Greater Grand Rapids Women's History Council

06/02/2026

Looking for something to do this weekend? Join Eastown Community Association for a walking tour and learn about the sites and people who shaped the neighborhood. Tickets: https://www.eastown.org/

05/27/2026

Congratulations to all involved in the mural dedication for Etta Smith Wilson. The mural, 54 Jefferson Ave. SE (Etta Smith Wilson Way), depicts aspects of Wilson's life: ornithology, advocacy and journalism. GGRWHC former board member recounted Wilson's contributions for the audience. Learn more about Wilson: https://www.ggrwhc.org/research/biography/etta-smith-wilson/

05/25/2026

TOMORROW--Tuesday, May 26th! Join us for the Etta Smith Wilson Way: Ribbon Cutting, the a new mural in town~

📅 May 26 | 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Outside GRPS Museum School
54 Jefferson Ave. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Local artist Kevin Wolfrom brings color and energy to a space that now tells a story. Located next to Grand Rapids Museum High School, Etta Smith Wilson Way honors Etta Smith Wilson (1857–1936), Grand Rapids’ first woman reporter and a pioneering naturalist whose work connected Indigenous knowledge, education and early journalism. Big thanks to the partners who made this possible: Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Public Schools and the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council.

celebrates local women leaders while transforming overlooked spaces into vibrant places for the community.
— with Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1376452317855408&set=a.549868920513756

There’s a new mural in town 🎨

Join us for the Etta Smith Wilson Way: Ribbon Cutting

📅 May 26 | 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Outside GRPS Museum School

The new mural by local artist Kevin Wolfrom brings color and energy to a space that now tells a story.

Located next to Grand Rapids Museum High School, Etta Smith Wilson Way honors Etta Smith Wilson (1857–1936), Grand Rapids’ first woman reporter and a pioneering naturalist whose work connected Indigenous knowledge, education and early journalism.

Big thanks to the partners who made this possible: Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Public Schools and the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council.

celebrates local women leaders while transforming overlooked spaces into vibrant places for the community.

05/19/2026

Board member Sophia Ward Brewer and Christine Byron were first to uncover the legacy of Emma and Joe Ford.

Emma Ford advocated for civil rights at a time when Black women faced dual barriers of race and gender.

05/15/2026

We are so grateful to Valerie Marvin, who led a captivating presentation about historic preservation work, and to the Grand Rapids Historical Society for co-hosting an annual meeting for both organizations.

05/13/2026

Head to , Alpine branch, on May 20 to hear author Christine Bryon discuss her latest book, "Perfect Omena Day: Selections from the Summer Diaries of Rebecca L. Richmond, 1907-1920." https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/events/69403612571fb4d550be1517

05/12/2026

Valerie Marvin, Michigan Capitol historian, will be the keynote speaker Thursday at our first annual meeting with Grand Rapids Historical Society. We look forward to seeing you at GVSU's downtown campus! RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/combined-ggrwhc-grhs-annual-meeting-and-reception-registration-1984077311649?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

05/11/2026

Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month throughout May at the Grand Rapids Public Library with activities from a panel discussion to a local Asian history exhibit, even games for the kids. Find something for you in the link below.

Explore upcoming events at Grand Rapids Public Library.

05/08/2026

Tune in tonight!

05/07/2026

Didn't make it to Detroit to see this show? PBS will air "Suffs" at 9 p.m. Friday on "Great Performances."

The broadcaster will also air Kathleen Marshall's staging of the Irving Berlin musical Top Hat .