Colloquium Series

Spring 2022 Schedule 

The Legend of the Black Dutchman

Thursday, January 20 — 7–8:30 p.m. (virtual)
Presented by Michael Douma, Professor, Georgetown University School of Business

A Holland, Michigan, legend from the 1930s told of an African American child, a former slave who was rescued from the South during the Civil War and raised in a Dutch immigrant family in West Michigan. In time, this child learned the fundamentals of Calvinism and even the Dutch language, which he spoke to the amazement of many. How much of the legend of the Black Dutchman was true and how much was elaborated? Through exhaustive research, Michael Douma confirms much of the legend and shows that the truth of the matter was even more interesting than the story that had been passed down.

Michael Douma is a graduate of Hope College (’04) and he earned his Ph.D. in history from Florida State in 2011. He is currently an assistant professor at Georgetown University's business school, where he teaches courses in economic history of slavery and globalization. He has authored three books, edited three more, and has published numerous articles on the history of the Dutch in the United States.

 This event is presented by the Holland Museum as part of their Tales from the Archives Cultural Lens Program

Stepping Up to Lead and Serve:  Women at Hope College During 20th Century CrisEs

Thursday, March 10, at 7 pm

In celebration of Women’s History Month, hear some of the overlooked stories of Hope College women and their accomplishments in the 1930s and 40s, uncovered by current students Maria Seidl, Brooke Carbaugh and Grace Pettinger with their advisor, Dr. Lauren Janes, associate professor of history.

Thursday, March 10, 2022
7–8:30 p.m.
Free, in-person, adult 
Holland Museum
31 W. 10th Street, Holland, MI 49423
Registration is required on Eventbrite

This event is presented by the Holland Museum as part of their Tales from the Archives Cultural Lens Program.