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Western Michigan History Events
June 29: State Wide
The 22nd Log Cabin Day will be celebrated at nearly l00 different places; in the form of tours, festivals, or log cabin hunting. For a brochure, please phone or fax (269) 925-3836 or see our website at ,www.qtm.net/logcabincrafts. This event is sponsored by the Log Cabin Society of Michigan.
July 1: Flat River
Join the Flat River Historical Society in learning about the beginnings of commercial radio through the program "Early Days of Radio in Michigan." For ticket information please call (616) 754-5840.
July 1: Grand Rapids
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The Gary Byker Memorial Library and the Grand Rapids Historical Society will be holding a book signing for Ernie Ostuno, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids and author of Paths of Destruction: The Tornadoes of April 3, 1956. Ostuno will also give a talk on the storm which killed 18 and injured more than 300, ranking it as one of the most powerful storms in the history of Michigan. For more information please call (616) 454-5420.July 4: Grand Rapids
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Front Row for the Fireworks Bring the family downtown to our 10th annual fundraising event to enjoy the wonder of the Museum for a few hours while awaiting the night's big attraction, the city's annual patriotic, pyrotechnic tribute. Tickets formembers go on sale May 15 at $10/adults and $5/children. Tickets will be available to the general public at $15/ adults and $7.50/children beginning June 2nd. Add just $10 for a Guaranteed Parking Pass in the Museum Ramp! July 4: Grand Rapids
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Bring the family downtown to the Public Museum's 10th annual fundraising event to enjoy the wonder of the Museum for a few hours from 7-11 pm while awaiting the night's big attraction, the city's annual patriotic, pyrotechnic tribute. Tickets for members go on sale May 15 at $10/adults and $5/children. Tickets will be available to the general public at $15/ adults and $7.50/children beginning June 2nd. Add just $10 for a Guaranteed Parking Pass in the Museum Ramp. For more information please call (616) 454-5420.July 9, 16, 23, 30: Dowagiac
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The Museum at Southwestern Michigan College will be presenting a four-part lecture series every Wednesday at 12:05 entitled The American Experience: TR, The Story of Theodore Roosevelt. The events will be held in the Upton Room. For more information please see www.swmich.edu/museum.July 10: Coopersville
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The Coopersville Area Historical Society will be holding its the annual summer potluck at 6:30 pm. The meal will be followed by a presentation from noted railroad historian, Paul Trap. He will speak on what became the Detroit & Milwaukee Railway. For more information please call (616) 997-6978.July 12: Holland
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HORSELESS CARRIAGE SHOW & ICE CREAM SOCIAL, 1-4 PM, at Cappon House. Summer fun for the whole family on the grounds of the historic Cappon House: Vintage cars up close, Hudsonville ice cream, crafts and games for the kids, as well as tours of the Victorian Cappon House. Cost: $ 6, member $3. Cappon & Settlers Houses, for more information call (616) 392-6740 or (888) 200-9123, www.hollandmuseum.org July 15: Vicksburg
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Tim Moore and Ken McCauley will speak on the history of the Simpson Lee Paper Company and the future of the property as it is about to be rejuvenated. For more information and details as they become available please call (269) 649-1733. July 19: Ludington
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Come watch the Ludington Mariners Old Time Base Ball Team as they host the Deep River Grinders at Historic White Pine Village. Enjoy 1860-style base ball and tour the buildings and beautiful grounds of the village. The match will begin at 1 pm and visitors will see the game played by 1860 rules. The admission price for Historic White Pine Village, which includes the Old Time Base Ball match as well as touring the village, is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for children (6-17; 5 years old and younger are free), and $20.00 for the entire family (parents and children 17 and under, or grandparents and grandchildren 17 and under). For more information call (231) 843-4808, email at info@historicwhitepinevillage.org July 20: Gilmore
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The Gilmore Car Museum has taken the rare step of allowing any licensed driver, sixteen years old or older, the opportunity to drive one of these authentic vehicles normally only on exhibit. Participants can sign up to attend one of three classes that will be taught by a handful of long-time Model T owners and enthusiasts: Saturday, June 14; Sunday, June 15; or Sunday, July 20, 2008. Each half-day session will begin at 8:30am at the Museum and will include a bit of history on Henry Ford, the early Ford Motor Company, classroom instruction, up close inspections of various Model Ts, and practice drives. Cost of this old school driver's training is only $95.00 per student or $75.00 per student for Museum members. After successfully completing a road test in an authentic Ford Model T, each student will be presented with a Certificate of Completion and be allowed to drive a genuine Model T Ford leisurely around the Museum's three miles of paved roadway. Class size is limited so please contact the Gilmore Car Museum at (269) 671-5089 to reserve your spot today. July 26: Coopersville
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Come visit the Coopersville Farm Museum to view Nancy Fuller's oil paintings as part of the museum's Art of Rural Life Display. For more information please call (616) 997-8555. July 28: Edwardsburg
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July 28-August 27 The Edwardsburg Museum will exhibit a look at old technology along with the most recent advances. The display is titled Technology, Out with the Old, In with the New. The Museum is located at 28616 Main St. EdwardsburgAugust 2: Coopersville
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Come visit the Coopersville Farm Museum to view Nancy Fuller's oil paintings as part of the museum's Art of Rural Life Display. For more information please call (616) 997-8555. August 3: South Haven
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Stop in to the Coopersville Farm Museum from 10:00am-1:00pm to see Chris Brown from Attic Window Quilt Shop do a demo on Paper piecing. She will have kits available and will teach the basics of the technique of paper piecing. For more information please call (616) 997-8555.
