Holland Museum > Events > Holland Museum > Idlewild: A Refuge in the Storm

Idlewild: A Refuge in the Storm

Photo of Fred L. Johnson IIII, Hope College Professor

At the height of Jim Crow segregation’s cultural tyranny, Idlewild drew African American tourists and performance artists to its secluded location in Baldwin, Michigan where they could relax and play free from the cancer of racist bigotry. Join Hope College History Professor Fred L. Johnson as he discusses Idlewild’s origins and history as the largest in a system of resorts for African Americans in the early 20th century.

This program took place on Thursday, September 21, 2023
7:00-8:30 PM
Holland Museum Spark!Lab
Free Adult Cultural Lens Program

Check out this related program with Professor Fred L. Johnson III, which takes place at the Holland Museum on September 28 from 7:00-8:30 PM: “Playgrounds for the Frustrated, Fatigued, and Infuriated.”

Watch the Video Now!

Learn More

This program is related to the Holland Museum exhibition, “Black Eden: Idlewild Past, Present, and Future.”
To learn more about the exhibit and related programming click here.

Biography

Professor Fred L. Johnson III

Professor Fred L. Johnson III has taught history at Hope College since 2000. His primary field of study is 19th-century US history, specifically the Civil War as well as 20th-century US History, US military history, and African history.  An award-winning speaker, he is a member of the Michigan chapter of the National Speakers’ Association since 2004. Dr. Johnson holds a B.S. from Bowie State College, an MA from Kent State University, and MDiv. From Western Theological Seminary, and a PhD from Kent State University.

 

Media Sponsor:

Cultural Lens Program Premier Sponsors:

Corewell is the new name for Spectrum Health starting in 2023

This exhibit is supported in part by an award from:

  • September 21, 2023 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
  • 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Holland Museum

Holland Museum
31 W. 10th Street
Holland, MI 49423

The Holland Museum tells the story of Holland, Michigan, from its settlement by Dutch immigrants to today’s innovative, successful, and diverse community. Featuring thousands of fascinating historic objects, as well as artwork from the Netherlands from the 1600s through the 1900s, ou permanent History and Dutch Galleries are not to be missed.

MUSEUM HOURS

Thursdays: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fridays: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturdays: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sundays: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Closed Mondays EXCEPT on Free Second Mondays from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Spark!Lab is open and included with general admission on Fridays, Saturdays, and Free Second Mondays.

*FREE SECOND MONDAYS
In addition to regular hours, join us for our “FREE Second Mondays” from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m each month. Check our calendar for specific dates. Sponsored by The Meijer Foundation.

ADMISSION AND DISCOUNTS

Admission 
$10.00 for adults
$8.00 for senior adult
$5.00 for students with a valid college ID and kids 6-18 
FREE: Holland Museum members and children ages 5 and under are free.
$1.00 Museums for All admission (EBT or WIC card holder, $1.00/person, up to 4 people per card).

Discounts
The Holland Museum offers an admission discount to Veterans, active military, and educators. If you are active military, the discount applies each person in your party. If you are a veteran or educator, the discount applies to that person only. Admission for veterans, active military, and educators is $5.

CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF THESE 2024/2025 HOLIDAYS

  • Independence Day, July 4
  • Labor Day, September 1
  • Thanksgiving Day, November 28
  • Christmas Eve, December 24
  • Christmas Day, December 25
  • New Year's Eve, December 31
  • New Year's Day, January 1, 2026


ACCESSIBILITY
The Museum has a handicapped-accessible entrance on the east side of the building next to the circle drive. To access the building, please press the button to the right of the door and the front desk will buzz visitors in. Take the elevator from the ground floor (G) to the first level (1L) and you will arrive behind the reception desk. There is also a wheelchair available for patron use. Each level of the museum is handicapped accessible, as are the restrooms. If you have any specific needs, please call the front desk at (616) 796-3329.

PARKING 
The Holland Museum is located at the corner of 10th Street and River Avenue, across from Centennial Park. Please use the parking lot behind the museum on 9th Street or street parking is available along 10th Street. Handicap accessibility is available from the east side of the building.

BLUE STAR MUSEUM 
We are a Blue Star Museum and offer free admission to active military and their families from Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17, 2025, through  Labor Day weekend, Saturday, September 1, 2025.

MUSEUM BUILDING RENTALS
For information about Museum building rentals, please contact David Hawley-Lowry at dhawley@hollandmuseum.org

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