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X-WR-CALNAME:Saugatuck-Douglas History Center
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.mysdhistory.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Saugatuck-Douglas History Center
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260603T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260603T200000
DTSTAMP:20260603T114552
CREATED:20260527T003237Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T003644Z
UID:10000214-1780507800-1780516800@www.mysdhistory.org
SUMMARY:Community Pride Reception
DESCRIPTION:Community Pride author talk and social on Wednesday\, June 3rd\nTwo events in one! Community Pride MI in conjunction with the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library and the Saugatuck Douglas History Center\, proudly presents a special Pride Week event on Wednesday\, June 3\, 2026. \nCome out to the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library for an author talk with Wade Rouse at 5:30 pm. \nThen at 6:30 pm\, come down to the History Center for book signings\, music\, food\, and drink. \n \nAt 5:30 PM\, the evening begins with a CommUNITY PRIDE Author Spotlight: Wade Rouse \nAs part of the CommUNITY PRIDE Speaker Series\, we are thrilled to feature best-selling author Wade Rouse. Join him for an in-depth discussion of his latest novel\, That’s What Friends Are For\, a heartwarming novel inspired by The Golden Girls\, featuring four older gay friends in Palm Springs who form a chosen family\, mirroring the sitcom’s dynamic as they navigate life’s challenges. His book explores themes of aging\, love\, friendship\, and chosen family with humor\, sass and drama\, much like the beloved show. Following his presentation there will be time for Q&A. \nImmediately following the Author Series presentation (and just two doors down)\, join the CommUNITY PRIDE Social\, hosted by the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at 130 Center Street\, Douglas. Enjoy an evening of beer\, wine\, delicious food\, live music and good conversation in the heart of downtown Douglas. Wade will also be available to sign books. \nAdmission to both parts of this evening’s event is complimentary; a freewill donation for food is appreciated with beverages available for purchase. Both events will be very popular\, so please arrive early!
URL:https://www.mysdhistory.org/event/community-pride-reception-2/
LOCATION:The History Center in Downtown Douglas\, 130 Center St.\, Douglas\, MI\, 49406\, United States
CATEGORIES:Reception,Social Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mysdhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Presentation1-scaled.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Saugatuck-Douglas History Center":MAILTO:info@sdhistoricalsociety.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260613T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260613T203000
DTSTAMP:20260603T114552
CREATED:20260602T212329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T104356Z
UID:10000217-1781375400-1781382600@www.mysdhistory.org
SUMMARY:Live Jazz\, Lakeshore History: Big Band Bash
DESCRIPTION:Come out for an evening of Live Jazz and Lakeshore History with the Lakeshore Jazz Connection and Saugatuck-Douglas History Center.\nThe sound of soaring horns\, swinging rhythms\, and jazz history comes alive in downtown Saugatuck as Lakeshore Jazz Connection presents “Big Band Bash” featuring the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra led by Dr. James Sawyer on Saturday\, June 13th at the historic Saugatuck Woman’s Club\, 303 Butler Street\, Saugatuck. Come at 6:30 for a history program on the Saugatuck Jazz Festival as an opening act to the 7:30 performance of Big Band classics. \nThis high-energy evening promises a powerful celebration of big band jazz performed by one of Michigan’s premier jazz ensembles\, the acclaimed Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra. Audiences can expect an electrifying night of classic swing\, bold improvisation\, and unforgettable jazz favorites in a concert setting atmosphere. \nTickets are $20\, $5 for students with ID and may be purchased at the door beginning at 6:15 PM the day of the concert or online at www.lakeshorejazzconnection.org. Student tickets must be purchased at the door. \nRare Duke Ellington History Comes to Life Before the Concert\nBefore the music begins\, audiences are invited to a special FREE pre-concert event at 6:30 PM exploring a remarkable piece of local jazz history: Duke Ellington’s little-known 1960 performance in the Saugatuck area. \nThe discussion panel will feature: \n• Eric Gollannek of the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center\n• Lazaro Vega of Blue Lake Public Radio\n• Jim Cooper LJC President and Artistic Director \nA rare audio recording from the original concert will be shared\, and audience members are encouraged to contribute memories or stories connected to the historic event. \nSaugatuck has a rich history with venues like the Big Pavilion\, the Blue Tempo\, Billie’s Bathouse and Coral Gables which featured live jazz. In the early 1960s\, several Saugatuck Music Festivals featured the likes of Duke Ellington\, Ira Sullivan\, Dave Brubeck\, Carmen McCrae\, Ramsey Lewis and many more. Lakeshore Jazz Connection was created in 1993 and though disbanding in 2016\, the founders are celebrating the anniversary with live jazz and sharing memories of those years of hosting concerts\, mostly at the Saugatuck Woman’s Club.