August 6, 13, 20, 27: Dowagiac
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The Museum at Southwestern Michigan College will be presenting a four-part lecture series every Wednesday at 12:05 entitled The American Experience: FDR, Part 1. The events will be held in the Upton Room. For more information please see www.swmich.edu/museum.August 7-8: Coopersville
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The Coopersville Area Historical Society will hold its annual garage sale at 65 Mill Street. Donations of items are appreciated. For more information please call (616) 837-9264.August 8: Edwardsburg
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August 8-9-The Edwardsburg Area Museum will participate in the US 12 Heritage Trail Yard Sale at the front of the Museum. This is an annual fund raiser for the Museum with many treasures to behold. The Museum is on US 12 at the center of town.August 14: Coopersville
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Join the Coopersville Farm Museum at 7:00pm for their annual Quilters and Friends Fashion show. For those who have never been to this event in the past, the Museum will be having models from the area show off some of the cutest items either made out of feedsacks or that were quilted. These can be items from when you were a kid or more modern. If you have something you would like to have in the show or you would like to help out in any way give the museum a call at (616) 997-8555. August 15: Coopersville
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Discover how the names of the quilt blocks and the contra dances correspond. The Community Folk Dance consists of a set of dances easy enough for everyone to join in, and fun enough for every dancer to have a good time! Each dance will be taught and called by Karin Neils to remind you what comes next, and live music will be performed. Doors open at 6:30 pm Admission will be $6, and $3 for members. For more information please call (616) 997-8555. August 17: Edwardsburg
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August 17- In conjunction with the Edwardsburg Public Schools Annual All School Alumni Reunion, the Museum will hold their annual Ice Cream Social on the back lawn of the museum at 3:00 PM. The public is invited. The Museum is at 28616 Main St. Edwardsburg.August 19: Vicksburg
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Lynn Houghton, an author, history professor, and Kalamazoo County architecture expert, will give a walking tour of village homes and business district buildings and discuss architecturally interesting features at 7 pm. For more information please call (269) 649-1733.August 21: Coopersville
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Join Joyce Jacobs from 10:00am-noon for her demonstration on needle tatting. You may bring your own supplies if you wish to try your hand. You'll need a tatting needle and some #10 crochet yarn. We will also have kits available at the museum to purchase. Even if you're not interested in doing this project yourself come and watch her amazing work! For more information please call (616) 997-8555. August 26: Coopersville
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Chris Albrecht will be at the Coopersville Farm Museum for a quilting bee. She will show some stitches for hand quilting that can be demonstrated on one of our quilts on a frame. She will also do a demonstration on putting a binding on a quilt. For more information please call (616) 997-8555. August 31: Ludington
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Come watch the Ludington Mariners Old Time Base Ball Team as they host the the Hartwick Pines Swampers during the Logging Bays at Historic White Pine Village. Enjoy 1860-style base ball and tour the buildings and beautiful grounds of the village. The match will begin at 1 pm and visitors will see the game played by 1860 rules. The admission price for Historic White Pine Village, which includes the Old Time Base Ball match as well as touring the village, is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for children (6-17; 5 years old and younger are free), and $20.00 for the entire family (parents and children 17 and under, or grandparents and grandchildren 17 and under). For more information call (231) 843-4808, email at info@historicwhitepinevillage.orgSeptember 8: Edwardsburg
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September 8-December 11-Community Collections-To honor the many collectors of the Edwardsburg area, their favorite collections will be on display. From tea cups to snow globes, everything collectible will be on view. Displays will be changed each month. The Museum is located at 28616 Main St. Edwardsburg.September 16: Vicksburg
