Tag Archives: Grand Rapids Public Museum

Expanded, more inclusive programs part of Public Museum’s future plans

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

It has been almost six weeks since the millage for the John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Public Museum passed with overwhelming support and during that period officials have been determining what the next steps will be.

 

About 63 percent of the votes from the Nov. 8 election favored the millage which will add .44 mills to Kent County residents’ tax bills. For a owner of a $170,000 home, that would be about $37.40 per year increase through the year 2025. Residents will see the increase with their winter tax bill.

 

Science Tuesdays is one of the programs the Grand Rapids Public Museum is looking to expand.

“It really is a strong level of support for the institutions, both of which have a long history in this community,” said Grand Rapids Public Museum Director Dale Robertson. “It was a nice validation for what we have done and gave us the encouragement to take the dreams and ideas we have for engagement and programs to the next level.

 

“It told us that the public is right with us on this.”

 

And museum officials are already moving forward on future programs. In the short term, the goal is to enhance access to the museum’s Science Tuesdays, which provides hands on science stations, by expanding the program to Saturdays. Also to create museum school lessons utilizing the institution’s vast collection that can be made available to all the schools in Kent County.

 

There are bigger projects down the road such as partnership with the Hope Network Center for Autism in creating a universal design that will accommodate a spectrum of accessible for a broader population, Robertson said. This will mean some physical changes inside the museum.

 

The millage will bring in about $9.2 million the first year. According to state law, more than $414,000 of the money raised from the millage will go to the 18 Kent County Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts that keep taxes collected on property in their boundaries for local improvements.

 

The Wyoming Downtown Development Authority would be one such organization, however City Manager Curtis Holt said the DDA would not receive any funds due to negative property value changes in recent years. Traditionally, the City of Wyoming has returned such special millages and in this case would give any additional funds from the zoo/museum millage back to those organizations, Holt said.

 

Two local graduates help national Christian singer produce music video

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Compass Alum, Kevin Sytsma (left), sets up the next shot with Director Harold Cronk (right).
Compass alum and Wyoming resident Kevin Sytsma (left), sets up the next shot with Director Harold Cronk (right).

By Jessie Hollet

Compass College of Cinematic Arts

 

Renowned film director, Harold Cronk (“God’s Not Dead,” “God’s Not Dead 2”), teamed up with film students from Compass College of Cinematic Arts to create a music video featuring singer-songwriter Micah Tyler and his chart-topping song, “Never Been a Moment.”

 

Filming took place at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids located on the main floor and in the former Grand Rapids City Hall clock tower located on the third floor. The video was released earlier this week on FreeCCM.com.

 

“It was a huge confidence builder receiving the role of production coordinator on a professional music video,” said Stephanie Norton, a Kentwood resident who is a senior at Compass. “I was really excited but at the same time terrified I might screw up. The production coordinator is a big job.

“The production coordinator makes sure everything is running smoothly before, during and after the shoot. I had to book the accommodations. During the shoot, I was in charge of making sure everyone is happy.”

 

Micah Tyler sings “Never Been a Moment” while filming at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Photo courtesy of Compass College of Cinematic Arts.
Micah Tyler sings “Never Been a Moment” while filming at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Photo courtesy of Compass College of Cinematic Arts.

Cronk currently is in post-production for his next feature film, “God Bless the Broken Road,” which features Tyler’s music. Tyler is well-known for his parody on the millennial generation called “You’ve Gotta Love Millennials,” which was for a Christian leadership conference earlier this year. The video received more than 23.1 million views on social media and almost 2.5 million views on YouTube.

 

“Micah Tyler was very kind and worked really hard. He kept the energy high and was very down to earth,” Norton said.

 

Several Compass College interns and alumni have been working on Cronk’s film. When the opportunity arose to create a music video for Tyler, Cronk reached out to Compass College offering interns and students in the music video and sound design courses experience working with professionals.

 

“Harold is an excellent teacher who continually offers Compass students excellent on-set opportunities,” said Compass College President Keri Lowe. “Even with his success as a filmmaker, he continues to look for ways to serve and give back to his community.”

 

Compass students worked on many different aspects of the music video project, from scouting locations to camera work, to assistant directing, to sound and editing.

