Tulip Time origins, WWII heroes, and America's first pope: Pump House Museum sets lineup
A rare connection to the papacy, a World War II rescue mission and the indigenous roots of the Ottawa Beach area are among the stories taking center stage this summer at the Pump House Museum and Learning Center.
HOLLAND — A rare connection to the papacy, a World War II rescue mission and the indigenous roots of the Ottawa Beach area are among the stories taking center stage this summer at the Pump House Museum and Learning Center.
The Historic Ottawa Beach Society has unveiled the lineup for its 2026 Summer Speaker Series, a five-part evening program running July 1-Aug. 26. The free lectures will explore the pivotal people, places and environmental milestones that shaped Holland and the surrounding region.
All events will be at the Pump House Museum, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and presentations beginning at 7 p.m.
From local forests to global legacies
The series kicks off on Wednesday, July 1, with author Wally Ewing discussing his new book, "Trees." Co-authored by Larry Romanelli, William Martinus and Lawrence Burns, the work examines the historical and ecological relationship between human communities and the forests of the Grand Haven area.
The focus shifts to local civic legacy on Thursday, July 16, when educator Deborah Schakel highlights the life of Lida Rogers. A prominent local teacher, Rogers is credited with inspiring the modern Tulip Time Festival and leading a 20-year student effort to plant Albert C. Keppel Forest Preserve, a 40-acre natural area located at 2117 W. Lakewood Blvd. in Holland, Michigan.
On Wednesday, July 29, Rick Bosch of the Hope Academy of Senior Professionals will delve into regional Native American history. Bosch’s presentation will focus on the Ottawa Indians, examining the roles of Chief Joseph Waukazoo, the Rev. George Smith, and the Old Wing Mission.
The August lineup brings stories of global impact with deep local roots. On Wednesday, Aug. 12, Schakel returns to the podium to share the story of Mary Jayne Gold. A wealthy American socialite who spent her summers in Waukazoo Woods, Gold later risked her life in Marseille, France, working with the Emergency Rescue Committee to help refugees escape Nazi-occupied Europe.
The series concludes on Wednesday, Aug. 26, with a look at a unique piece of Western Michigan history. Elizabeth McEwen, executive director of the Felt Mansion, will detail the historic property’s connection to St. Augustine Seminary High School — the alma mater of Pope Leo XIV, who graduated from the school in 1973. McEwen will also discuss upcoming plans to transform the Allegan County site into a pilgrimage destination honoring the first American pope.
If you go
- Where: Pump House Museum & Learning Center, Historic Ottawa Beach Park
- When: Select Wednesdays and Thursdays in July and August (doors open at 6 p.m., start at 7 p.m.)
- Cost: Free admission
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Located on the Black Lake Boardwalk, the historic Pump House Museum — the last surviving structure of the Hotel Ottawa Complex — will expand its operations for the peak season.
While open only on weekends in June, the museum will shift to an expanded schedule from July through August, welcoming visitors Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
— Submitted by the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