URL:https://www.mysdhistory.org/event/live-jazz-lakeshore-history-big-band-bash/
LOCATION:Saugatuck Woman’s Club\, 303 Butler Street\, Saugatuck\, MI\, 49453\, United States
CATEGORIES:Music History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mysdhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Jazz-1960-scaled.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Saugatuck-Douglas History Center":MAILTO:info@sdhistoricalsociety.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260618T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260618T200000
DTSTAMP:20260603T114552
CREATED:20260527T004733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T005038Z
UID:10000215-1781803800-1781812800@www.mysdhistory.org
SUMMARY:Backyard Bash at the Library with musical guest: Whorled
DESCRIPTION:The Saugatuck Douglas District Library and the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center invite you to a summer celebration for all ages! \nWhorled will be performing on the deck at the library at 6:00pm. Stretch out in the backyard and enjoy hefty doses of celtic\, gypsy jazz\, and classical music and often mash-ups of these styles. There will be drinks\, food\, games\, and activities for kids. \nThis event is FREE and open to the public. Registration is not required. \n \nThe event includes music\, beer and wine for purchase\, and refreshments in a great family friendly atmosphere.
URL:https://www.mysdhistory.org/event/backyard-bash-at-the-library-with-musical-guest-whorled/
LOCATION:Saugatuck-Douglas District Library\, 174 Center Street\, Douglas\, MI\, 49406\, United States
CATEGORIES:Social Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mysdhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Backyard-Bash-June-scaled.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Saugatuck-Douglas History Center":MAILTO:info@sdhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260627T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260627T113000
DTSTAMP:20260603T114552
CREATED:20260603T110445Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T111523Z
UID:10000218-1782556200-1782559800@www.mysdhistory.org
SUMMARY:Michigan Soldiers in the War of 1812
DESCRIPTION:Join us as we travel back to the battlefields of Michigan in the War of 1812. Learn how the earliest of Michigan soldiers organized and struggled to fight against the British. We will focus on the perspectives of specific units of soldiers\, their combat roles and equipment. \nThe program features Military History Academy educator Jerry Berg leading a\npresentation on the history and significance of the War of 1812 in Michigan and the\nMichigan soldiers that fought in it\, both American and British\, as well as the role that the\nMichigan Territory played. \nThis event is co-sponsored by the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library and the Saugatuck Douglas History Center.
URL:https://www.mysdhistory.org/event/michigan-soldiers-in-the-war-of-1812/
LOCATION:Saugatuck-Douglas District Library\, 174 Center Street\, Douglas\, MI\, 49406\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks & Programs
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mysdhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/1812-graphic-1-scaled.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Saugatuck-Douglas History Center":MAILTO:info@sdhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260707T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260707T120000
DTSTAMP:20260603T114552
CREATED:20260501T173250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T003257Z
UID:10000203-1783422000-1783425600@www.mysdhistory.org
SUMMARY:Centennials in Saugatuck
DESCRIPTION:Spirit of ’76: The Bicentennial in Saugatuck and Beyond\nThis year marks the 250th anniversary from America’s declaration of independence in 1776. Learn about the ways Americans have looked back on their own history at the Centennial in 1876 and at the Bi-centennial in 1976. This talk will explore Lakeshore celebrations as well as the national context of the birth of the United States and collective memory. \nEric Gollannek is Executive Director of the SDHC and holds a PhD in Art History from the University of Delaware. He has presented on topics on art history\, historic preservation\, Great Lakes history\, and collective memory.
