The papers presented during a June, 1997, conference on Dutch immigration are available in book form, published by the Joint Archives of Holland.
The event, "The Sesquicentennial of Dutch
Immigration: 150 Years of Ethnic Heritage," was the 11th
biennial conference organized by the Association for the
Advancement of Dutch American Studies. Scholars and
laypeople from across the United States and the Netherlands
presented historical perspectives and analysis on the
migration and the Dutch settlers' descendants. More than
150 attended the two-day event, held at Hope College on June
12 and 13, 1997.
The book features the story "First Bride," written
for the conference by James Schaap and delivered as the
event's keynote address. Schaap is a professor of English
at Dordt College.
The book subsequently presents 14 papers organized
into four general sections: A.C. Van Raalte/Holland, Mich.;
Western Michigan; H.P. Scholte/Pella, Iowa; and
Culture/Language. The titles and authors include "Albertus
C. Van Raalte: Leader of the Emigration, 1844-1867," by
Elton J. Bruins, director of Hope's A.C. Van Raalte
Institute for Historical Studies; "Baptism of Fire:
Holland's Company I and the Battle of Tebbs Bend, July 4,
1863," by Jack D. Elenbaas, professor of history at
California State University; and "Dutch Immigrant Language:
Maintaining One's Cultural Identity," by Margriet B. Lacy, a
dean and member of the French faculty at Butler University.
The book was compiled and edited by Larry Wagenaar
and Robert P. Swierenga. Wagenaar is associate professor
and director of the Joint Archives of Holland. Swierenga is
a research professor of history with the A.C. Van Raalte
Institute for Historical Studies.
The Joint Archives of Holland and the A.C. Van
Raalte Institute for Historical Studies hosted the
conference. The Michigan Humanities Council and Hope
College provided financial assistance.
Copies of the book are available for $5 at the
Joint Archives of Holland, which is located on the ground
level of the Van Wylen Library and may be called at (616)
395-7798.