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Member's of Bobby Davidson's Big Band will discuss the history of Big Band music at 7 pm. A concert with dancing is also planned. For more information and details as they become available please call (269) 649-1733.September 20: Muskegon
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The Muskegon county Museum will be presenting its Fourth Annual Cemetery Tour. This year the Museum will be returning to the historic Evergreen Cemetery, where participants will learn the meaning behind the elaborate headstones and the history of the families buried there. The tour is limited to 30 participants and will begin at 10 am. Reservations will be required and will be taken beginning August 1 by calling (231) 722-0278.September 21: Edwardsburg
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September 21-Village Stroll- A village stroll will take visitors to view the many homes that have been a part of the Edwardsburg community for over 100 years. The Stroll will start at the Museum with it's original building built in 1860 and used as a hotel. From there a map will point out over 18 homes in a four block area that were built over 100 years ago. The Museum is located at 28616 Main St. Edwardsburg.September 20: Coopersville
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Join the Coopersville for our annual Quilter's Marathon. The contest consists of teams of up to four people working together for eight hours to complete a quilted project. We will determine the fabric to be used from the donated stash. The deadline for teams to sign up is September 13. The fee will be $8.00 which will cover lunch and snacks throughout the day. This year the marathon will be very open ended where your team can choose the project and size of the finished project. The judging will be on if the project is completely finished, the creativity, and several other factors. For more information please call (616) 997-8555.
October 11: Coopersville
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Get ready to compete with the best bakers around! Bring your recipe and at least two pies/breads/cookies/bars of that recipe to be judged at our first annual Fruit Festival and bake off. Each entry must contain some sort of fruit but what kind is up to you. The different categories that will be judged are the following; apple pie, fruit pie, no bake, bars, cobblers, muffins/ breads, and cookies. You will be judged on taste, texture, presentation, and originality. If you are a farmer or a crafty person who would like to be involved you may reserve a booth for $20.00. To enter the pie baking contest it is $10.00 per entry. We will be having a people's choice competition where you may purchase tickets for 50˘ each or 3 for $1, these tickets are not only good for the people's choice competition but also for the other activities we will be having. Kid's games, face painting, and pie eating competitions are among the many events being planned. For more information please call (616) 997-8555. October 31: Edwardsburg
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October 31-Annual Witches on the Porch-Each year the old hags of the Edwardsburg Area Historical Museum gather on the Museum porch on Halloween to treat the area youngsters. Each dressed as a witch, they try to scare the young and old children who happen by on Halloween. The Museum is on US 12 in the center of town.November 18: Vicksburg
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Priscilla Massie, a Michigan historian specializing in old-fashioned cooking techniques bill give a cooking demonstration at 7 pm. For more information and details as they become available please call (269) 649-1733.December 7: Coopersville
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The first Saturday in December is a day for pets at the Coopersville Farm Museum! Come in and check out all the animals dressed in adorable costumes, or bring your pet to get their photo taken with Santa! There will be vendors and fun activities all day long. For more information please call (616) 997-8555.December 27: Vicksburg
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Come enjoy Christmas Past, a celebration in the Historic Village the way it was before electricity. The purpose will be to be transported back to another era and experience it with one's own eyes. The event will begin at 7 pm. For more information and details as they become available please call (269) 649-1733.
