Events
Lunch with the Kutsche Office
Date and Time
Wednesday, November 8, 2017 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
RSVP
You can RSVP for this event
Description
We look forward to hosting another lunch for local historical societies, libraries, and museums to network and connect with each other around local history, along with a presentation by M. Christine Bryon.
Promoting Michigan for 100 Years: A History of the West
Michigan Tourist Association
by M. Christine Byron
The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) was founded in Grand Rapids in 1917. Established as a non-profit organization based on membership, it was the first grass-roots tourist association in the country. At the time, the tourist industry was in its infancy.
Although railroad lines, steamship companies and various hotels and resorts promoted the region they served, there was no concerted effort to boost the tourism advantages of the state. With strong leadership and committed members of WMTA, tourism has grown into one of Michigan’s leading industries. Byron will feature some of the noteworthy efforts to advertise and promote our state over the last 100 years.
M. Christine Byron retired from her position as the local history librarian for the Grand Rapids Public Library. Byron and her husband, Thomas R. Wilson, have written five books focusing on the history of Michigan tourism. She has been collecting postcards and Michigan tourist and travel ephemera for over 30 years.
This event is for our Friends of the Kutsche Office and included
in your annual membership fee. Otherwise there will be a $15 charge
per guest to cover costs.
To become a member, visit: www.gvsu.edu/kutsche .
Contact
616-331-8099