Expert speakers are on tap this fall for virtual and in-person events focused on genealogical and historical topics:
Glancing at Glamorgan: a Genealogy Event | Wednesday, Sept. 6, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Online Event
- Hosted by Megan Heyl, this presentation gives an eye opening look at what our ancestors loved and where they lived. Why did they leave? What did they leave behind? And why they always said they were going home when they lived here in the USA. A story of emigration and immigration – two vastly different words. Because this is a virtual event, sign up will be required. A Zoom link for the presentation will be sent out the day of the event.
America's Westward Expansion: 25 Events in 50 Minutes | Wednesday, Sept. 20, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Online Event
- Learn about key U.S. Congressional acts and other events of westward migration (1787-1890) with a focus on territorial boundaries, slavery, and wars against Mexico and Native Americans in this presentation by Katherine Willson. Because this is a virtual event, sign up will be required. A Zoom link for the presentation will be sent out the day of the event.
Michigan Poor Farms | Tuesday, Oct. 3, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Holland Museum
- Long before the advent of modern social welfare, county governments in Michigan maintained poorhouses or poor farms. Explore the early history of these facilities in their attempts to care for Michigan’s poor, elderly and destitute. Discover the lives and records of the inmates that resided at our state’s poor farms.
Michigan's Lumberjack History | Wednesday, Oct. 11, 6:30 - 8:00 PM, Holland Museum
- Come and learn about Michigan's lumberjacks! Jerry Berg of the Swordsmanship Museum and Academy will be presenting on the rugged history of Michigan's logging industry, with historical artifacts and documents.
European Experiences of 19th and 20th Century Voyagers to America | Wednesday, Oct. 18, 7:00 - 8:00 PM, Online Event
- Explore emigrants’ journey preparations, immigration restrictions, journey length, ticket costs, major ports of departure and arrival, ship accommodations, and arrival in America in this virtual presentation by Katherine Willson. Because this is a virtual event, sign up will be required. A Zoom link for the presentation will be sent out the day of the event.
Orphan Trains: a History | Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6:30-8:30 PM, Online Event
- This virtual presentation, hosted by genealogist and history hunter Megan Heyl, will discuss the topic of Orphan Trains. Between 1853 and 1929 the Orphan Train Movement, a supervised welfare program, transported about 250,000 orphaned and homeless children from crowded eastern cities of the United States to foster homes in the Midwest. This presentation includes viewing of a PBS video on this topic. Because this is a virtual event, sign up will be required. A Zoom link for the presentation will be sent out the day of the event.
