GGRWHC Legacy Since 1988 the Greater Grand Rapids Women's History Council has worked tirelessly to research, document, and preserve the notable contributions of local, historical women to our community. It is dedicated to ensuring their stories are made part of our community's recorded past because of the significant role these women have played in building West Michigan into the remarkable community it is today. Two extraordinary women are the renowned scientists Dr. Pearl Kendrick (R) and Dr. Grace Eldering (L). While working in Grand Rapids, they developed the first successful vaccine for whooping cough, a dreaded disease that during the 1930s claimed an average of 6,000 lives a year in the United States alone. By 1943, the doctors' life-saving vaccine was in routine use throughout the nation and eventually throughout the world. Another example is Helen Claytor, who in 1949 became the first AfricanAmerican to be elected president of the Grand Rapids YWCA. In 1967, she was elected president of the National YWCA, making history again as the first African-American to hold that position as well. (Photos courtesy of the Grand Rapids Public Library) GGRWHC Projects The Gre-ater Grand Rapids Women's History Council strives to increase awareness of the legacies local women have left behind with projects grounded in research. • Oral History Recordings and Transcripts CollectionRecently the Council has digitized both the audio and print transcriptions of almost 60 interviews with noteworthy local women. Dr. Mary Jane Dockeray, well-known educator, environmentalist and leading organizer of Blandford Nature • Center, is one example of the storytellers in the Council's fascinating collection. In • 2014, their life stories will be available on the Council's updated website. Dr. MaryJaneDockeray • World WarI Registration Cards (Photo Courtesy) When this treasure trove of 1918 index cards was discovered in the attic at the Grand Rapids Public Library, the Council became a driving force to digitize the records of interviews with 20,000 I local women about their useful skills for the WW I effort. I • Free Workshops - Learn how to research, interview and write about the lives and contributions of local, historical women through free workshops. Why become a Member? When you become a member of the GGRWHC, you make a personal statement about the high value you place on the importance of researching, documenting, and preserving the stories and contributions of women in the history of the greater Grand Rapids area. Your membership signals to the community that you care and value saving and celebrating the legacies of these women. When we safeguard their history and heritage, others have the opportunity to learn, grow, and appreciate these women and the impact they had on all of our lives. Their inspirational stories bring a clearer vision of the possibilities awaiting women now and in the future. Join us! Please show your support for the GGRWHCby either renewing or becoming a member today! • History Detectives - An award-winning event held each January representing a collaboration of the Council with several other local historical organizations. • Women's History Month - Celebrated every MarCh, the Council co-sponsors a program with the Grand Rapids Historical Society to highlight a local effort, movement, or individual achievement related to women. It also , celebrates with a special annual program enjoyed with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and wine. • Other Annual Events - On July 4th Council members often march as suffragists in a holiday parade; support the nominations of area women into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame; and recognize Equality Day, the ,Aul!ust 26th anniversary of the 19th Amendment guaranteeing universal suffrage in 1920. Sign up for OUi electronic newsletters at www.ggrwhc.org Look for us on Facebook, too! facebook.comjGreater Grand Rapids Women's History Council