 

Compass College Senior, Jonathan Clark (right), holds the film slate as Micah Tyler (right) prepares for the next take. (Photo courtesy of Compass College of Cinematic Arts.)
Compass College Senior, Jonathan Clark (right), holds the film slate as Micah Tyler (right) prepares for the next take. (Photo courtesy of Compass College of Cinematic Arts.)

“The most exciting part of the process was the first shot of day. It is exhilarating when you see everyone working hard, but also having fun,” Norton said.

 

For Compass College senior Paul Rice, the most exciting part of the process was post-production. “I was selected to work as the primary editor for the project,” Rice said. “It has been a great opportunity for me to work on a professional project.”

 

The music video is scheduled to be released Friday, Dec. 9 on Vevo.com and Tyler’s YouTube channel, MicahTylerVEVO.  “God Bless the Broken Road” is expected to hit theatres summer, 2017.

 

It’s a Charlie Brown Christmas as Public Museum hosts musical

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charlie-brown-logo-01By Kate Moore

Grand Rapids Public Museum

 

Just in time for the holidays the Grand Rapids Public Museum, in partnership with Stage GR, will present Clark Gesner’s classic musical, “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” which ties into the Public Museum’s current exhibit “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown.”

 

 

Visitors will enjoy six of the Peanuts characters; piano prodigy Schroeder, Bossy Lucy, Sally the perfectionist, Blanket toting Linus, beloved Snoopy and of course the old “blockhead,” Charlie Brown. Brief vignettes through the show span the months from Valentine’s Day to Beethoven Day, from wild optimism to utter despair.

 

The show will run on various dates and times starting on Saturday, Dec. 10, and continuing through Dec. 31. All shows will take place in the Meijer Theater at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Show-only tickets are $10 for non-members, and $5 for museum members. Show tickets with general admission to the GRPM included are $18 for adults and $13 for children. Tickets may be purchased at grpm.org, by calling 616-929-1700 or at the Museum’s Front Desk.

 

The cast includes Kevin O’Neil as Charlie Brown; Sarah Dickens as Snoopy; Carter Strobel as Schroeder; Pheobe Dawson as Lucy; Hayden Strobel as Linus; and Alyssa Rose Mason as Sally. The stage director is Ella Morgan and music director is Bethany Schutter.

 

“Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown” Exhibit

In addition to “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown,” visitors can also plan to see the special holiday exhibit “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown” now open at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Admission to the exhibit is included with general admission to the Museum.

 

“Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown,” which is at the Public Museum through Jan. 29, is made up of high-quality digital reproductions of Charles M. Schulz’s original Peanuts strips with thematic graphics and features 3D Peanuts novelties. Kids can write to Santa at the interactive letter writing station, and the whole family can take a photo with the iconic Snoopy’s Doghouse outside the exhibit! Visitors see a behind the scenes look at the making of the animated classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

‘Let It Snow’ Holiday Show returns to GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium

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promoshot_flatBy Kate Moore

Grand Rapids Public Museum

 

This holiday season relax and recline as the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s (GRPM) Chaffee Planetarium celebrates the holiday season with a holiday show, “Let it Snow.” This show features holiday music with visually enhanced animation making it a must see this season for both adults and children.

 

“Let it Snow” features a new variety of festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, and includes a stunning multi-media finale by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. The soundtrack is visually enhanced with thematic animation, and special effects.

 

The program is a fun and entertaining experience for all ages, especially families. Tickets are $4 each with general admission to the Museum, free to Museum members and $5 each for planetarium only tickets. For more information and show times, visit grpm.org/Planetarium.

 

The recently renovated Chaffee Planetarium offers brand new shows featuring the latest Digistar projection technology and immersive surround sound for an unbelievably rich and realistic experience. The Chaffee Planetarium reopened in March 2014 after a major renovation, including all new technology, sound system, full dome and seating. The renovation was made possible through the generosity of our donors, including the lead gift from The Wege Foundation.

Popular Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Concert holiday show set for mid-December

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Dave Wickerham returns for the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ holiday concerts at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Dave Wickerham returns for the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ holiday concerts at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s (GRPM) welcomes back Dave Wickerham for two holiday performances on the Mighty Wurlizter Theater Organ Dec.16 and 17.

