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
- Hungry Humanists: North Peak Brewing Co.
Monday, July 25, 6 p.m.
400 W. Front St., Traverse City
Grand Traverse Humanists will gather to dine on the patio at North Peak Brewing Co. Contact Marlene to RSVP at marlene.smith8@gmail.com.
- G.T. Humanist Bike Ride: Boardman Lake Loop
Sunday, August 7, 11 a.m.
Hull Park
660 Hannah Ave., Traverse City
Grand Traverse Humanists will meet at Hull Park in Traverse City to bike around Boardman Lake on the newly-opened Boardman Lake Loop trail. Since the loop is only 4 miles, we’ll then bike on the TART trail east to Red Mesa to have lunch, then bike back to Hull Park.
- G.T. Humanist Meeting: Tour the Botanic Garden
Monday, August 8, 6 p.m.
Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park
1490 Red Dr., Traverse City
Join us for a docent-led tour of the beautiful Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park! This event is free and open to the public.Please RSVP to Marlene Smith at marlene.smith8@gmail.com
- G.T. Humanist Paddle on the Lower Boardman
Saturday, June 18, 4 p.m.
Hull Park
660 Hannah Ave., Traverse City
Join the Grand Traverse Humanists as they paddle the lower Boardman River! We’ll begin at Hull Park, go downstream to the mouth of West Bay, then paddle back up to our starting point. The lower Boardman is an urban trip that winds through the heart of Traverse City. Paddling this stretch of river gives you a new perspective on the city! Viewing new development and recently re-done bridges from this vantage point will be a highlight of the trip. You’ll be accompanied by trip leader Linnaea, who has spent many hours paddling this river.There will be one portage at Union Street Dam, and a couple tight spots at Front Street bridge and the fish weir where careful control of your craft will be necessary. Otherwise the trip is easy with no obstacles and slow current. We recommend wearing good river shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. It’s required to have a PFD with you in the boat. You’ll be responsible for bringing your own boat, paddle, and whatever else you might need for the trip. If we feel like it, there is an option to make a stop at Union Street Dam or in the Warehouse District to get food.
- Hungry Humanists: Pangea’s Pizza
Monday, June 27, 6 p.m.
135 E. Front St., Traverse City
Grand Traverse Humanists will gather to dine on the rooftop patio at Pangea’s Pizza. Contact Mark to RSVP: 231-392-1215.
- G.T. Humanists Meeting: Eric Hemenway
Monday, June 13, 6 p.m.
Traverse Area District Library
610 Woodmere Ave., Traverse City
We’ll welcome Eric Hemenway with a presentation called “A Look At Indian Country in the 21st Century. A discussion on current issues within tribal communities, ranging from cultural appropriation to Indian law.” Eric Hemenway is an Anishnaabe/Odawa from Cross Village, Michigan. The program is free and open to the public. Eric is the Director of Repatriation, Archives and Records for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Eric oversees the management, collecting and preservation of historic documents and materials for the tribe. These materials are used to support LTBB government functions, its citizens and educational initiatives, such as; museum exhibits, media, curriculum, publications, historical interpretation, signage, web content and presentations. Collaborations on exhibits have included the National Park Service, state of Michigan, Mackinac State Historic Parks, Emmet County, Welt Museum Wien Vienna, Austria and the Harbor Springs History Museum, as well as other museums. Educational partnerships include: Harbor Springs Public Schools, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Harvard, Yale and Aquinas College.
Eric has also extensive work experience under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. He currently sits on boards for the Michigan Historical Commission and Little Traverse Conservancy. Eric is a former board member of the Michigan Humanities Council, Michigan Historical Society, Emmet County Historical Commission, National NAGRPA Review Committee, Harbor Springs Historical Museum and the Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812.
