New screening options for Holland history film: Free public viewing and classroom resources
“Wilderness to World Class,” the award-winning film that tells the story of Holland’s past and present, is now easily available for classroom use as well as public viewing.
HOLLAND — The award-winning film that tells the story of Holland’s past and present is now easily available for classroom use as well as public viewing.
An all-new website at HollandFilmGroup.com provides free, easy access to the feature-length documentary “Wilderness to World Class,” a project that the Historical Society of Michigan called “a compelling documentary designed to keep Holland’s past within easy reach.”
“Everyone and anyone is welcome to download or watch the film through the website,” Film Group founder Howard Veneklasen said. “And middle and high school teachers in particular encouraged to use parts or all of the film to illustrate curriculum themes.”
Eight themes in Holland’s history, including immigration, natural resources, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, are explored in the film. Also available on the website are curriculum materials related to each theme, developed by a career secondary school educator. The lessons teach vocabulary, analyze quotations, and pose questions related to the themes. All materials are free to download from the new website.
“In this feature-length documentary, the story of Holland, Michigan, comes to life through interviews, local footage and historical artifacts,” the Historical Society noted when the film was given the State History Award several years ago.
The film was produced by the independent, non-profit Holland Film Group with the purpose of passing along the story of how Holland came to be, Veneklasen said. “Its goal is to inform and inspire viewers of all ages about the character of the Holland community and its continued success throughout its history.”
The film is based on local histories, primary research, and interviews with more than 30 community members.
The Film Group included educators, historians, businesspeople, and community leaders, as well as professional writers and filmmakers. The 15-month production was funded by more than 100 individuals, businesses, and foundations. The film, first released in 2018, has been shown on PBS television and in multiple theater screenings, most recently with popular showings this spring and last year at Tulip Time.
“This was the first-ever production of this kind and this scale about Holland,” Veneklasen said, “and we are excited to continue to show it to our community.”
See the film or access educational materials at HollandFilmGroup.com.
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