigan author Pat Evans and his research on the surprising history of Muskegon beer. The event coincides well with the museum’s latest exhibit “Cheers! A History of Brewing in Muskegon”.
“Our exhibit content manager, Aaron Mace, came across this book in research. The author now lives in Las Vegas, so it’s a rare opportunity to talk to him while he’s back in town,” said Lakeshore Museum Center Program Manager Jackie Huss. “It’s a little known fact that Grand Rapids Brewing Co. operated out of Muskegon, so it’s a great opportunity to learn more about Muskegon’s unique brewing history.”
Evans, author of Grand Rapids Beer: An Intoxicating History of River City Brewing was a reporter for The Grand Rapids Business Journal for five years. He also regularly contributed to Grand Rapids Magazine as a food and sports writer. His work as a corporate historian allows him to combine his passion for both history and hops to explain just how Grand Rapids Brewing Co. ended up in Muskegon.
Cheers! A history of brewing in Muskegon is currently running at the Lakeshore Museum Center through Aug. 8.
“Not a lot of history books cover beer. I think beer is often forgotten,” Evans said when the book was released in 2015. “I think people will be surprised that there’s that much of a beer history… to know that Grand Rapids Brewing Co. back then was bigger than Founders is now.”
This one-night event on Wednesday, March 18, at 5:30 p.m. is free to all Muskegon County Residents and $5 for non-residents via Eventbrite. Copies of Evan’s book will be available for purchase and signing. To learn more about this event, contact Jackie Huss at jackie@lakeshoremuseum.org or call 231-724-5526.
Participants of the Collection by Color speaker series on March 27 will take a look at the impacts of Lake Michigan (pictured above) and Muskegon Lake. (Pexels)
WKTV Staff joanne@wktv.org
Community members are invited to the third and final lecture in Lakeshore Museum Center’s Collection by Color speaker series, this time with a focus on the blue waters of Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan.
On Wednesday, March 27, from 6 to 7 p.m., Muskegon’s Blue Economy Panel will be gathered in the museum’s auditorium where attendees can dive into a deep discussion about the impact these lakes have had, and continue to have, on Muskegon’s economy.
“Hundreds of years ago our lakes were used for lumbering which was a huge part of our history, but just because that era ended, doesn’t mean the lakes no longer play an important role in our economy,” said Jackie Huss, Program Manager at the museum. She added, “In fact, our lakes are a big part of Muskegon’s rebirth!”
A panel of experts representing various sectors of the community will be sharing how Muskegon’s most valuable resource — water — impacts their industries, and the Muskegon area as a whole, in numerous ways. Known as Muskegon’s Blue Economy Panel, the group includes Dr. Al Steinman of Grand Valley State University, Bob Lukens of the Muskegon County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Dave Alexander of Downtown Muskegon Now and Chuck Canestraight of Sand Products Corp.
“We are honored to have this prestigious collection of speakers come together for such an important and intriguing discussion,” stated Huss. “What better way to wrap up our color-focused lecture series?”
Muskegon’s Blue Economy Panel discussion takes place on Wednesday, March 27, starting at 6 pm. Doors open at 5:30 pm and attendees are encouraged to explore the museum’s Collection by Color exhibit before the program begins.
This event is free for Muskegon County residents and museum members. Cost for non-residents is just $3. You can reserve your seat by calling 231-722-0278 or by emailing Jackie Huss at jackie@lakeshoremuseum.org. Look for the Lakeshore Museum Center event calendar online at lakeshoremuseum.org to learn about other, upcoming activities.
How much do you know about the deaths that happened in the Hackley and Hume Houses?
The Hackley and Hume Historic Site (484 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, MI 49440) will host an Obituary Tour event on Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27 with two sessions each night running from 7-8pm and 8:30-9:30 pm. Visitors are invited to travel back in time as they tour the houses by candlelight and explore the funerals, autopsies, and deaths that occurred on site during the Victorian Era.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to experience a reenactment of Julia Hackley’s funeral service and become immersed in the practices and traditions of death and dying spanning from 1949-1994.
Erin Schmitz, the Historic Site’s Program Manager, explains, “With all the excitement of Halloween just around the corner, we’re looking forward to having the community come out and enjoy this event! It was a huge success last year, and we know our visitors will love learning more about the history surrounding the Hackley and Hume Houses.”
The candlelit tours are given twice each night, the first session running from 7-8pm and the second from 8:30-9:30 pm. Due to the elements involved, the event is recommended for adults only.
