Women’s History Month is annually celebrated in the month of March, highlighting the contributions of women to historical events and contemporary society. During this month, we celebrate the successes of women all around the world.
Women have displayed numerous remarkable achievements in the area. Here are just a few notable women from West Michigan.
Anna Bissell
Grand Rapids is home to America’s first female CEO. Anna Bissell served as the president of Bissell, Inc. for 20 years (1889-1919), as well as chair of the board for another 15 years after (1919-1934).
Lida Rogers
In 1927, Lida Rogers introduced the festival in Holland, now known as “Tulip Time”, at a Women’s Literacy Club Meeting. Lida would go on to grow 100,000 Tulips over the next two years.
Today, the city of Holland has over four million tulips planted per year. The festival attracts 500,000 people annually, including former presidents, Gerald R. Ford, Ronald Regan, and George Bush.
Joan Luedders Wolfe
Joan was an environmental activist, having founded the West Michigan Environmental Action Council in 1968 and coordinated the Michigan Environmental Protection Act of 1970. The act improved control of pollution to the air, water, and land by regulating the management of waste and the control of emissions.
In 1973, she was appointed to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, where she would eventually become chair.
The Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council (GGRWHC)
Since 1990, GGRWHC has been widely known for its women-oriented programs to inform the community on the history of women in West Michigan. Their mission is dedicated to “educating the community and celebrating the legacies of local women, preserving knowledge of their past and inspiring visions for their future.”
In addition, GGRWHC is hosting numerous events in March to celebrate Women’s History Month. Learn about women in West Michigan and how GGRWHC has continued to collaborate with women’s groups and other historical groups in presenting programs of historical, social, or educational public interest.
RAD Women Walking Tours
In 2019, Grand Rapids Running Tours partnered with RAD American Women Project. This tour shows off the painted utility boxes featuring the Rad American Women Project.
Rad American Women began as great accomplishments of females across the country, with their accomplishments and stories captured in New York Times bestselling book written by Kate Schatz, “RAD Women A-Z”, written by Kate Schatz.
Explore the 27 pieces of urban artwork, located on almost every intersection of downtown Grand Rapids.
Rosa Parks Circle
West Michigan also has many attractions to honor and celebrate women’s history such as Rosa Parks Circle, a pedestrian mall located in downtown Grand Rapids. This space not only commemorates the life of Rosa Parks but also recognizes the fight against civil rights.
During the warmer months, it is a multipurpose facility, acting as a venue for events like concerts or dances put on by the Grand Rapids Original Swing Society (GROSS). In the winter, it’s converted into an ice rink with 166 fiber optic lights designed to represent the sky of Michigan as it appeared at midnight, January 1, 2000.
