Much is known about Albertus Van Raalte, an immigrant and one of the founders of the Dutch settlement that would become Holland, MI. But what do we know about his family? His parents, siblings, in-laws? What happened to his children and how many descendants are there now? Why did he leave his comfortable life in the Netherlands to journey to a wilderness in West Michigan? Join Sara Simmons, Van Raalte’s great-great-granddaughter in a discussion of her genealogical journey to discover more about her famous ancestor and his descendants.  

This program took place on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at the Holland Museum.

Watch the recorded program now!

About the Presenter

Sara Simmons

Twelve of Sara’s sixteen great-great-grandparents were born in the Netherlands. She grew up hearing stories from her parents and grandparents about Holland’s history and how these individuals lived. These stories inspired her to learn more about her family’s origins and history. Sara attended Michigan State University where she majored in Horticulture, graduating in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She worked for ten years in Horticulture (including investing one year in the Netherlands where I learned a little Dutch and met some distant relations) before she married and started a family. Since April 2001, she has worked at Windmill Island Gardens as a horticulturist where her love of history and the outdoors perfectly complement each other. 

This program is part of the Holland Museum “Tales from the Archives” series which explores local history topics supported by the Holland Museum’s collection and archives. 

Support from: