A Heartfelt Donation: How One Family’s Contribution is Making a World of Difference

We at the Grand Rapids Public Museum are deeply committed to enriching the lives of everyone in our community, especially those who may not have easy access to educational and cultural experiences. This is why our Foster Care appeal is so close to our hearts. We are absolutely thrilled to announce a special donation of $5,000 from Crystal Flash, made at the recommendation of the Beverage Family. This generous gift translates into 500 individual tickets, allowing foster children the joy of discovery that our museum offers.

This initiative aims to offer an enriching experience for children in the foster care system, a demographic that often lacks access to cultural and educational resources. Your donations directly convert into museum tickets, enabling these young minds to explore and learn. This year has been particularly special, with over 800 foster care tickets distributed—our highest year on record!

Crystal Flash is not just a business but an organization with a heart for community involvement. Doug Beverage, an integral part of their Leadership Team, is a perfect example of this spirit. Doug, along with his wife Karen and their son Doug III, have always been passionate about giving back to the community they love. This donation holds a special meaning; it is made in honor of Alice, Doug and Karen Beverage’s late 5-year-old daughter. Alice, a light to everyone who knew her, inspired this generous act. Although she is no longer with us, her spirit and joy for life continue to be a source of inspiration.

The 500 tickets generated from this donation will provide invaluable opportunities for children in foster care. Partner organizations that will benefit from this year’s drive include Kent County, DA Blodgett, Catholic Charities of WM, Ronald McDonald House, Safe Haven, Ottawa Dept of Health and Human Services, and Samaritas.

Your generosity can create a ripple effect of goodwill and education. Please note that we accept donations for our Foster Care appeal year-round. Every little bit helps and can profoundly impact a child’s life.

We cannot thank the Beverage Family and Crystal Flash enough for their selfless contribution. Their donation stands as a lasting legacy, not just in the name of their beloved Alice but for the hundreds of children who will benefit from their generosity.

For those who wish to contribute to our Foster Care appeal or have any questions, please contact kvandoeselaar@grpm.org.

Thank you for being an invaluable part of the Grand Rapids Public Museum community. Together, we can make a world of difference.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

The First Pride Celebration of Grand Rapids

On June 28, 1969, a small dive bar in New York City was raided by police like it had been many times before. For years, police throughout the country had taken advantage of outdated laws in order to raid and arrest members of the LGBTQ+ community. However, this raid on the Stonewall Inn would serve as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world. Unlike the raids before, the patrons and neighborhood residents were fed up with the violent mistreatment and fought back. What proceeded was six days of protests and clashes with law enforcement, sometimes involving thousands of protesters.

This event was the spark the community needed, and soon numerous gay rights organizations formed –  Gay Liberation Front, Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, and PFLAG to name a few. One year after the riots, the first pride march happened in New York City to honor the anniversary of the event. The coverage of the parade ignited a chain of other gay pride marches and protests across the country. 

 In 1987, at the height of the AIDS epidemic, around 750,000 people participated in the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Referred to as “The Great March” on occasion, individuals were driven to act due to two primary factors. First, the Reagan administration’s inaction concerning the AIDS crisis and its dehumanization of the Queer community. Second, the Supreme Court’s decision in Bowers vs Hardwick, which ruled that intimate conduct between two consenting men in the privacy of ones own home constituted a criminal offense.

The actual march was led by Cesar Chavez, Eleanor Smeal, Jesse Jackson, and Whoopi Goldberg. These notable names, along with the first national coverage of the group ACT UP, sparked headlines around the world and an avalanche of similar marches.

Among those 750,000 attendees were members of The Lesbian and Gay Community Network of Western Michigan. Inspired by the march, the group set out to organize a Pride celebration in West Michigan. Once they returned to Michigan, the Network, as well as other local LGBT groups, set out to organize Grand Rapid’s first ever Pride celebration. Despite a lack of government support, the first Pride was held on June 21, 1988 at the Monroe Amphitheater (now Rosa Parks Circle).

The celebration looked very much how it does today; consisting of guest speakers, entertainment, music, and food. While the day saw protests by local religious groups, the event itself was a huge success. A video of the 1988 Grand Rapids Pride Celebration can be found on the Grand Rapids People’s History Project here. 

The following year was a huge success as well, with AIDS Quilt creator Cleve Jones speaking. Thirty years after the events of the Stonewall Riots, Pride Month was officially proclaimed in 1999 by President Bill Clinton. This past weekend, the Grand Rapids Pride Festival celebrated its 35th Pride in Calder Plaza. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest one-day events in Grand Rapids. The theme for this year was “Unapologetically Me,” a statement that resonates strongly with the current climate our country faces in terms of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.

While much has changed since that first brick was thrown at the Stonewall Inn, the LGBTQ+ community still faces an onslaught of discrimination. When reflecting upon actions like these, it is important to remember that history is not grounded in facts. It is written by the winners, who throughout time have successfully created a narrative that keeps their prejudices as the truth. Whether you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community or not, it is important to remember to expose and fight the systems of oppression that the community faces on a daily basis. Life is short, and the best thing we can do is be there for each other.

Happy Pride!
Written by Rayne Karfonta

Exploring “Grandma’s Museum,” a Peek Behind the Curtain at the GRPM.

My little grandchildren called the place where I volunteer “Grandma’s Museum,” and they were right. They’re all grown up now, but I’m still here since the early 2000s because the Grand Rapids Public Museum is my “happy place.”

As a volunteer, my intention is to share that happiness and knowledge. Yes, I know stuff. All of us volunteers are part of the Museum’s Education Department, and we can’t wait to tell stories and answer questions for guests who want to know more. Therefore, when visitors encounter volunteers, they’ve hit the jackpot. Bring on the questions.

I staff the Voigt Herpolsheimer’s Department Store in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit. As visitors cross the threshold, they enter the first Herpolsheimer’s store as it was in the 1880s and 90s, recreated down to the door hinges. Everything’s authentic. I wear an 1880s costume designed and made by a professional costumier and commissioned by my son and daughter. No, the undergarments are not authentic because I draw the line at wearing a corset.

To help me prepare for my job in the store, the Museum has compiled information about the Victorian lifestyle, Bissell sweepers, a stereoscope, fashions, glassware, tussy mussies, grenadines, the language of the fan, and chatelaines, all handcrafted to be beautiful and last forever. What a treasure trove.

Here are a few of my favorite questions that visitors ask: What is that doohickey? What’s its history? What is your favorite object in this exhibit? Where do all these things come from? Why do you volunteer here? How can I volunteer here?

To answer those questions, I might tell the story of the first Ferris wheel and its connection to the Grand Rapids Bissell company. My favorite object in the store might be a certain vase I like, or the Stereoscope that always awes folks 221 years after it was invented. Obviously, the items in the store are not precious only because they are beautiful, but because they belonged to people who cherished them enough to donate them to the Museum. Visitors often comment about going to their mother’s or grandmother’s house where they saw such items. “My grandma has one of those.”

I also learn as I spend time with visitors in the store. For example, I didn’t know about uranium glass that glows when I shine my flashlight on it. That’s a good trick for getting little kids interested in glassware. I’ve learned most of what I know about that glass from visitors who collect it.

I enjoy asking kids if they would like to see a “potty.” They don’t, but I take them anyway to see the two chamber pots on a shelf with other chamber (bedroom) items. Mostly because of my costume, I think, some visitors assume I’m a mannequin when they enter. One time when I moved or said something, a young man suddenly saw me and fell smack onto the floor. His friends will probably tease him forever. Another time, I was standing near a visitor who screamed right into my ear in holy terror when I moved. For these reasons and others, Herpolsheimer’s rings with laughter, just the way I like my store in “Grandma’s Museum.”

