HOLLAND — Holland Museum has announced the opening of its newest exhibit, Black Eden: Idlewild Past, Present and Future.

The exhibit opens Friday, July 28, and will showcase the history of Idlewild, an unincorporated Michigan community founded in 1912 as a haven for African-Americans. There, many found respite and leisure. The resulting draw brought in middle-class professionals from throughout the Midwest for several decades.

The exhibit is co-curated by CJ Kingdom-Grier, a descendent of one of the first Black landowners and philanthropists Robert and Margaret Riffe. He was born and raised in Idlewild. His memorabilia collection has been described as “Tier 1 Museum Quality.”

Kingdom-Grier is the CEO of Kingdom-Grier and Associates Diversity Equity and Inclusion Consulting Firm and the current historian and archivist for Yates Township and Idlewild.

“This exhibition is the perfect fit for the Holland Museum as we strive to incorporate everyone’s stories,” Executive Director Ricki Levine wrote in a statement. “Through this exhibition and related programming, the important stories of many Idlewild residents will be shared.”

The exhibit will remain on display until Oct. 23. Related programs include:

• Idlewild Today: A Discussion with Idlewild Residents led by Kingdom-Grier with current Idlewild residents on Thursday, Aug. 3, from 7-8:30 p.m.
• My Idlewild! A Live Historical Musical Revue featuring original music celebrating the performance history of Idlewild on Saturday, Aug. 26, at the Holland Armory from 7-8:30 p.m. Tickets on sale now.
• The Music and Performers of Idlewild is a free adult program featuring music and performers of Idlewild on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 7-8:30 p.m.
• Idlewild: A Refuge in the Storm is a free adult program from Fred Johnson that explores how Idlewild became a resort town for the Black community on Thursday, Sept. 21, from 7-8:30 p.m.
• A Day in Idlewild is a day-long bus trip to Idlewild led by Kingdom-Grier on Saturday, Sept. 23
• Playgrounds for the Frustrated, Fatigued, and Infuriated is a free adult program from Fred Johnson that explores the network of recreation spaces created by and for the Black community on Thursday, Sept. 28, from 7-8:30 p.m.
• A free adult program focusing on Idlewild’s future and revitalization on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 7-8:30 p.m.

Visit hollandmuseum.org to learn more.

— Cassandra Lybrink is the local editor of The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at clybrink@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @CassLybrink.

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