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GR
Stories

GR Stories is an ongoing series hosted by the Grand Rapids Public Museum showcasing authentic stories from within the community.

About GR Stories

Created to dive deeper into the local community, GR Stories takes us throughout the Greater Grand Rapids to hear from the people themselves, sharing their rich history and contributions to the area. With in person and virtual options, these programs are bridges being built to better understand one another. As part of these programs, the Museum is actively collecting the stories and artifacts of our diverse community in the Collections. 

Past GR Stories

This is Our Home Now: 50 Years of Building Community After Saigon

The Grand Rapids Public Museum and Kentwood Public Schools teamed up to bring history to life through student-led storytelling. Students interviewed parents who were refugees of the Vietnam War and shared their perspectives.

The 14th Amendment: Living in
Grand Rapids

The third installment in the 14th Amendment Series: Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids, this panel discussion addressed the Supreme Court decision Shelley v. Kraemer (1948), the Fair Housing Act, and more through Grand Rapids experiences.

14th Amendment: Loving in Grand Rapids​

The second installment in the 14th Amendment Series: Learning, Living, and Loving in Grand Rapids, this panel discussion featured couples whose marriages were affirmed by Loving v. Virginia (1967). Panelists discussed their experiences as interracial couples.

The 14th Amendment: Learning in Grand Rapids

“Learning” explores the real-life impact of the Brown decision on the Grand Rapids Public Schools and its students. The panelists were the former children who carried the burden of the GRPS board's integration plan.

The Women's City Club of Grand Rapids Presents Our First 100 Years

On March 14, 2024, the Grand Rapids Public Museum hosted the Women’s City Club of Grand Rapids’ celebration of their 100-year anniversary and the release of their book Our First One Hundred Years.

Making the
MexiRican
City

This panel discussion, led by Dr. Delia Fernandez-Jones, author of author of Making the MexiRican City, addressed themes of migration, activism, and placemaking in Grand Rapids, offering valuable insights and fostering enriching dialogue.

More GR Stories

Explore some of the earlist GR Stories events from 2020 to early 2023. Topics include Public Health, The Grand River Burial Mounds, Black and Brown history, The 49507 Project, and Polish Halls.

If you have stories or artifacts related to the history of Grand Rapids, we would love to know about them. Contact a GRPM Curator at grpm.org/ContactCollections.

U.S. Service Members and Families Free This Weekend!

This weekend, the GRPM extends free admission to all U.S. service membersactive or retired—and their families.
 
See our new Veterans display, in partnership with the Michigan Heroes Museum, honoring West Michiganders who served the United States during World War II.
 

This offer includes those serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and NOAA Commissioned Corps, along with up to five family members.

Ask our front desk upon arrival to redeem.

Early Closure Notice

The GRPM will be closing early at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14th, for Cabinet of Curiosities: Grand Slam!

This elevated spring fundraiser explores America’s favorite pastime through Grand Rapids history and celebrates the GRPM’s new exhibit, Play Ball! The World’s Largest Collection of Detroit Tigers Autographed Baseballs.

Planetarium Closure Notice

The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium is closed June 8 through June 15 for the most significant systems upgrade made to our Planetarium in 10 years!

Come back after June 15 to see crisper, cleaner, and more vibrant visuals, and a system capable of showcasing parts of the universe we weren’t able to display before!

Upcoming
Planetarium Closure Notice

The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will be closed June 8 through June 15 for the most significant systems upgrade made to our Planetarium in 10 years!

Come back after June 15 to see crisper, cleaner, and more vibrant visuals, and a system capable of showcasing parts of the universe we weren’t able to display before!

Closure Notice

The GRPM will be closed for Easter on Sunday, April 20. We will reopen on Monday, April 21 for normal hours. 

Extended! Become A GRPM Member, Earn $20 in Museum Promo Cash

Get $20 in Museum Promo Cash with the purchase of any membership now through Friday, December 6!

This promo cash can be used towards admission to the Museum, Planetarium tickets, unique local gifts at the Curiosity Shop, and food and beverages at the Museum Cafe.

Museum Promo Cash expires June 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Any unused balance will be forfeited after this date. This card is for promotional purposes only and is not redeemable for cash or Museum credit.

Become A GRPM Member, Earn $20 in Museum Promo Cash!

Get $20 in Museum Promo Cash with the purchase of any membership now through Tuesday, December 3! 

This promo cash can be used towards admission to the Museum, Planetarium tickets, unique local gifts at the Curiosity Shop, and food and beverages at the Museum Cafe.

Museum Promo Cash expires June 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Any unused balance will be forfeited after this date. This card is for promotional purposes only and is not redeemable for cash or Museum credit.

Closure Notice

The GRPM will be closed on Thursday, September 12, 2024 for an event. We will re-open on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 9 a.m. 

Late Opening Notice.

On Saturday, May 11, the Museum will open at 12 p.m. due to road closures for the Amway River Bank Run.

Early Closure Notice.

The Museum will close at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1 for Museum Adventure After Dark. Tickets are still available!