In case it isn’t obvious from what I have already written, I volunteer here because it is my Museum, just as it is yours. Picture yourself, making wizard wands and toy tops on the 1896 Porter Lathe, assisting educators in our Museum schools, trundling hands-on discovery carts, taking visitors back in time in The Streets of Old Grand Rapids,

Written by GRPM Volunteer,
Lee Bradley.

2023 Collections & Cocktails Curator Wishlist

Board member works with science curator with animal skull in Collections

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 event, 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 Curator wishlist?

Exhibit-Quality, Michigan-Related Rocks/Minerals

With their intricate patterns formed by mineral-rich waters filling cavities in ancient lava flows, Lake Superior agates offer vivid colors. Michigan’s state stone, Petoskey stones, boast a unique hexagonal pattern when polished, revealing their fossilized coral origins. Jaspillite features stunning red and silver-gray bands, while Yooperlites fluoresce a brilliant orange under ultraviolet light.

As Michigan’s state gemstone, Chlorastrolite, also known as Isle Royale Greenstone, is primarily found in Keweenaw Peninsula and Isle Royale, displaying an alluring green color and intricate patterns. Donating raw Chlorastrolite and Greenstone jewelry enables supporters to help the museum highlight this gemstone’s beauty and rarity.

Michigan’s geological landscape boasts diverse rock formations, each with unique characteristics and history. To comprehensively represent these wonders, we seek large rock samples of all major units. For example, the Bayport Limestone reveals valuable information about ancient marine environments. Contributing rock samples will help showcase Michigan’s rich geology.

As Michigan’s state gemstone, Chlorastrolite (Isle Royale Greenstone) is primarily found in Keweenaw Peninsula and Isle Royale, with a striking green color and intricate patterns. By donating raw Chlorastrolite and Greenstone jewelry, supporters help the museum showcase its beauty and rarity.

To enhance our collection and create an interactive exhibit, we seek rocks and minerals that fluoresce under black light. This display will inspire curiosity, foster appreciation for geology, and facilitate learning. The collection will highlight lesser-known aspects of mineralogy and create an unforgettable museum experience.

Enhancing the GRPM Collection

Michigan’s Indigenous communities deeply appreciate and utilize the state’s natural resources such as rocks, minerals, and gems. These resources serve various purposes such as tools, adornments, and ceremonial items. To honor this heritage, we seek rocks, minerals, and gems significant to these tribes, providing valuable insights into their cultural significance. Including these items in our collection celebrates Michigan’s geological resources’ historical and cultural significance within Indigenous communities.

As Michigan’s state gemstone, Chlorastrolite (Isle Royale Greenstone) is primarily found in Keweenaw Peninsula and Isle Royale, with a striking green color and intricate patterns. By donating raw Chlorastrolite and Greenstone jewelry, supporters help the museum showcase its beauty and rarity.

Meteorites are of immense scientific value, as they offer critical insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. To expand our understanding of the extraterrestrial origins of these fascinating objects and enrich our museum’s collection, we are actively seeking samples of meteorites found in Michigan.

Gold is a highly prized metal associated with wealth, power, and beauty. To demonstrate the metal’s significance in Michigan’s geological landscape, we are actively searching for a hand sample of native gold (not pyrite) to display in the museum.

Diamonds and Jewelry Education

Valued for their beauty, rarity, and cultural significance, gemstones are a true natural wonder. To showcase their variety and splendor, we seek raw and cut & polished gemstones, including the 12 birthstones. Donating these stones will aid in educating and inspiring visitors of all ages about the fascinating world of gemology.

Diamonds are evaluated based on the four Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. By acquiring a range of diamonds that exemplify these qualities, the museum can educate visitors on the factors that determine a diamond’s value and beauty. With these stunning specimens, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of diamond evaluation and appreciate their significance.

Jewelry preserves memories and tells stories with personal and historical significance. We’re looking for a piece that holds historical importance or has been worn at a special occasion, giving visitors a special glimpse into the social value of these items. By showcasing treasured items, the museum can offer visitors a unique experience.