The Obituary Tour takes place inside the Hackley and Hume Houses. Admission to the event is $20 for non-members and $15 for members. Registration is required. To RSVP, contact Aaron Mace at aaron@lakeshoremuseum.org or call 231-724-5534.
Rockford will host Santa visits Dec. 6, 8, 13, and 15. Addition activities include Santa’s Live Reindeer on Wednesday, Dec. 13 and a live nativity on Friday, Dec. 15.
The Lakeshore Museum Center hosts Holiday Tours of their Hackley & Hume Historic Site in Muskegon Dec. 25 – 27. The tours on Christmas Day will be special, with ornament painting and holiday treats. Experience the Hackley and Hume home this holiday season in a special candle lit setting.
The Downtown Market in Grand Rapids is hosting three events in December for the holiday season. Running through Sunday, Dec. 10, is the market’s Christmas Tree & Decor Lot. Find the perfect holiday wreath or tree for your home at the Christmas Tree Lot, with everything you need to deal the halls. Santa comes on Dec. 15, 16, and 17, as the big buy himself stops by the market.
Holiday decor at the Downtown Market
Surround yourself in warm and cuddle-worthy luxury at theJW Marriott in Grand Rapids. The Wrapped in Warmth Package includes deluxe overnight accommodations, breakfast for two, hot chocolate and donuts, a JW flannel blanket, and a $50 Tanger Outlets gift card. This package is available through Jan. 31.
The Grand Rapids Ballet presents the Nutcracker the weekend of Dec. 8. Don’t miss Chris Van Allsburg’s breathtakingly reimagined smash-hit featuring live music from the Grand Rapids Symphony, sets by Tony Award winner Eugene Lee, and choreography by Val Caniparoli. The month continues with Christmas with Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith featuring Jordan Smith, Broadway Grand Rapids’ Mannheim Steamroller Christmas on Dec. 12, the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Wolverine Worldwide Holiday Pops, and the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Old National Bank Cirque de Noël. Tickets for all events are available both online and at the box office, and make for a great early holiday gift.
Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake is hosting two holiday concerts this month. The Courtyard Concerts presents the Ho-Ho-Holiday Show with Amy Speace on Sunday, Dec. 10, followed by the Standing Room Only Dance Party with May Erlewine on Friday, Dec. 22.
Critter Barn
Through Dec. 30, the Critter Barn in Zeeland transforms into a Christmas tradition with its annual Live Nativity. The display will take you back in time to imagine what the very first Christmas was like, with the sights, sounds, and smells! Each presentation offers families a personal, hands-on look at the way of life in Bethlehem, long ago. You’ll be surrounded by sheep, cows, shepherds, angels, and lights as you listen to carols and hear the Christmas story.
The Holland area is hosting events all month long to celebrate the holidays. The Holiday Kerstmart on Dec. 8 and 9; the Parade of Lights on Friday, Dec. 8, and many more. Each event proves why West Michigan is one of the best places to visit during the month of December.
The Holland Museum invites your family to discover the magic of the Victorian age at the Cappon House on Dec. 9, 10, 16, and 17. Guests will sing Christmas carols, decorate holiday treats, listen to classic Christmas stories, play Victorian games, and design their own holiday card or ornament. Tickets may be purchased in advance, with a discount given to museum members.
Great Legs Winery, Brewery & Distillery
Great Legs Winery, Brewery & Distillery in Holland is hosting events for the holidays. The distillery’s Christmas Wine & Canvas is on Tuesday, Dec. 12, and includes everything that you’ll need to complete your painting, with wine, beer, and snacks available to purchase while you paint. They’re also hosting Christmas Caroling on Saturday, Dec. 23, as they celebrate the sounds of Christmas with musicians Ruth Miller and Ben Ashby.
There’s Christmas events going on all month in the River Country area. The Annual Christmas Festival held in Grant returns for another year on Saturday, Dec. 9, bringing free wagon rides, warming stations, and kids activities. Rounding out the area’s festivities is the Christmas in Croton Hardy on Friday, Dec. 15, which includes many holiday-favorites, from Santa and hot chocolate to horse drawn carriages and crafts.
West Michigan is full of rich, vibrant history, and many opportunities to get out and experience it. Experiencing history, rather than simply reading it out of a textbook, provides a far richer understanding of the people, places, and experiences of the area. We’ve collected some of our favorite ways for you to experience the varied history of the region, from living history parks to visiting the seat of Michigan’s only monarchy to tasting ice cream from a 120 year old company.