 

Wickerham began playing the organ at the age of four. He then began his studies of the instrument at seven and carried out his formal studies of the classical organ at the University of Arizona. His career of organist has led him to travel across the country, as well as across the world. Throughout this career, he has been a Staff Organist at various venues including Organ Stop Pizza Restaurants, Pipes and Pizza, and Piper Music Palace, as well as internationally for the Theatre Organ Society of Australia, touring in Australia and New Zealand.  Wicker ham and his family currently live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he holds the position of co-manager and organist in residence at the historic Crystal Theatre in Crystal Falls.

 

Organ concerts are held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, in the Meijer Theater at the GRPM. Tickets for this show do sell out, according to Public Museum officials. Tickets for individual concerts are $10 for the general public, $8 for Museum members, and $5 for children 17 and under. Tickets are available by visiting www.grpm.org/Organ or calling 616-456-3977.

 

The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ

 

The Wurlitzer Company of North Tonawanda, New York, manufactured and shipped Opus #1836, a “3 manual special,” to the Stanley Theater of Jersey City, New Jersey, on Feb. 9, 1928. The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ spent two decades entertaining customers at the Roaring 20’s Pizza Parlor on 28th Street in Grand Rapids, before it was moved to its current location at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

GR Public Museum returns Beer Explorers, with pour by Founders

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Last year's Beer Explorers program at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Supplied)
Last year’s Beer Explorers program at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Supplied)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

Grand Rapids area beer lovers this fall will again get a chance to belly up the bar and learn more about their favorite libation as the Grand Rapids Public Museum returns its Beer Explorers program starting Thursday, Dec, 15.

 

A sampling of beers at the Grand Rapids Public Museum's Beer Explorers program -- yes there is glasses of what you like available for purchase. (Supplied)
A sampling of beers at the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Beer Explorers program — yes there is glasses of what you like available for purchase. (Supplied)

The series — which explores the roots of brewing beer with hands-on experiences related to the brewing and tasting of beer — will include programs on Jan. 12 and Feb. 16.

 

Classes begin at 6 p.m. and will be held on the 1st floor of the museum. Admission to each class includes general admission to the museum as well as three beer samples. A cash bar will also be available.

 

The December program is titled “History of Beer” and will feature museum curator Alex Forist talking about the history of beer but focused on the brewing history of Grand Rapids, as well as Michael Steil, from Founders Brewing Company, discussing the science of brewing.

 

The January program, “Beer Pairings”, will feature Founders experts discussion why certain beers and desserts work together. The February program, “Barrel Aging”, will focus on the process of barrel aging and how different factors affect the taste and quality of the beer.

 

Tickets to Beer Explorers is $8 for museum members and $18 for non-members. Participants must be 21 and older.

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is located at 272 Pearl Street, NW. For tickets and more information visit grpm.org.

 

Did you catch our story on the expanded Beer City Passport and Brewsader program?

 

‘Dark Beer, Dark Side’ premieres at Grand Rapids Public Museum Nov. 25

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darksideSpend an evening on the dark side at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM), 272 Pearl Street NW in Grand Rapids. GRPM, in partnership with Brewery Vivant, is hosting a new event, Dark Beer, Dark Side on Friday, Nov. 25, which coincidentally is this year’s Black Friday.

 

Beginning at 6:30 pm, Ryan Engemann, the Wandering Monk from Brewery Vivant, will wax eloquently on the differences between various dark beers including Brewery Vivant’s highly anticipated ‘Tart Side of the Moon’. Between 7:15 pm and 7:45 pm visitors have the chance to explore more of the Museum, have further Q&A with Engemann, and grab another beer to enter the Chaffee Planetarium for the Museum’s original production, Dark Side: The Light Show.

 

Dark Side: The Light Show is a one-of-a-kind light show featuring music from Pink Floyd’s album The Dark Side of the Moon. The show features stunning 4k visuals, brilliant LED sequences and incredibly clear 5.1 surround sound. Dark Side: The Light Show is the GRPM’s first original production since the planetarium underwent major renovations in 2013/2014.