Local Connection

Jewelry has long held a significant place in society, often symbolizing love, status, and personal identity. In honor of the region’s artistic talent and craftsmanship, we’re calling on West Michigan and Grand Rapids designers and companies to donate jewelry to the museum’s collection. This will allow us to celebrate and showcase the timeless beauty and personal expression found within this art form.

To deepen our comprehension of Michigan’s geological history, we need access to old Grand Rapids gypsum mines to gather rock samples. This will provide valuable insights into the area’s geological landscape, both past and present.

We need a jewelry expert to donate time and identify our collection. They’ll help us document, preserve, and display the items, improving the visitor experience. By sharing their knowledge, they’ll deepen our understanding of the pieces’ historical and cultural significance, supporting our mission to educate and inspire.

Get Involved.

As we approach the exciting Collections & Cocktails 2023 event, we encourage the entire community to get involved and support the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Whether you can donate items from the curator wishlist, share your expertise, or simply attend the event, your participation will have a meaningful impact on our museum and the preservation of Michigan’s rich heritage.

Sponsorship
Donate
Tickets

Each donation and contribution directly supports the GRPM’s mission to educate and inspire through the celebration and preservation of our state’s history and natural wonders. Your generosity enables the museum to expand its collection, develop engaging exhibits, and provide invaluable educational resources for visitors of all ages. By participating in Collections & Cocktails 2023, you become an essential partner in sustaining and enhancing the museum’s role in the community.

Click Here to learn more about the Collections & Cocktails 2023 event,  or follow us on social media for updates and announcements.

Bringing Student Concepts to Life

Collaborating on Student Vision

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) and the Grand Rapids Museum School have been teaming up for a super cool project that lets students bring their classroom learning to life by creating a real exhibit for the public to see. The Seminar is designed to give every 7th and 8th-grade student a chance to participate and create an exhibit that highlights the Museum’s Collections in ways that are not typically accessible to the public. This project is a unique opportunity for students to learn about creating exhibits and get hands-on experience with Museum professionals’ help, connecting them with the Museum in a new way. 

Since the Museum school opened, we've been looking for ways to integrate a Museum mindset into the student's curriculum. What better way than to teach how to share stories in an exhibit format? We wanted to give them a real audience to share their learnings with and to give them the opportunity to collaborate with Museum staff. I am really happy and grateful that we have staff here at the Museum who are willing to share their expertise and time with students.

Erin Koren, GRPM Director of Education

The Process in Action

The project includes four touchpoints that bring together students and GRPM staff to guide students through the process of creating an exhibit. These steps are modeled after the exhibit development process used by the Museum.

Touchpoint #1: Exhibit Theme Introduction

A Museum curatorial staff member will come into the classroom and explain how museums choose exhibit themes. The class will brainstorm topics they're interested in and pick a theme by the end of class. The class will finalize their theme and make a list of objects they want in their exhibit.

Touchpoint #2: Artifact Analysis and Label Writing

Museum Education team leads an activity to help students understand the artifacts in their exhibit better, think about how they connect to the theme, and research any questions they have.

Touchpoint #3: Design Plan

GRPM Exhibits team teach the class how exhibits are curated and designed. Students will make a design plan with the staff's help. Students chose all elements of the graphic design from fonts, to color schemes and any additional images that would be used for the displays.

Touchpoint #4: Installation

GRPM Exhibits staff provide labels, case furniture & artifacts to help the students install the exhibit. Trough the installation process, every student is involved in the steup of the displays whether it is arranging artifcats or hanging information panels.

View the Finished Installation

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II was born April 21, 1926 and passed away on September 8, 2022. The Queen’s recent death inspired our class to create this exhibit. We saw the outpouring of support from around the world on the news and social media and decided it would be fitting to commemorate her life in our local Museum. This exhibit includes information about her interests and personal style, important milestones in her reign, and how she was celebrated around the world. In our research, we became aware of some people who shared grief and frustration with the monarchy, so we wanted to address that as well. 

