Welcome to the Grand Traverse Humanists. If you value science, reason, and compassion and believe that humans are responsible for their own destiny, you have come to the right place. We are a community for the non-religious in the Grand Traverse area, offering a forum for discussing and advancing a secular worldview based on our common humanity. Our programs include monthly speakers and discussions, film and book groups, and various volunteer and social events. All are free and open to the public. Check out Upcoming Events below, or click on the calendar. Nontheists, agnostics, atheists, freethinkers, rationalists, humanists, and more…we welcome you to join us!
Upcoming Events
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G.T. Humanists Meeting: “Tulipia: The Fascinating History of a Horticultural Treasure”
For the April meeting of the Grand Traverse Humanists (April 13, 2026 at 6 PM at the Traverse Area District Library), we welcome Linda Young, with a talk titled “Tulipia: The Fascinating History of a Horticultural Treasure.”
Linda will discuss the cultural history of tulips, tracing its humble beginnings as a wild flower in Central Asia to becoming a precious trade commodity during “Tulip Mania” in the 17th century. Her talk will explore the flower’s symbolism from warfare to romance and influence of tulips in the fine and decorative arts. The evening will conclude with an “armchair” tour of tulip festivals around the globe.
Linda Young was Director of Museum Education at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts for 20 years before moving to northern Michigan.Photo credit: A tulip, a butterfly and a Beetle, 1650-60, watercolor, Barbara Regina Dietzsch, German, Metropolitan Museum of Art -
G.T. Humanists Book Club: Empire of the Summer Moon
The next selection of the Grand Traverse Humanist Book Club is Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne. Book Club will meet on Sunday, April 19th at 4pm at the home of Julie and Rick Braverman (862 Incochee Rd).
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G.T. Humanists Meeting: “Protecting Great Lakes Waters” presented by FLOW (For Love of Water)
On Monday, May 4, Carolan Sonderegger, Policy Director of FLOW (For Love of Water) will present a talk entitled “Protecting Great Lakes Waters: What’s at Risk, and What We Can Do.” Michigan’s waters are essential to our health, economy, and way of life–but many of the biggest threats to them are largely unseen. This presentation will draw on the work from Flow Water Advocates to explore issues such as groundwater contamination, failing septic systems, and pressures on the Great Lakes. Grounded in science, data, and the public trust framework, the talk will look at how policy decisions shape water outcomes, and what practical solutions are within reach. Join us at the library (610 Woodmere Ave., TC) at 6 p.m.; admission is free and the meeting is open to the public.
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Special Meeting: Dr. Debra Hendrickson on Climate Change: Effects on Health
Please join us for a special meeting at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 31 at the Traverse Area District Library entitled Climate Change: Effects on Health. This meeting is sponsored by MICCA (Michigan Clinicians for Climate Change) and will feature a presentation by Dr. Debra Hendrickson, physician and author of The Air They Breathe: A Pediatrician on the Front Line of Climate Change. Grand Traverse Humanists are co-sponsoring this event, along with the League of Women Voters and UUCGT. Our own Dr. Mark Elliott will be on a panel following Dr. Hendrickson’s presentation to lend his expertise to the cardiovascular effects of climate change.
Dr. Debra Hendrickson practices pediatric medicine in Reno, Nevada, and wrote her book after having to treat her pediatric patients for illnesses resulting from climate change.
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G.T. Humanists Meeting: Mental Healthcare in the Grand Traverse Region
Join us at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 8, at the Traverse Area District Library (610 Woodmere Ave) for a presentation by Judy Barrett and Jeff Rhodes of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) entitled Mental Healthcare in the Grand Traverse Region.