 

Tickets include three beer samples, general admission to the Museum and admission to the evening’s planetarium show. Get tickets here.

We the People: 911 and John Ball Zoo/GR Public Museum Millages

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We The People 2016WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well-informed and more involved in local matters. Note: Wyoming City Council seats are nonpartisan.

 

Kent County 911 Dispatch

Kent County Under Sheriff Michelle Lajoye-Young sat down with WKTV to explain the Kent County 911 Central Dispatch millage that will be voted on during the general election on November 8. If you would like to watch the whole interview, you can view it here.

 

John Ball Zoo/Grand Rapids Public Museum

Dale Robertson of the Grand Rapids Public Museum, CEO of John Ball Zoo Pete D’Arienzo, and Kent County Commissioner Harold Voorhees sat down with WKTV to share information regarding the upcoming millage to help fund the Zoo and the Museum. The millage will be voted on during the general election on November 8. If you would like to watch the whole interview, you can view it here.

Reciprocal membership benefits for public museum, children’s museum members

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Grand_Rapids_Public_MuseumThis month the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is partnering with the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (GRCM) to offer reciprocal membership benefits for the month of October.

 

Through this partnership, GRPM members can visit the GRCM and receive free general admission. GRCM members in return can visit the GRPM and receive free general admission, free planetarium shows and free carousel rides. GRCM members will also be able to visit the new traveling exhibit Whales: Giants of the Deep at GRPM member pricing of $2 between October 22 and October 31, as well as visit Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown! free of charge between October 29 and October 31.

 

Children's Museum“October is a great time to be a member of the GRPM!” said Kate Moore, Vice President of Marketing and Pubic Relations for the Grand Rapids Public Museum. “The GRPM partnered with the Children’s Museum in May this year, and with such a great success and partnership, we decided to do it again.”

 

“We love to partner with the Grand Rapids Public Museum on reciprocal memberships – there is so much for our members combined between the two organizations!” said Adrienne Brown, Marketing and Events Manager of the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.

 

For more information on the reciprocal membership benefits or to become a member of the GRPM, please visit grpm.org.

Get ready for a whale of a party at the Grand Rapids Public Museum

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whales-of-the-deep

 

Before the advent of humankind, whales roamed the oceans unfettered by humans and dangerous, man-made noises. It is said that back then, a whale in the Pacific Ocean could hear a whale singing in the Atlantic Ocean. What a world that must have been.

 

Sadly, those days are long gone and we have become far removed from our huge mammal friends. But the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) wants to change that. The GRPM’s Whales: Giants of the Deep exhibition’s unique blend of science, storytelling, and innovative interactivity gives visitors the opportunity to discover more about the world of whales.

 

Featuring two fully-articulated sperm whale skeletons, including an impressive 58-foot male, Whales showcases amazing and rare specimens from New Zealand’s Te Papa Museum’s whale collection, one of the largest in the world. Visitors will see life-size and scale models of whales common to the South Pacific as well as contemporary whalebone treasures such as weapons and chiefly adornments.

 

They’ll also learn about whale biology, the extraordinary evolutionary journey of whales from land to sea, and the history of whaling in New Zealand.

Children can even crawl through a life-size replica of the heart of a blue whale, the Earth’s largest living creature.

Interactive, immersive, and featuring the latest in international cetacean research, Whales: Giants of the Deep is an experience that brings adults and children eye to eye with some of the world’s most elusive creatures.

whale-skeleton

Here are some of the exhibition highlights:

  • See life-size and scale models of whales common to the South Pacific, including a beaked whale skull and a massive 58-foot, fully-articulated sperm whale skeleton.
  • Learn about the intricacies of whale biology, the history of whaling in New Zealand, and efforts being made by scientists and others to protect whales from threats of entanglement, shipping and sonar use, and the continuation of whaling practices in some parts of the world.
  • View casts of fossil whale ancestors, which show the evolutionary journey of whales from land to sea, as well as contemporary whalebone treasures such as weapons and chiefly adornments.
  • Encounter whales through video portholes, be transported into their underwaterworld via two immersive projections, and enjoy a moving film experience that tells the stories of three whale-riding traditions in New Zealand, including the famous story of Paikea featured in Whale Rider.
  • See ancient and contemporary works of art and hear stories from people of the South Pacific illustrating the powerful influence these creatures have had on human culture.
  • Tune in to a range of whale sounds and discover how scientists and amateur trackers identify individual whales on their migration through the Pacific Ocean.
  • Gain a true appreciation of the physical and behavioral traits that enable whales to make a living in the challenging and dynamic marine environment.
  • Walk among the giant—and not-so-giant—articulated skeletons of an astoundingly diverse collection of whale specimens, and then explore the evolutionary paths that gave rise to this unique group of mammals.