Comemorative Souvenirs

The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II was June 2, 1953 when she was just 25 years old. She was queen for 70 years and 214 days, making her the longest serving queen of England. Many souvenirs were made to commemorate her coronation and other significant royal family occasions and events, including marriages and jubilees. Jubilees celebrate important milestones in the reign of a monarch.

Featured Artifacts
  • Mug, Coronation Of Queen Elizabeth II of England, 1953
  • Queen Elizabeth Coronation Tea Set, ca. 1953
  • Charles and Diana Mug, ca. 1981
  • Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Plate, 1977
  • Diamond Jubilee Figurines, 2012
  • U.S. Colonial Coin, ca. 1787
  • Hat, ca. 1925
  • Pictorial Map of the Heart of Britain’s Empire (reproduction)
  • Opera Glasses
  • Tam O’Shanter Hat, 1900-1933
  • Winston Churchill Doll, 1939-1944

The Remembering Queen Elizabeth II micro-exhibit can be viewed now through March 1st on the second floor of the GRPM. This exhibit was designed and created by Grand Rapids Public Museum School 8th grade scholars, led by GRPS teacher Amanda Irwin, for the 2022-2023 school year. 

A Word from the Public Museum School:

What is so great about this project is that students are diving into areas that they are interested in and curating an exhibit for the public. Curating an exhibit for the public elevates and gives further purpose to the exploration and work that students do to put the exhibit together. There is a higher pressure that exists when students are asked to demonstrate their knowledge and skill for someone other than their peers, parents and teachers. They are used to performing for a grade or a score, this exhibit is asking them to put a piece of themselves out for others to see and the level of product and pride in this work is much higher. The partnership with the Museum is essential for the exhibit to meet the expectations of the Museum as well as teach the skills and knowledge that the teacher needs to assess. When these projects go well students are exposed to other career paths, ways of thinking and adults who are passionate about their work. At Museum school we value the expertise of anyone willing to share with our students, especially the Museum staff, it gives students different teachers reinforcing the idea that we are life long learners and that learning takes place any and everywhere, not just in a classroom. Students in this class are fortunate to be able to have a voice and choice in their work, to collaborate with people of passion and produce work that not only meets a high standard but demonstrates their knowledge and skills in arenas that students feel matter.

Kim Rowland, Assistant Principal Public Museum Middle and High School

Explore Past Student Exibits

More than a Gift Shop

more-than-a-gift-shop

In the last year, the GRPM Curiosity Shop has grown from a traditional gift shop to a destination to shop local goods by West Michigan artists.

This transition was in large part to the vision of Curiosity Shop Manager, Dana Albrecht.  We asked Dana, in her own words, to describe what motivated the shift in focus and how working with local consignment artists has elevated the shopping experience. 

Pictured: Solstice Handmade, Red Hydrant Press

The landscape of retail has changed drastically in recent years. From supply chain issues to growing shipping costs, small brick-and-mortar businesses have had to innovate to remain in business. Despite these changes, consumer expectations for immediacy, convenience, and the lowest price available proliferated. This dynamic put a ton of pressure on smaller shops to compete with retail giants for survival, despite having none of these resources at their advantage.

My unique challenge was to figure out how our Curiosity Shop could stand in the face of these growing changes and offer something the giants could not…curated handmade goods that reflected our own community. Building local partnerships enhanced our ability to put dollars back into our economy and create visibility for small businesses. As a result, we’ve been able to decrease shipping and the upfront cost of goods while gaining the flexibility to easily adjust inventory as it serves the public’s interest, exhibit relevance, and the businesses themselves.

Since I started working here, 1 year and 4 months ago, we’ve established 38 local consignor relationships and will continue to grow exponentially in this direction. The reception of these changes by our visitors has been deeply rewarding. Most people walk into a museum retail space with an expectation of souvenir merchandise, toys, and tchotchkes. Innovating means we have a distinct opportunity to defy consumer expectations and use large visitor traffic to connect local makers with potential buyers, strengthening the fabric of our community and giving the shopper an experience they simply won’t get at other museums.

Dana Albrecht, GRPM Curiosity Shop Manager

Meet the artists representing GRPM exhibits in the Curiosity Shop.

