Informing the future by telling the stories of the past and present.
A 501c3 non-profit serving the Holland community, in cooperation with the Community Foundation of the Holland Zeeland Area and the Holland Museum.
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Holland, Michigan, grew from frontier swampland into an exceptional community. The award-winning film “Wilderness to World Class” explores its historical bedrock and modern dynamics. It documents the events, personalities, natural resources, and characteristics that shaped the community. It presents to viewers a unique experience that shows how and why this community continues to thrive.
Our Past
A geography formed from massive geological shifts eons ago supported an economic boom from the beginning of the settlement. Water. Woods. Sand. Land. All helped shape some of the signature industries of the area, and also defined the community as a place for recreation.
Our Present
It’s not just the water. It’s something more. Something woven into the fabric of the community itself. Appreciation of the land and water. A collaborative spirit. A penchant for hard work and innovation. A commitment to philanthropy, rooted in deep faith. And a diversity of people.
Our Future
We’ve got a culture in Holland that’s always looking to the future and not looking just at comparison communities or how we stack up against big cities, but instead looking at how we are leading the charge, at how we are becoming one of those cities because of how we think, how we’re innovative, looking to lead.
Made for generations to come!
Film revenues support youth education programming at the Holland Museum. In addition, the film and special curriculum materials are available online, free to teachers.
“Wilderness to World Class” was honored by the Historical Society of Michigan with the State History Award in 2018, recognizing the film’s historical contributions.
“In this feature-length documentary, the story of Holland, Michigan, comes to life through interviews, local footage and historical artifacts in a compelling documentary designed to keep Holland’s past within easy reach for the community’s educational purposes.” – Historical Society of Michigan