 

whale-bonesBeginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, Whales: Giants of the Deep tickets will be $2 for member adults and children, and $13 for non-member adults and $8 for non-member children. Admission to Whales: Giants of the Deep includes general admission to the Museum. Get tickets here.

Come to the Special Opening Party, Saturday, Oct. 22 from 9 am to 2 pm.

Visitors of all ages will have first access to the exhibit at this party coming eye to eye with some of the world’s most elusive creatures. Featuring two fully-articulated sperm whale skeletons, visitors are able to see life-size and scale models of whales common to the South Pacific, discover how scientists identify whales on their migration process and interact with a life-size replica of a blue whale, the world’s largest living creature.

Tickets to this event will include admission to the exhibit, as well as hands-on activities and performances including live animals from the John Ball Zoo, performances by traditional Maori dancers, admission to Dynamic Earth in the Museum’s Chaffee Planetarium and lunch.

Use your ticket for lunch between 11 am and 1:30 pm to eat lunch at the Museum. Lunch will include hot dogs, chips, fruit with a drink and dessert.

 

TICKETS FOR THE PARTY ARE ON SALE NOW! Go here.

 

Non-members: Receive incredible savings for the Opening Party! Purchase a one year family membership plus 4 tickets to the event for only $80 (saving $57). To purchase a membership package call 616.456.3977.

 

Members are $10 for adults and FREE for member children. Non-member event-only tickets are $18 for adults and $13 for children. Limited tickets available.

 

 

Public Museum kicks off organ series with a ‘spooky’ twist

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Buster Keaton's "The Haunted House" will be featured in the opening concert.
Buster Keaton’s “The Haunted House” will be featured in the opening concert.

Join the Grand Rapids Public Museum for the first Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Concert of the 2016 series with performances by Scott Smith on Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15. Titled “Fall, Fun and Flicks,” Smith will play a variety of genres including a special spooky twist.

 

Just in time for Halloween, Smith’s performance on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ will be accompanied by the short, 20-minute silent film “The Haunted House” starring Buster Keaton. Other selections will be a patchwork of eras and genres.

 

Born and raised in Lansing, Michigan, Smith began performing on the Barton organ as a teenager at the old Michigan Theatre. While the theater was demolished in 1980, Smith, who at the time was seventeen, saved and restored the organ. He later opened his own business, Scott Smith Pipe Organs, LLC, a full-service pipe organ business that restores both church and classical pipe organs. Today, Smith performs many concerts accompanying silent films, gives lectures on the history of pipe organs, and has published several articles in various pipe organ journals.

 

Shows will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, and at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15, in the Meijer Theater at the GRPM.

 

Tickets for individual concerts are $10/general, $8/Museum members and $5/children 17 and under. Tickets bought in blocks of 10 or more are $8 each. Season Ticket packages are $50 each for the general public and $45 for Museum members. Tickets are available by visiting www.grpm.org/Organ or by calling 616.456.3977.

 

The second concert of the series will be “Broadway to Big Band” performed by Lance Luce on Friday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov.19, at 2 p.m. Luce’s performance will include a variety of musical styles.

 

The third and final concert of the series will be Holiday Classics on Friday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. by Dave Wickerham. This holiday classic is a sellout show, great for the entire family. Tickets are recommended to be purchased early.

 

The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ

The Wurlitzer Company of North Tonawanda, New York, manufactured and shipped Opus #1836, a “3 manual special,” to the Stanley Theater of Jersey City, New Jersey, on Feb. 9, 1928. The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ spent two decades entertaining customers at the Roaring 20’s Pizza Parlor on 28th Street in Grand Rapids, before it was moved to its current location at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, with its main location in downtown Grand Rapids, MI at 272 Pearl Street, NW. For additional information including hours of operation, admission fees and exhibit/event listings, please visit www.grpm.org.

