FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Holland Museum Announces October Programs Celebrating History, Art and Community

HOLLAND, MI — From exploring the history of Delftware and the 1871 Holland Fire to celebrating Día de los Muertos, the Holland Museum will offer a full lineup of programs and events throughout October. Visitors can learn, create, and explore local history while connecting with the community through experiences for a wide range of ages and interests.

The month begins with Coffee with Collections: Delftware on October 5 from 9 to 11 am at the Holland Museum. Guests can enjoy a cup of coffee while joining Delftware collector Jack E. Lapp in the Museum’s Dutch Gallery for a special opportunity to view select pieces from his private collection. The program is sponsored by The 205 Coffee Bar. Admission is $5 for Museum members and $10 for non-members, with advance registration required.

On October 7 from 5:30 to 7 pm, the Museum will take local history beyond its walls with Museum on the Move: 1871 Holland Fire Walking Tour. Participants will step back into the events of the 1871 Holland Fire, hear historical firsthand accounts, and visit locations where the fire left its mark on the community. Tickets are $5 for Museum members and $10 for non-members, and advance registration is required.

Community members are invited to explore another chapter of local history during Cider & Stories: Ventura Cemetery Tour on October 9 from 5:30 to 7 pm in Park Township. Guests can sip cider while learning about recent improvements to the cemetery before getting a sneak peek at a new virtual cemetery tour featuring stories of some of Park Township’s earliest settlers. This free program is presented in partnership with Park Township.

The Museum’s popular Free Second Monday returns October 12 from 4 to 7 pm with Blue & White Night. Visitors can enjoy Delft-inspired crafts and activities while exploring the Holland Museum’s Blue & White Invitational Exhibition before it closes October 18. At 5:30 pm, Gemma Fletcher, Arts Education Manager at the Holland Area Arts Council, will present a free talk exploring the history of Delftware and its enduring artistic tradition. At 6:30 pm the Blue & White Invitational People’s Choice Award winner will be announced. Blue & White Night is free and presented in partnership with the Holland Area Arts Council.

On October 15, the Holland Museum will host Tales from the Archives: The History of Citizenship from 7 to 8:30 pm in partnership with the Hope College History Department. The program examines how citizenship requirements have changed from the nation’s founding to today and explores how shifting definitions of citizenship reflect the broader American experience. Admission is free for Museum members and $10 for non-members, and advance registration is required.

The programming continues October 16 with Citizenship Test Trivia Night at the Holland Armory from 7 to 8:30 pm. Hosted by the Holland Museum and Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates in recognition of America250, teams will put their knowledge to the test to see how they would fare on the U.S. citizenship test in 2026. Tickets are $10 per person or $60 for a team of eight, and advance registration is required.

October’s lineup concludes with one of the Museum’s most vibrant annual celebrations, Día de los Muertos, on October 24 from 11:30 to 2:30 pm at the Holland Armory. Presented in partnership with Latin Americans United for Progress and sponsored by Downtown Holland, this free, family-friendly celebration honors the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos with music, dance performances, art activities, beautifully decorated community ofrendas, and more.

“October gives us an opportunity to explore so many different parts of our community’s history and culture,” said Loren Stevens, Curator of Learning & Community Engagement at the Holland Museum. “Whether you’re interested in local history, art, and culture, or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend time with family and friends, we hope these programs give people new ways to learn, connect and experience the stories of our community.”

A full schedule of events and registration details is available at hollandmuseum.org.

About the Holland Museum

The Holland Museum connects visitors to the rich history and culture of the Holland community through engaging exhibits, educational programming, and hands-on experiences for all ages.

Media Contact:

Danial Jones

danial@hollandmuseum.org

(616) 796-3324