HOLLAND, Mich. — The Holland Museum is set to open a new exhibit on February 28 that explores the history and influence of the LGBTQ+ community in Holland. The exhibit, titled Waves of Pride: The Impact of Out On The Lakeshore, will be on display through June 30, offering visitors a deep dive into the local LGBTQ+ history and the role played by Out On the Lakeshore, the area’s prominent pride organization.
The exhibit will highlight the origins of Out On the Lakeshore, its early efforts to provide a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, and the organization’s impact on local LGBTQ+ rights. Visitors will also learn about the current state of the organization and its vision for the future.
Michelle Stempien, Executive Director of the Holland Museum, explained that the exhibit’s goal is to shed light on the history of LGBTQ+ individuals in the area, providing both a retrospective look and an eye toward the future. “We’ll be talking about the origins of the organization, its early efforts to create a safe space for Holland’s LGBTQ+ community, what’s happening today at Out On the Lakeshore, but also talking about the impact in the future of Out On the Lakeshore,” Stempien said.
Among the items on display will be a commemorative bench dedicated to the founding members of Out On the Lakeshore and other notable LGBTQ+ leaders in the Holland area. Also featured will be one of the first Pride flags ever flown outside of the organization’s community center.
The exhibit is part of the museum’s ongoing Cultural Lens Series, sponsored by Globe Design & Vision. In addition to the exhibit, the museum will host two special events during Pride Month in collaboration with Out On the Lakeshore’s programming.
The idea for the exhibit was conceived nearly two years ago, with the museum team working closely with Out On the Lakeshore to bring the project to fruition.
“We are here to tell everyone’s story,” Stempien said, inviting the community to explore the exhibit. She encouraged visitors not only to attend Waves of Pride but also to check out the museum’s other galleries, which showcase the region’s Dutch heritage and local history.
This spring, the Holland Museum will also host several other events, including a Racial Healing Circle on March 4 and a Women’s History Month event on March 20 that will focus on women entrepreneurs. The museum is also preparing for its busiest time of the year, the Tulip Time festival.
For more information on the Waves of Pride exhibit and other museum events, visitors can check the Holland Museum’s website.