Fashion + Nature 

Iconoclasp – Ashley Trieu 

Original handmade clothing and accessories.

Public Thread – Designer Collective

Specialty fabrics, traditional textiles, and 3D knit material.

Solstice Handmade – Dayna Walton 

Pins, patches, stickers, prints, and cards. 

Nature Walk Studio – Donovan & Casey Scott 

Accessories and apparel. 

Beemo Textiles – Brie Moblo

Accessories and apparel. 

The Power of Poison

Ethereal Etymology – Allissa Corak

Sustainable entomology and taxidermy art.

More Noteworthy Cosigners

Bush7 – Indigenous Artist Collective

Art, keychains, stickers, and cards reflecting the themes of the Huron Potawatomi Tribe.

Up North Living – Colleen Bowden

Trays, coasters, and jewelry that highlight Michigan rocks and minerals.

WagsStuff LLC – Greg Wagner

Local-themed mugs, greeting cards, Swedish dishcloths, and cookbooks.

Visit the GRPM Curiosity Shop today to see more!

Honoring Volunteers and Veterans

Honoring the Veterans on the GRPM Volunteer Team.

"The folks who volunteer for the Grand Rapids Public Museum come from a wide variety of backgrounds. One commonality, throughout the generations, are volunteers who have also honored this nation through military service. Our oldest volunteer veteran is 94 and the youngest is 34. Some fought recently in the Middle East, others during the 50s and 60s, and others alongside the greatest generation in World War II. Whether drafted, or enlisted, they served this nation on our behalf. So this one day out of the year, I want to recognize them as the above and beyond volunteer. They served our nation faithfully and now they serve visitors to the Grand Rapids Public Museum as volunteers. We are grateful for both lines of service."

Mo Flemming | GRPM Volunteer Manager

What is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In 1938, through an act of Congress, November 11th was made a legal holiday.

Volunteer Stories.

This Veterans Day, the volunteer team was given a questionnaire about their respective careers in the US Military. The questionnaire was optional, however, being the community-focused people that they are, a few responded and shared their stories of service. Below, in their own words, is their account of their time serving, as well as their experience in their service as a volunteer at the GRPM.

John D. Nelson

1969-1997 United States Army

"To support the mission as a team member."

What do you remember most about your experience?

“The great people from all different races and ethnic groups that I worked for and who worked for me. The tremendous support and friendships that I established over the many years served. Several assignments exposed me to how people gathered in teams to make important decisions where each member was enabled and contributed and then when the decision was made, 100% of the team supported that decision.”

How do you use what you learned during your service in your work as a volunteer?

“To support the mission as a team member.”

What is your favorite part of your volunteer work?

“Interfacing with museum guests (especially young students) via either as a first person program presenter or exhibit interpreter.”

Gordon Henry

1964 - 1966

591st Military Police Company

Gordon Henry with GRPM Volunteer Manager Mo Flemming
What do you remember most about your experience?

“I remember how fast the Military could respond following a Presidential Order.”

How do you use what you learned during your service in your work as a volunteer?

“As a young person, I learned how to interface and interact with people at all levels. Even though rank does have its privilege!”

What is your favorite part of your volunteer work?

“Helps me give back to the community and gets me out of the house.”

James (Jim) Paul Rosin

1966-1968 United States Army

Jim during the GRPM Cultural Heritage Festival 10/15/2022
How do you use what you learned during your service in your work as a volunteer?

“The volunteer work I do as a wood lathe operator at the GRPM was another way for me to give back to the community.  It is a real heartwarming pleasure to use my woodturning skills to bring smiles to our many visitors, especially the children.  Many families are impressed with the GRPM’s commitment to retain this machinery and skill and maybe inspire others to take up this art form as well.”

What is your favorite part of your volunteer work?

“Visitors from all over the world are very interesting to talk to and listen to their stories. One family from Ukraine and Russia had family members that also made wooden toys, like we do on the lathe, for their children since commercial toys were not available”

What do you remember most about your experience?