Western Michigan History Exhibits
South Haven: May 24th - October 31st
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The Historical Association of South Haven will be holding Building Tours of the Hartman School Building on Sundays from 2 pm. to 4 pm. For more information please visit www.historyofsouthhaven.org.June 24: Dowagiac
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The Museum at Southwestern Michigan College will be opening its new exhibit "Small Town, Big World" with a reception from 4 pm to 7 pm. For more information please see www.swmich.edu/museum.Two Year Event: Benton Harbor
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"World's Largest"- The Benton Harbor Fruit Market and Southwest Michigan's Fruit Belt This two-year exhibit explores the rich fruit growing environment in Southwest Michigan and the significant impact of the Benton Harbor Fruit Market. The display highlights collections of historical artifact, photographs and documents from local farming families and fruit related businesses. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 to 4:00 Admission: Members and children 15 & under, Free Non-Members, $5.00 Location: Second Floor Through August 18: Grand Rapids
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Every Monday at 10:30, 11:15, and Noon the Meijer Theater and its Wurlitzer Organ will bring children's stories to life. Come hear the Story Organ's tweets, whistles, wheezes, and bangs telling the stories of Michigan's authors. For more information please call (616) 456-3543.Now open through December: Zeeland
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Lost and Found -Shipwrecks of West Michigan
The Zeeland Historical Society in collaboration with Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates presents a new gallery exhibit at the Dekkerhuis Museum in Zeeland. The exhibit explores the evolution of Great Lakes maritime history through various ships all lost and some found. Descriptive panels, historic photos, drawings and artifacts will paint a picture of the plethora of shipwrecks hidden in the depths of Lake Michigan. Hours: Thursday 10-7 and Saturday 10-2. Admission freeNow Open: Benton Harbor
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"A Scrapbook of Memories: Germans from Russia in Southwestern Michigan" The Heritage Museum's new exhibit tells the story of Germans from Russia who later immigrated to Berrien County. In the 1760s, Czarina Catherine the Great offered incentives for Germans to settle in Russia. Following a loss of personal freedoms in the 1870s, many of these Germans then immigrated to America. Berrien County has the world's largest concentration of Germans from Volhynia, Russia (now located in Ukraine). Coordinated by the Southwest Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, the exhibit features citizenship papers and photos of immigrants who passed through Ellis Island, German prayer books and hymnals, Russian babushkas and amber necklaces, and even a model of a horse-driven threshing machine. These objects bring to life the history of several local families. Visit the exhibit to learn about this dynamic cultural group and how they continue to preserve their heritage. Located on the 2nd floor balcony. Admission is free.April 1 - June 24: Grand Rapids
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I Thee Wed On Tuesday May 11, 1897 at 6:00 pm, Mr. and Mrs. Voigt's youngest daughter, Amanda, was married in the parlor of her parent's new home on College Avenue to Mr. Charles Perkins. The Grand Rapids Herald described the wedding in glowing terms as a "Scene of Grandeur and Splendor and Beauty". Now through June 24 tours of the Voigt Mansion include the exhibit "I Thee Wed" featuring photos from Amanda's wedding and a late 19th century wedding gown, bride's trousseau, wedding gifts the couple might have received and a bride's and a groom's cake. Call 616.456.4600 for more information.April 24-Aug 26: Holland
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POLYESTER: AMERICAN FASHION OF THE 1960s & 1970s This exhibition of festive-occasion to everyday clothing from the museum's collection spans several decades of American fashion with particular attention paid to the rise in use of synthetic textiles and psychedelic design of the 1960s and 1970s. Reg. admission, members free. The exhibit is sponsored by the HERMAN MILLER FOUNDATION. Holland Museum, 31 W 10th St, Holland 616/392-908 or toll free 888/200-9123 www.hollandmuseum.org Admission: $7, $6 senior, $4 student (to exhibit and all other galleries) the Holland Museum and the accompanying Cappon/Settlers House: Open Wednesday through Saturday 1 - 5 PM.Summer 2008: Ada
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Every Tuesday at 7 pm on Museum grounds the Ada Historical Society will host Music on the Lawn with a different selection of live music each week. For more information please see www.adahistoricalsociety.org. Summer 2008: Grand Rapids
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The Public Museum of Grand Rapids is hosting Camp Curiosity 2008. Come explore favorites such as Grandma's Kitchen, Life of a Princess, Slimy Science and more! Looking for something different? Check out Star Stories, Crafts from Around the World or Life of a Pirate. A colorful and engaging new I Spy activity is available for pre-readers at the Public Museum! Kids select a bag of photo cards, and then use their observation skills to hunt for the objects shown throughout all three floors of the Museum. It's fascinating family fun and free with paid general admission! For more information please call (616) 456-3543. Summer 2008: Grand Rapids