USS Silversides Submarine Museum
Tour a restored WWII Submarine, a Prohibition-Era Coast Guard Cutter and the Naval Museum at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum in Muskegon. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience what it was really like to sail a sub trolling the waters of the South Pacific 60-plus years ago. Named for a small fish of the same name, the Silversides once slid beneath the surface of some of the most dangerous waters in the world. You can walk the deck topside as well as the major internal compartments below deck. Keep an eye on their calendar for special lectures, classes and performances, too!
Lakeshore Museum Center
The Lakeshore Museum Center is a fun and fascinating museum which preserves and interprets through exhibits, education, and programs the natural and cultural history of Muskegon County. Take a 400 million year journey that explores the prehistoric plants and animals of Michigan’s past, or get pulled into the Science Center where everyone can learn about simple science through hands-on activities. Some of their permanent exhibits include, “Coming to the Lakes” featuring a life-sized mastodon, fur trader’s cabin and tools used during the lumbering era! The “Habitats Gallery” tells of native plants and animals.
Coopersville Historical Society Museum
Highlights of the Coopersville Area Historical Society Museum include extensive railroad and interurban train displays, a sawmill exhibit circled by a model railroad running through logging territory, an early schoolroom, household furnishings and business displays, among which is an extensive recreation of an early local drugstore. Also featured is the Del Shannon monument and exhibit which commemorate the life and career of Coopersville’s native son who gained international fame in the 1960’s as a recording artist and songwriter. A Lincoln log activity area, along with other exhibits, is popular with younger visitors. The Museum’s collections are enhanced by the quaint and nostalgic atmosphere of its two buildings.
The main museum building is a Michigan Historic Site and on the National Register of Historic Places. The charming brick structure was once a depot and substation for the area’s electric powered interurban rail line, the Grand Rapids, Grand Haven & Muskegon Railway, which ran from 1902-28. A rare passenger car from the railway, Car #8 – Merlin, sits beside the building where it once made many daily stops. The car is undergoing stages of restoration. Adjoining the former depot is the rustically designed Sawmill & Early Settlers Building which houses exhibits reminiscent of early settlement days.
Grand Traverse Lighthouse
Located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula near the village of Northport, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes, and guided ships through the northern entrance to the Manitou Passage for 150 years. Today it is a museum surrounded by a picturesque state park where visitors can envision the once-isolated life of lighthouse keepers and their families, with extensive exhibits and period furnishings from the 1920s and 1930s. Its popular “volunteer lighthouse keeper” program provides an opportunity to live in the lighthouse, carrying on routine maintenance and answering the questions of its frequent visitors.
Castle Farms
Treat your family to nearly 100 years of history at Castle Farms of Charlevoix. Inspired by French castles, Castle Farms was built in 1918 as a model farm. Closed in 1927, the beautiful stone buildings fell into disrepair. In later years, the Castle served as an artist’s mecca, and also rock n’roll central, with performances by 100 different rock groups. A restoration begun in 2001 completed the Castle’s transformation. Tours include viewing displays of antique toys, castles, royalty items, and WWI museum. Train buffs and kids of all ages will love the indoor train displays. Open year round, Castle Farms is a spectacular piece of Michigan history to explore.
Hudsonville Creamery & Ice Cream
Started in 1895 as a farmers’ cooperative, the Holland-based Hudsonville Creamery & Ice Cream is the largest manufacturer of branded ice cream in Michigan. Nearly 90 years ago, in 1926, the company was located in Burnips—in north-central Allegan County. Four of the six original flavors remain in the company’s portfolio: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and butter pecan (orange pineapple and Tootie Fruitie since been discontinued).
Today, this Midwest company has been producing its creamy, delicious ice cream – using many of its original flavors, while at the same time creating refreshing new recipes inspired by the Great Lakes. A recent partnership with Travel Michigan and the Pure Michigan brand has resulted in a plethora of flavors that give a nod to the agricultural industry here in the Great Lakes State. Current Limited Edition Flavors include Pumpkin Pie, Pure Michigan Salted Caramel Apple and Pure Michigan Winter Campfire. Year-round offerings such as Sleeping Bear Dunes Bear Hug, Mackinac Island Fudge, Grand Traverse Bay Cherry Fudge and Michigan Deer Traxx, among others.
Others:
Get your history fix with a visit to the below locations to experience a step back in time.
