G.T. Humanists Meeting: Tulips
April 13, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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 “Tulipa: 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