 

Sensory Friendly Museum Night Oct. 4 at the GRPM

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sensory-friendly-museum-nightThe Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will open its doors free of charge to families affected by autism and other sensory-processing challenges on Tuesday, October 4th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Visitors will receive free general admission on this night to explore the Museum’s three floors of core exhibits at no cost.

 

Visitors will enjoy a sensory-friendly museum environment, special ArtPrize-themed activities and a free planetarium show. The Museum and the Chaffee Planetarium will adapt sounds, lighting and activities within the current exhibits to create a low-sensory experience for all.

 

“We are excited to be able to offer a night at the Museum to those with autism and family members to experience our exhibits in an environment comfortable for them. This allows more community members that wouldn’t usually be able to visit the Museum an experience to create lifetime memories from our sensory-friendly exhibits and artifacts,” said Dale Robertson, President & CEO of the GRPM.

 

The Museum is able to host this Sensory Friendly Museum Night thanks to a sponsorship from Behavioral Health.

 

The GRPM offers fun, hands-on learning opportunities for all ages through a variety of core and traveling exhibits. Visitor favorites include the Streets of Old Grand Rapids, an immersive exhibit that transports visitors back to 19th century of downtown Grand Rapids; and West Michigan Habitats that showcase the vast wildlife found in West Michigan.

 

“Voting! Making It Count” mini exhibit opens at Grand Rapids Public Museum

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This cane was from a Gerald Ford Republican Party Presidential campaign that took place in Grand Rapids 1976. The handle says "For President" and the year "76t." The cane was owned by Henry J. Danielski, a World War II veteran of the 82 Airborne Division and an old friend of Gerald Ford's from when they grew up in Grand Rapids together. Danielski ran into Ford at a campaign event where he was limping due to a long-term war injury. Ford gave him this cane to help him walk. Danielski's son later donated the cane to the Grand Rapids Pubic Museum.
This cane was from a Gerald Ford Republican Party Presidential campaign that took place in Grand Rapids 1976. The handle says “For President” and the year “76t.” The cane was owned by Henry J. Danielski, a World War II veteran of the 82 Airborne Division and an old friend of Gerald Ford’s from when they grew up in Grand Rapids together. Danielski ran into Ford at a campaign event where he was limping due to a long-term war injury. Ford gave him this cane to help him walk. Danielski’s son later donated the cane to the Grand Rapids Pubic Museum.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today the new mini exhibit Voting! Making it Count will open Oct. 1. Tying into the 2016 presidential election, this exhibit will showcase voting related artifacts of the GRPM Collections from the 1800s through the present day.

 

Voting MachineVoting! Making it Count will display a historical timeline of voting machines beginning with a wooden voting box that was used in the 1890s by the Grand Rapids Typographical Union, continuing with a standard voting machine that utilized levers for votes invented in 1898 and used through the 1960s, a ballot container from the 1930s and 1940s used by the 1st Ward 9th Precinct in Grand Rapids, a Douglas Collapsible Voting Booth used from 1945 until the 1960s  in Grand Rapids, and a CES Votomatic Electronic Voting Machine that was used in the 2000 presidential election.

 

Other artifacts in this exhibit will include bumper stickers and buttons from various U.S. presidential elections, a Gerald R. Ford Presidential campaign cane, and campaign gloves, gavels and tags.

 

Admission to the mini exhibit Voting! Making it Count will be included with general admission to GRPM. This exhibit will be on display from Oct. 1 – Nov. 13, 2016, coinciding with the 2016 Presidential Election taking place on Tuesday, November 8.

 

The GRPM continuously showcases several mini-exhibitions, or pop-up exhibits, each year. They are modeled after pop-up stores, and are intended to be shorter in duration, tie into national and current events and showcase the GRPM’s Collections on a routine basis to the community. For further details, visit grpm.org.

New Show “From Earth to the Universe” begins in October at Chaffee Planetarium

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grpm_lego_planetarium_0055Starting Saturday, Oct. 1, there will be a new show in the lineup at the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Chaffee Planetarium. From Earth to the Universe will allow visitors to revel in the splendor of the various worlds within the solar system.