“I was sent to Vietnam (Oct 1967) with the 146th Infantry, 198th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. Upon arrival in VN, I was assigned as a Senior Combat Medic to an infantry battalion, stationed in Chu Lai, near Danang in the northern part of VN.

Took part in 13 Infantry helicopter combat assaults with Infantry platoons in the Central Highlands. We usually lived in the field for 7-10 days at a time before returning to base camp.  Meals and supplies are brought in by helicopter as needed. We used Medivac helicopters to remove any wounded/casualties from insurgent battles. 

In Dec. 1967 while on foot patrol in the central highlands on a “search and clear” mission, we entered a small village. As we entered the village, I discovered a Vietnamese woman in child labor very close to giving birth. The only training I had was a short 20-minute film on a normal baby child delivery, no gloves, etc. As I was assisting the woman our platoon in the village came under intense sniper fire. I made sure our platoon was safe and stayed with the woman who was now fully dilatated.

"The only training I had was a short 20-minute film"

 After the firefight, the woman and child were airlifted by US Army Medivac helicopter to a regional military hospital.
 
The Bronze Medal with “V” (valor) I received citation reads as follows:

‘Specialist Rosin immediately moved forward to assist the woman when his company suddenly came under intense fire from an enemy force of undetermined size. With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Rosin maneuvered to the woman’s position and continued to assist her until delivery of the child was complete. Although he was continually exposed to the insurgent’s fire, he courageously remained at the young woman’s location to complete the task at hand. Due to his unselfish devotion to duty and professional competence, the mother and baby (boy) survived, and a great step forward in the battle to win the hearts and minds of the people of the Republic of Vietnam was accomplished. Specialist Five Rosin’s personal bravery and avid devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.’”

Thank you for your service.

More to Explore!

Learn more about GRPM volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer +

Discover veteran artifacts in the GRPM online Collections.

GRPM Collections +

Expand your Veterans Day plans with a trip to the GRPM’s Collecting A-Z exhibit, featuring the “V is for Veterans” section. 

Meet the Namesakes of the Clapp Family Mastodon!

Meet the Family.

The GRPM sat down with Courtney and Michael Clapp who, on August 11, 2022, got the shock of their lives when they were told that a Mastodon skeleton had been found during a construction dig on their property. 

What was the reaction after you found there were bones in the backyard?

Michael: “Well…you really don’t want to hear my reaction, because I didn’t really believe it. Our neighbor came knocking on our door and said ‘hey, they found dinosaur bones in your field.’ Then I looked out my window and there were six or seven important-looking people walking up to my house.”

Courtney: “It’s still surreal…I just said ‘okay, I’m gonna get dressed and I’m gonna walk down there and find out what’s going on.'” 

Courtney Cont.: “Once we got down there and we saw it, saw their initial find, I think everything became more real.”

How have things been since?

Courtney: “I don’t think we imagined everyone being so excited about it, it still hasn’t hit us. When all is said and done and everything is unveiled, that’s when it’ll hit us.”

How have people around you responded to the news?

Courtney: “Seeing how excited everyone is, I think there are more positive comments than negative. All of those people on social media that don’t believe it…we can sit here and say that it’s real.”

It must be interesting to think that those bones have been there the entire time you've lived here?

Courtney: “Michael’s mom grew up here. His grandma and grandpa were here since they were married. They were here for so long and (the area) had never been dug up. For seventy or so years his family had been here and it had been there.”

Michael: “The fact that it’s been there and that that part has never been farmed because it’s been so wet, and now that it’s 2022, they’re finally being found because of the new culvert being built. I mean, I probably walked over them five thousand times or so.”

How does it feel to have your name attached to the Mastodon bones?

Michael: “To be honest, they were on the property that we own…do I own those bones? No, not really. The Earth owns those bones. I didn’t make them, I didn’t kill the animal and bury it there. We just happened to own the property at the time that they were discovered.”

Was it important to you that the bones stay local, and stay with the Museum?