URL:https://www.mysdhistory.org/event/spirit-of-76-the-bicentennial-in-saugatuck-and-beyond/
LOCATION:The History Center in Downtown Douglas\, 130 Center St.\, Douglas\, MI\, 49406\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks & Programs,Tuesday Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mysdhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Steinberg-Bandstand.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Saugatuck-Douglas History Center":MAILTO:info@sdhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260714T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260714T120000
DTSTAMP:20260603T114552
CREATED:20260501T173521Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T003523Z
UID:10000204-1784026800-1784030400@www.mysdhistory.org
SUMMARY:Land Conservancy 50th anniversary
DESCRIPTION:History of the Land Conservancy of West Michigan – 50th Anniversary\nThis year\, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan celebrates the milestone anniversary of its founding in 1976. Learn about the mission of the Land Conservancy–keeping nature nearby and conserving West Michigan’s ecologically critical land–as part of our Tuesday Talk series. The program will explore their accomplishments\, including preservation of the Saugatuck Dunes Natural Area\, and their vision for the next 50 years.
URL:https://www.mysdhistory.org/event/history-of-w-mi-land-conservancy-50th-anniversary/
LOCATION:The History Center in Downtown Douglas\, 130 Center St.\, Douglas\, MI\, 49406\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks & Programs,Tuesday Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.mysdhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Tallmadge-Woods.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Saugatuck-Douglas History Center":MAILTO:info@sdhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260721T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260721T120000
DTSTAMP:20260603T114552
CREATED:20260501T173800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260501T194730Z
UID:10000205-1784631600-1784635200@www.mysdhistory.org
SUMMARY:The Interurban Railway
DESCRIPTION:End of the Line: The Interurban Railway to Saugatuck\nChris Clark will discuss what led to the Interurban’s inception in 1899\, how it worked\, and what drew people to use the electric train service. Then he’ll explain the changes that occurred in 1913\, why the service was discontinued in 1926\, and what remains today. There will be lots of pictures!
URL:https://www.mysdhistory.org/event/end-of-the-line-the-interurban-railway-to-saugatuck/
LOCATION:The History Center in Downtown Douglas\, 130 Center St.\, Douglas\, MI\, 49406\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks & Programs,Tuesday Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mysdhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Interurban.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Saugatuck-Douglas History Center":MAILTO:info@sdhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260728T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260728T120000
DTSTAMP:20260603T114552
CREATED:20260501T174038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T003914Z
UID:10000206-1785236400-1785240000@www.mysdhistory.org
SUMMARY:Cora Bliss Taylor & Nat Steinberg
DESCRIPTION:The Lives and Legacies of Cora Bliss Taylor and Nat Steinberg\nJoin us at the Saugatuck Douglas History Center to learn about the life and legacy of two important founders/members of the Saugatuck Douglas Art Club\, Cora Bliss Taylor and Nat Steinberg. Born in the late nineteenth century and living into the 1970s and 80s\, these two artists have a lasting legacy in Saugatuck and Douglas as well as connections across the globe. Join SDHC archives volunteer Linda Slusar for this fascinating art and history exploration. On display will be several original works by each artist. \nBio:\nLinda Slusar holds a MA in Library Science and served as a library director in Illinois as well as librarian and professor at the College of DuPage for more than 25 years. She has volunteered at the History Center since 2020 as well as being an active fiber arts guild member and Holland garden club member.
URL:https://www.mysdhistory.org/event/life-and-legacy-of-cora-bliss-taylor-and-nat-steinberg-2/
LOCATION:The History Center in Downtown Douglas\, 130 Center St.\, Douglas\, MI\, 49406\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks & Programs,Tuesday Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mysdhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/NSteinberg1968.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Saugatuck-Douglas History Center":MAILTO:info@sdhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260804T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260804T120000
DTSTAMP:20260603T114552
CREATED:20260501T174351Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T004758Z
UID:10000207-1785841200-1785844800@www.mysdhistory.org
SUMMARY:Mid-Century Modern at the Lakeshore
DESCRIPTION:Learn about Modernism at the Lakeshore from ranch homes to space-age mailboxes! The lecture will include well known examples from around the region as well as some recognizable buildings and details too. \nA talk by Aletha VanderMaas\, Grand Haven based designer and historian with True Home Restorations and the popular Facebook page Mid Mod Mich.
