April 2019 TAHS Program — How Schools Changed: Traverse City Public: a Case Study by Richard Fidler

Saturday, April 20th at 1pm, in the McGuire room Traverse Area District Library, Main Branch

Local historian Richard Fidler will present on the history of education in Traverse City from 1885 to the present day: instruction, curriculum, tests, the mission of schooling, Title IX, growth of technology, and above all, the influence of the federal and state governments on school practice.

Examining student handbooks, yearbooks, school board records, eighth grade tests from 1919, state education websites, Grand Traverse Normal School records, oral histories, interviews, newspaper articles, and photographs from the Local History collection of the Traverse Area District Library, Richard Fidler will show us what schools used to be—as well as how they became what they are today. Told as a narrative focused on the Traverse City Area Public Schools, this history of education will interest all who care about children, teachers, and schools.

We hope to see you there!

Speakeasy Salon Series – March, April, & May

TAHS is hosting a new event series at the Traverse City Speakeasy, 123 W. Front Street.

A salon, as a type of intellectual gathering, can be described with both the purpose of entertaining and educating.

In a relaxed, elegant, and cozy setting, knowledgeable history ambassadors will share stories of Traverse City’s past and we welcome members of the community to join us.  Attend and share your own stories, those of family members – or tales or information you have researched or heard over the years. Each event will have a theme for stories to center around, and TAHS members will help facilitate the discussions. Enjoy a creative craft cocktail as you converse with others who are enthusiastic about our area’s rich and colorful history.

Our history ambassadors will start out the conversation with a few prepared stories, and we’ll all enjoy and add to the discussion. If you have photographs or objects you’d like to bring along to discuss and share, please do!

These events will be held from 5-7 pm on the 2nd Sunday of each month, March, April, and May.

Speakeasy Salon Series events:

March 10th 5-7 pm – Uncouth Characters
The men and women of Traverse City and Northern Michigan who were known for their colorful lives and personalities.

April 14th 5-7 pm – Illicit Operations
What business and livelihoods have been prolific in the area, but perhaps running under-the-radar?

May 12th 5-7 pm – Mothers of the North
For Mother’s Day, let’s explore the lives of the women who have nurtured their families, friends and their Northern communities.

 

You are welcome to attend as a community member, and if you’d like to be involved further, please contact TAHS Programs and Event Chair, Jen Loup, at loup.jen@gmail.com.