The Women’s City Club is a place where community has always mattered. Grand Rapids has that same spirit and since its incorporation 175 years ago it has grown as a city of vision and purpose.
“Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future: A Celebration of Civic Progress,” is a community-wide initiative presented to us recently by Matt Ray, Program Manager for GR A250. Through GR A250, Grand Rapids joins the nation in celebrating America’s 250 anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, our semiquincentennial!
GR A250 is happening now with events, exhibitions, performances, and projects across the city. PEOPLE, PURPOSE, PROGRESS is being brought to life in 2026. Signature events include; Democracy Cafe - a mobile pop-up experience in neighborhoods, schools, libraries, and festivals, July 4 Celebration - neighborhood level block parties to city-wide experiences, Time Capsule - capturing stories, artifacts and reflections, and Youth Civic Engagement Initiative - challenging the next generation’s voices in shaping Grand Rapids’ future. There are many, many events and activities scheduled around the city. Check the GR A250 website for more information as it is being constantly updated. gra250.com
Civic engagement is one way we can build a stronger community in Grand Rapids and beyond. How will you join the adventure and leave your mark on GR A250?
Check out the Michigan celebration website and the national celebration website for more exciting information about our semiquincentennial.
