The Holland Museum’s newest exhibit, “Black Eden: Idlewild Past, Present, and Future,” showcases the history of Idlewild. The exhibit follows the community from its vibrant eras of bustling tourism to its remarkable journey of revival and rejuvenation.
Idlewild was founded in 1912 as a haven for African Americans. It was a place to provide respite, leisure, and community, drawing in many middle-class professionals throughout the Midwest for several decades.
This exhibit is being co-curated with Chris CJ Kingdom-Grier, a longtime Holland resident and a descendant of two of the first Black homeowners in Idlewild, philanthropists Robert and Margaret Riffe. Kingdom-Grier was born and raised in Idlewild. His African American memorabilia collection has been described as Tier 1 Museum quality.
"As someone raised and nurtured in Idlewild, it thrills me to share this Americana historical mecca at the Holland Museum. The display is much more than a collection of artifacts. It encompasses stories past and present, about the people and experiences that make Idlewild so special,” he says.
A ‘perfect fit’ for the museum
Kingdom-Grier is the CEO of Kingdom-Grier & Associates (Diversity Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Hospitality) consulting firm and is the current Yates Township/Idlewild historian and archivist.
“This exhibition is the perfect fit for the Holland Museum as we strive to incorporate everyone’s stories. Through this exhibition and related programming, the important stories of many Idlewild residents will be shared,” says museum Executive Director Ricki Levine.
The exhibit will be on display until Oct. 23, 2023.
This exhibit, which will be on display until Oct. 23, is supported in part by an award from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Exhibit-related programs
Idlewild Today
Museum Spark!Lab, 31 W. 10th St., Holland, 7–8:30 p.m. Aug. 3
Chris CJ Kingdom-Grier leads a panel discussion with current Idlewild residents. Free adult
program. Registration encouraged.
“My Idlewild!” — a live historical musical revue
Holland Armory, 16 W. Ninth St., Holland, 7–8:30 p.m. Aug. 26
Live, original musical revue, written by Gezelle Grier, celebrating the rich performance history of
“Black Eden.” Purchase tickets on
Eventbrite.
The Music and Performers of Idlewild
Museum Spark!Lab, 31 W. 10th St., Holland, 7–8:30 p.m. Sept. 14
Music and performers of Idlewild with Lazaro Vega, of Blue Lake Public Radio. Free adult
program. Registration encouraged.
Idlewild: A Refuge in the Storm
Museum Spark!Lab, 31 W. 10th St., Holland, 7–8:30 p.m. Sep. 21
Fred Johnson explores how Idlewild became a resort town for the Black community seeking
respite and leisure. Free adult program. Registration encouraged.
A Day in Idlewild
Idlewild, Sept. 23
Daylong bus trip to Idlewild led by Chris CJ Kingdom-Grier. Family program. More details to come.
Playgrounds for the Frustrated, Fatigued, and Infuriated
Museum Spark!Lab, 31 W. 10th St., Holland, 7–8:30 p.m. Sept. 28
Fred Johnson explores the network of recreation spaces created by and for the Black community. Free adult program. Registration encouraged.
Idlewild: A Look Forward
Museum Spark!Lab, 31 W. 10th St., Holland, 7–8:30 p.m. Oct. 12
Join in on a discussion on Idlewild’s future and revitalization. Free adult program. Registration
encouraged.
Check out the Holland Museum’s
website for exhibit details and to register for upcoming programming.