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The Public Museum of Grand Rapids’ Planetarium has several programs planned for the summer months. Daily at 2 pm, Cowboy, poet, and humorist Baxter Black becomes the Cowboy Astronomer. Western sky lore and modern science are blended together. Then, on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 pm, the planetarium operator takes the audience on a live tour of the night sky, finding the prominent stars, constellations, and planets visible that night. Current astronomical events are also presented. Finally, on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 pm, the planetarium presents The Great Space Chase. A police detective investigating a robbery finds himself on a quest across the Universe to hunt down a criminal mastermind. Brilliant laser lights take you on this thrilling adventure. The show also includes five exciting musical interludes, featuring artists such as U2, Madonna, and Monty Python. For more information on any of the presentations please call (616) 456-3543.July 5- September 3: Otsego
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On display at the Otsego Area Historical Museum is a vintage hat and clothing exhibit. For more information please call (269) 692-3775.Present - October 31: Muskegon
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As part of the Historic Sites of the Muskegon County Museum, the 1890 Hackley House and the 1915 Hume House illustrate the homes of the late Victorian Era. The new exhibit Making a House a Home at these sites will examine the technology and products used in these homes during the period. Guided tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday from Noon to 4 pm. The site is located on W. Webster Ave. at Sixth St. in Muskegon. April-July: Coopersville
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Jim Ponshair of Allendale will be sharing part of his collection of hand carved birds for exhibit at the Coopersville Farm Museum. Jim began his wood carving hobby 45 years ago. He is a life member of the Michigan Audubon Society and a charter member of the Grand Rapids Audubon Club. After extensive years of keeping bird records of our area. Jim later published a book entitled, “Birds of Ottawa County”. Stop in and experience nature's beauty. For more information please call (616) 997-8555. April 26-July 25: Coopersville
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The Coopersville Farm Museum hopes you will take the time to experience the same sense of wonder Jerry Johnson feels every time he looks through his lens as he attempts to capture the beauty, grace and playfulness of horses, mules, donkeys, livestock, pets and other natural wonders. Johnson's work will be exhibited at the Museum this summer. For more information please call (616) 997-8555. Wednesdays this Summer: Coopersville
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Kid's Play Day is designed with toddlers in mind, beginning in April, from 11am till noon, join us for special activities! Call at the Coopersville Farm Museum at (616) 997-8555 to find out what's happening or just drop by with your little ones. This makes a great Grandparents Outing! You're welcome to bring a sack lunch and stick around in the afternoon too. Crafts and a free gift are offered for kids 12 and under every Wednesday from 10am to 2pm. Summer: Coopersville
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Join the Coopersville Farm Museum's Crazy Ladies Quilting Circle each Thursday at 10 am. Bring any project you are working on and join in! Second Thursday of each month is Stone Soup don't miss out! Regular admission applies for non members. Members are free! All are welcome! For more information please call (616) 997-8555. Summer: Coopersville
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The Coopersville Farm Museum will host outdoor flea markets this summer as a fundraiser for the museum. Space is $10.00 for each 10'x10' area and only $5.00 for members for each date. One table is provided with each paid spot. We will also accept donation of gently used items or collectibles to sell at the Coopersville Farm Museum booth. Please bring your items to the museum Thursday or Friday before each sale date.
For more information please call (616) 997-8555. August 1 - September 30: Coopersville
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The Coopersville Farm Museum will be holding their 7th annual exhibit of Quilts and Their Stories. This exhibition includes over 130 quilts displayed throughout the museum, between the tractors and amongst farm tools. Some are over 100 years old and others were finished just in time to be displayed. There are no judging or special qualifications to display a quilt here. We love them all! We hope you will take some time to read the stories located near each quilt. The story may include technical information or something about the quilter, maybe you'll even hear a story about an event that occurred while the quilt was being created. If you can't take the time to read the stories at the museum, you can purchase a book in the Museum gift shop containing all the same information. For more information please call (616) 997-8555.Fall: Coopersville
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Come on down to the Coopersville Farm Museum this fall for Line Dancing on Friday nights. This class is great for beginners as well as those who have been dancing for years. Helen Walters will teach a few new dances each week as well as review the dances from previous weeks. Come once or every week. So dust off those cowboy boots and get ready to dance! Classes will not be held on Halloween. Admission will be $3 for members and $5 for all others, and kids will be half price with a paid adult. For more information please contact the Coopersville Farm Museum at (616) 997-8555. Year Round: Coopersville
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Jam Night goes on all year long! Bring your instrument (acoustics only) and perform for the crowd or sit back and listen to the many styles of country, old gospel, bluegrass and folk music. Doors open at 5:00pm and music is from 6:00-9:00pm. Admission is $4.00 per person members and kids under 12 are free. For more information please contact the Coopersville Farm Museum at (616) 997-8555.
Open in May: Muskegon
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Since June 1857, Muskegon residents have been able to purchase a local newspaper. To mark this important anniversary, staff of the Muskegon County Museum created the "150th Anniversary: Writing History Day by Day".
To submit information for Historical Happenings:
Mail information to:
or E-mail: hsm@hsmichigan.org or FAX: (517) 324-4370