URL:https://www.mysdhistory.org/event/mid-century-modern-at-the-lakeshore/
LOCATION:The History Center in Downtown Douglas\, 130 Center St.\, Douglas\, MI\, 49406\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks & Programs,Tuesday Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mysdhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MCM-Douglas.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Saugatuck-Douglas History Center":MAILTO:info@sdhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T120000
DTSTAMP:20260603T114552
CREATED:20260501T174711Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T005739Z
UID:10000208-1786446000-1786449600@www.mysdhistory.org
SUMMARY:Plank Roads in 1850-55
DESCRIPTION:A Pictorial Tour of the Old Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo Plank Road\nPrepare yourself for a bone-shaking stagecoach ride down the “old plank road” in West Michigan in 1855. Marty Arnold\, your guide\, will show both historic and present-day photos and explain what led to a “plank road craze” in Michigan and why the Kalamazoo road was such a boon to the little villages along its 48 mile route. Travelers will learn the evolution of Michigan road building\, plank road “etiquette\,” how a brisk gypsum trade contributed to its demise and why elephants used the road. \nBio: Marty Arnold was a member of the Grand Rapids Historical Commission and served a term as president. Before retiring she was a freelance journalist\, a writing instructor at Aquinas College\, a reporter at the Grand Rapids Press and an administrator for several non-profits in Grand Rapids. After retiring\, Marty expanded her interest in history to include its indigenous or native plants. She is a Master Naturalist\, a citizen scientist for the Michigan Butterfly Network and a member of the Grand Rapids Chapter of Wild Ones. She has published two novels set in West Michigan that delve into the unique natural history of West Michigan. When she’s not writing she is slowly restoring her yard to the way it was during the plank road era.
URL:https://www.mysdhistory.org/event/all-aboard-for-kalamazoo-the-plank-road-craze-in-michigan-1850-1855/
LOCATION:The History Center in Downtown Douglas\, 130 Center St.\, Douglas\, MI\, 49406\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks & Programs,Tuesday Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mysdhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/plank-road.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Saugatuck-Douglas History Center":MAILTO:info@sdhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260818T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260818T120000
DTSTAMP:20260603T114552
CREATED:20260501T174926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T010149Z
UID:10000209-1787050800-1787054400@www.mysdhistory.org
SUMMARY:Evelyn Wright Crawford\, Sailor
DESCRIPTION:The Story of Evelyn Wright Crawford\nThe first all-women’s crew on the Chicago-to-Mackinac race\nLearn about the history of sailing and women’s history\, all with a Saugatuck connection! \nA talk by Mark Reid
URL:https://www.mysdhistory.org/event/the-story-of-evelyn-wright-crawford-and-the-first-all-womens-crew-on-the-chicago-to-mackinac-race/
LOCATION:The History Center in Downtown Douglas\, 130 Center St.\, Douglas\, MI\, 49406\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks & Programs,Tuesday Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mysdhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_0107.JPG.1905-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Saugatuck-Douglas History Center":MAILTO:info@sdhistoricalsociety.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260825T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260825T120000
DTSTAMP:20260603T114552
CREATED:20260501T175557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T005029Z
UID:10000210-1787655600-1787659200@www.mysdhistory.org
SUMMARY:Michigan’s Anishinaabe History
DESCRIPTION:As the first culture established in Michigan\, both historical and contemporary Anishinaabe traditions play a significant role in our state’s heritage. We will explore how local tribes utilized natural resources in their daily lives prior to European settlement. Join us to learn about the traditions of the Anishinaabe\, both past and present. \nThe ODC (Outdoor Discovery Center) Network is a non-profit education and conservation organization founded in the year 2000 with the mission to connect people with nature through outdoor education for the benefit of wildlife and conservation of the natural world. The ODC Network also operates the DeGraaf Nature Center for the City of Holland\, including day-to-day management and the coordination of all its education programs. Both the Outdoor Discovery Center nature preserve and DeGraaf Nature Center are free and open to the public. \nBio: Myriah Williams is a Potawatomi Pokagon Band Citizen and works for her community by serving on the Tribe’s school board. Her role at the Outdoor Discovery Center’s Cultural and Environmental Educator gives her a firm footing to build accurate and relevant cultural knowledge for the local community.
URL:https://www.mysdhistory.org/event/michigans-anishinaabe-history-2/
LOCATION:The History Center in Downtown Douglas\, 130 Center St.\, Douglas\, MI\, 49406\, United States
CATEGORIES:Talks & Programs,Tuesday Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mysdhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Anishinaabek.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Saugatuck-Douglas History Center":MAILTO:info@sdhistoricalsociety.org
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