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: Viral Pandemics
For the January meeting of the Grand Traverse Humanists (6 PM on Jan 12, 2026, at the Traverse Area District Library), we have at presentation from Dr. Ryan Miller called “Viral Pandemics: Past, Present, and Future.”
Dr. Miller is an infectious disease specialist at Munson Medical Center. His research interests have included the Covid epidemic and the effects of long Covid.
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G.T. Humanists Meeting: Dam Removal and Rewilding Rivers
For the February meeting of the Grand Traverse Humanists (6 PM on Feb 9, 2026, at the Traverse Area District Library), we have Patrick Ertel with a presentation called “Dam Removal and Rewilding of Rivers.” Patrick is from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division Habitat Management Unit.
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G.T. Humanists Meeting: USAID
For the March meeting of the Grand Traverse Humanists (March 9, 2026 at 6 PM at the Traverse Area District Library), we welcome Phyllis and Dan Craun-Selka, with a program titled “U.S. Foreign Assistance: Purpose and Impact.”Phyllis and Dan spent their careers in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). They will draw on their extensive experience in USAID to share perspectives on its purpose, history, and worldwide impact. They will also discuss the impact of cancelling USAID, as well as ideas for renewal when the time comes.
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G.T. Humanists Meeting: Tulips
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 -
G.T. Humanists Meeting: Fighting Poverty in America
For the May meeting of the Grand Traverse Humanists (May 11, 2026 at 6 PM at the Traverse Area District Library), we welcome Dr. H. Luke Shaefer, with a talk titled “Lessons from Evidence to Fight Poverty in America.” Dr. Shaefer is a professor of public policy at University of Michigan. He is one of the nation’s leading scholars of poverty and social welfare policy. He is also the director of Poverty Solutions, an interdisciplinary presidential initiative that partners with communities and policy makers to find new ways to prevent and alleviate poverty.