The GRPM’s Collections include over 250,000 objects. These artifacts and specimens include minerals, machinery, clothing, photography, furniture, and much more. There are so many stories to tell, but with a few additional items, our curators think we can tell those stories better.
What is a Curator Wishlist?
The Curator Wishlist, thoughtfully assembled with desired donation items, is designed to enhance the GRPM collection. In accordance with the theme of each year’s Collections & Cocktails fundraiser, the list not only highlights the cultural and ecological history of the greater West Michigan area but also fosters a strong connection to the event’s focus.
What is on this year's list?
Historical Artifacts:
Logging History
- Log Marking Hammers
- Logging Tools
- Logging Photographs
- Shell Button Punch Tool
Historic Images of the Grand River
- Photographs
- Postcards
- Paintings
- Lithographs
- Advertisements
Beer and Brewing History
- Pre-prohibition Grand Rapids Breweriania
Scientific Specimens
- Any aquatic related animal specimen (Non-wet/fluid specimens)
- Lake Sturgeon Scutes
- Mounted fish skeletons or other aquatic vertebrates
- Vernal Pool Monitors Equipment
Anishinaabe Lifeways:
Mino Niibii – Water is Life
- T-shirt
- Water Protectors / Ceremony images
- Copper mug
Indigenous plants
- Manoomin, berries, root plants
- Medicinal/Ceremonial plants - cedar, sweetgrass, wild mint, pine pitch, etc.
- Structures/Lodging - birch, cedar, cattail
Transportation
- Birch, cedar logs: Canoes
- Cedar, sinew: Snow shoes
- Animal pelts, copper, lithics: trade
Donate an item!
If you have one of these items and would like to make a donation, please contact:
Andrea Melvin, Collections Curator
amelvin@grpm.org | (616) 929-1808
Join Us at Collections and Cocktails
At Collections & Cocktails: Currents that Connect on May 21, 2026, you will get an exclusive, hands-on look at unique artifacts and specimens from our Collections.
The event will also feature a cocktail hour with curated appetizers and beverages and Museum activities, a seated dinner and interactive program, access to the newly renovated Museum riverfront and Spillman Carousel, and a chance to support your favorite Public Museum.
Funds raised through Collections & Cocktails support the Museum’s Collection of over 250,000 artifacts and specimens, caring for and preserving these pieces, including their stories and use in educational programs.
Explore the GRPM's Digital Collections
The GRPM boasts one of Michigan’s largest collections of historical and cultural artifacts and scientific specimens that tell the stories of West Michigan and the wider world. With the size of the GRPM Collections, only approximately 5% can be on display for the public at a time, and approximately 95% are stored at the Community Archives and Research Center. You can view many of these objects on the GRPM’s online database. More are added every day.
