Teaching West Michigan Histories Project
Helping our youth see themselves in history
The Kutsche Office of Local History launched the Teaching West Michigan Histories project in 2021. We work with local K-12 educators and community organizations to help young people understand that all history is local history.
This project involves developing classroom-ready materials that educators can seamlessly fold into their existing plans, knowing that it has been thoroughly researched, aligns with all mandatory educational standards, and covers developmentally-appropriate subjects in engaging and unique ways.
These materials will encourage students to look at major historical events from a local perspective, reminding us all that history does not only take place in legislative buildings, battlefields, or boardrooms.
Get Involved
Recommendations, references, questions? We want to hear from you!
We would love to hear from current or retired education professionals, local historians, or community champions that understand the value of sharing the region's underrepresented histories. Local involvement assures that this work is responsive, responsible, and respectful of our community's needs.
Please contact the Kutsche Office at [email protected] or 616-331-8099
Older Than Tulip Time: Mexicans and Mexican Americans in Ottawa County, 1920-1950
The Older Than Tulip Time: Mexicans and Mexican Americans in Ottawa County, 1920-1950 lesson plan is now available. Is this lesson plan, students will explore the history of Mexican American migration to Ottawa County in the early 20th century. Students will utilize primary sources to understand the causes of Mexican American migration to Ottawa County, explore cultural interactions between Mexican American immigrants and the established Dutch American population, and learn how migration shaped the demographics and economy of Ottawa County. The two-day lesson plan emphasizes a collaborative learning approach by utilizing groupwork-oriented assignments.
All lesson plan materials are free to use and can be accessed at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12NZBnTgY6lLTKLzbOyLVwysoQoXCAf71?usp=drive_link
Image of the Holland St. Louis Sugar Company. The HSLSC was the first employer to recruit Mexican American workers in Holland.