Courtney: “I know there’s been a lot of comments just from what I’ve been reading about “how much would (a Mastodon skeleton) pay?” But honestly, us donating it to the Grand Rapids Public Museum was the only thing in our mind.  We just want to keep it here, close to home, so we can go and see our Mastodon whenever we want.”

To follow the Clapp Family’s Journey, visit The Clapp Family Mastodon Facebook Page. 

This interview was recorded on August 19, 2022. Since this interview, 32 more bones from the Mastodon have been recovered from spoil piles that were removed just before the initial finding. The Clapp Family Mastodon is now part of the Collections of the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Dr. Cory Redman and the GRPM staff will be working with Dr. Daniel Fisher and Dr. Scott Beld from the University of Michigan to follow best practices for carefully cleaning and drying out the bones.

Follow the GRPM on social media for more Mastodon updates. 

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By: Sara Olson, GRPM Marketing Manager

Discovering Grand Rapids History through Photography

Team Photo

Team Photo Shares Tips and Tricks for Researching Historic Photos.

Meet Team Photo! This volunteer group is scanning and cataloging the Museum’s large photo Collection. There are over 10,000 historic photos in GRPM’s Collections that cover a range of subjects — including local industry, recreation, military, communities, business and more. This incredible collection captures the visual history of West Michigan dating back to the late 1800s and can be explored online through grpmcollections.org.

The Camera Shop Collection is an example of a large group of photos that Team Photo is researching. The Camera Shop was formed in 1908; this small business sold supplies and provided photography services in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas. The company retained copies of the thousands of photos they took for the community and a ledger book which gives a brief description of some of the photos. These photos came to the Museum when The Camera Shop closed and the majority of the images are from the 1910s – 1930s. The Camera Shop Collection, along with other photos the Museum has archived over the years, are rich resources that are continuously being digitized to reach the broadest audience.

The Camera Shop Photograph

Through their volunteer service, Team Photo has learned to identify information in photos such as where the photo was taken, who is in it and what is the focus. Dating photos is a key part of their research. Using their tips and tricks, you can research your own photos using Team Photo’s recommended research tools and some good old fashioned detective work!

In order to properly date photos, try these tips as you explore photo(s) while using the resources below during your search.

  • Look for the hints hidden in the photograph such as signs, church steeples, historic buildings, landmarks and the structure of the land including hills, valleys, rivers etc.
  • Read notes on the back of the photograph.
  • Ask around! There are many online groups interested in historic photos. Crowdsourcing can help gather information from others.

Research Resources.

  • Visit GRPMCollections.org to explore a catalog of more than 10,000 photos
  • Grand Rapids City Directories (earlier than 1934 are available online)
  • Sanborn Insurance Maps available for viewing in the archives
  • Other photos, especially aerial photographs
  • History of Grand Rapids Michigan by Albert Baxter
  • The Story of Grand Rapids by ZZ Lydens
  • Old Grand Rapids by George Fitch
  • Gathered at the River by the Grand Rapids Humanities Council
  • Pictorial History of Grand Rapids by Mapes and Travis
  • Grand Rapids Then and Now by James Van Vulpen
  • Almost Lost, Building and Preserving Heritage Hill by Thomas Logang

Check out these highlights from the Historic Photo Collection!  Visit GRPMcollections.org to see more. 

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Explore the Collections

By: Andrea Melvin, GRPM’s Collections Curator

1928 Spillman Carousel Reopens!

Carousel Horse

See the Carousel Renovation Process from Start to Finish.

The 1928 Spillman Carousel is NOW OPEN after undergoing renovations since 2017 and being closed to the public since 2020!

The GRPM is thrilled to welcome the community back to ride this treasured artifact for years to come. Hear from the Museum’s staff to learn about the renovation process, from mechanical upgrades to the animal restorative efforts. 

Still curious? Explore the GRPM’s digital Collections to learn about the history of the 1928 Spillman Carousel, see detailed images of the newly renovated animals and more! 

Explore the Collections