Building on the past with an eye to the future, Idlewild has sought to celebrate and re-energize this Black Eden. Learn about recent community planning work undertaken in Idlewild, Michigan focused on historic preservation and stewardship, and both the challenges and triumphs associated with these efforts. Presented by Anna Minnebo, Nick Rolinski, Har Ye Kan, and Idlewild Historian and Planning Commission Chair, Chris CJ Kingdom Grier.  

This program took place on Tuesday, October 10, 2023
7:00-8:30 PM
Holland Museum
Free Adult Cultural Lens Program

This program is related to the Holland Museum exhibition, “Black Eden” Idlewild Past, Present, and Future,” on display through October 28, 2023.

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Biographies

  Chris CJ Kingdom-Grier

Chris CJ Kingdom-Grier was born and raised in Idlewild and is a descendant of one of the first black owners, Philanthropist Robert & Margaret Riffe. His African American Memorabilia collection, which includes a sizable Idlewild portion, has been described as Tier 1 Museum quality. Kingdom-Grier is CEO of Kingdom-Grier & Associates Diversity Equity & Inclusion Consulting Firm and is the current Yates Township/ Idlewild Historian and archivist.   

  Har Ye Kan, AICP

Har Ye Kan, AICP, is a community planning and design consultant based in Holland, Michigan. She works closely with people and places in harnessing their stories and potential while raising social, cultural, and environmental awareness. Her projects span across scales and contexts, from urban and suburban communities to compact settlements and preserves in nature-rich settings. She is grateful to be able to serve and bridge the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Har Ye received a BA in Geography from the University of Cambridge, an AM in Regional Studies-East Asia and a Doctorate in Design from Harvard University.  

Anna Minnebo

Anna Minnebo is a historic preservation professional based in Holland, Michigan. With a background in education, interpretation, and design, she seeks to make history engaging and relevant to all audiences. Past projects include National Register of Historic Places nominations, interpretive programming development, and outdoor place-based exhibitions. She is currently the Preservation Planner for the City of Holland and a Historic Project Specialist for Broad Street Studio. Anna earned a BA in Anthropology and American Culture from the University of Michigan and holds a Master of Arts in History Museum Studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program at SUNY Oneonta.  

Nick Rolinski

Nick Rolinski operates Broad Street Studio, Inc., a highly collaborative and locally rooted design consultancy committed to the stewardship and development of buildings and places that are timeless, human scale, and lovable. Based on these and other enduring design principles, Broad Street aspires to operate as a “teaching office” and supports a balance between applied practice and the education of others, including clients, communities, and future designers. Nick is classically trained in Architecture and Urbanism and holds a Master’s in Architecture from the University of Notre Dame. Additionally, Nick has participated in a variety of Historic Preservation projects, both at the building and neighborhood scales and served on the City of Holland Historic District Commission for six years. Nick also currently serves on the Board at the Holland Museum. 

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