 

Leaving Earth, viewers of this new show will travel to the colorful birthplaces and burial grounds of stars found beyond the Milky Way and learn about the history of astronomy, the invention of the telescope and today’s giant telescopes that allow us to continue to probe deeper into the universe. Directed by the young Greek filmmaker Theofanis N. Matsopoulos, and featuring a soundtrack from Norwegian composer Johan B. Monell, viewers will explore the majesty of the solar system and the ferocity of the scorching sun.

 

For a schedule of show times, please visit grpm.org/planetarium. Tickets for planetarium shows are $4 with general admission, or $5 for planetarium only. Planetarium shows are free to GRPM members.

 

The Planetarium is named for Grand Rapids native, Roger B. Chaffee, who died with fellow Apollo 1 astronauts Gus Grissom and Ed White during a pre-launch test in 1967. The Planetarium was originally opened in 1994 and underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation fall 2013 to spring 2014. The Chaffee Planetarium features the latest Digistar projection technology and immersive surround sound for an unbelievably rich and realistic experience. The renovation was made possible through the generosity of the Museum’s donors, including the lead gift from The Wege Foundation.

 

Grand Rapids Public Museum School Wins XQ: Super School Grant

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museum-signLast week, the Grand Rapids Public Museum High School was chosen out of 700 other applicants as one of 10 schools nationwide as a XQ Super School. Grant funds will go directly to Grand Rapids Public Schools for renovations and technology updates at 54 Jefferson SE, the former Public Museum building and future home of the Grand Rapids Public Museum High School, as well as professional development for the schools’ teachers. The Grand Rapids Public Museum Middle School is currently based inside the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s main location in downtown Grand Rapids.

 

“The Grand Rapids Public Museum School will give GRPS students a truly hands-on education, and the Museum is grateful to be a partner in this project,” said Grand Rapids Public Museum President and CEO Dale Robertson. “There is no better way for students to learn than to be exposed to the real thing. As an educational institution, we have the real thing in more than 250,000 artifacts and six sites at the Public Museum.”

 

Applicants went through a rigorous 11-month application and evaluation process to be chosen as a winning Super School by XQ: The Super School Project. Each school will be awarded $10 million over the next five years, which will directly fund school renovations, facility updates and new technology. All 10 schools will serve as new models for remaking the high school experience.

 

Grand_Rapids_Public_MuseumOf the 10 winning schools, Grand Rapids Public Museum High School is focused on creating a learning environment that leverages cultural artifacts, local impact projects and museum studies to spark student inquiry and creativity delivered through place-based and design-thinking instruction.

 

“This is huge! Our Museum School truly exemplifies the success of our GRPS Transformation Plan. Being named as a winner for the XQ Super School Project gives much deserved national attention to our innovative, collaborative efforts to provide high quality public school choices. Special thanks to all our school partners – Grand Rapids Public Museum, GVSU, Kendall College of Arts and Design/FSU, the City of Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., and the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority,” said GRPS Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal.

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum High School will leverage the unique cultural artifacts and museum archives of the Grand Rapids Public Museum to create a one-of-a-kind learning environment where students are pushed to take risks, guide their own learning and solve real world problems. The Grand Rapids Public Museum School is part of the Grand Rapids Public Schools and works in partnership with the Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Valley State University, Kendall College of Art & Design/Ferris State University, City of Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and local businesses to shape the student curriculum. Students will work on projects that give them the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges in their community. For example, students will be involved in one of the largest urban river restoration projects in the United States by working with world-renowned scientists to remove and replace mussel species within the Grand River.

Residents have until Sunday to visit ‘The Robot Zoo’ at the Public Museum

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The grasshopper from "The Robot Zoo" at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
The grasshopper from “The Robot Zoo” at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s (GRPM) popular traveling exhibit The Robot Zoo will be closing on Sunday, September 18. This exhibit allows visitors to explore the biomechanics of complex animal robots to discover how real animals work.

 

In The Robot Zoo larger-than-life animated robots are controllable by visitors to understand how the different animals’ body parts work. Muscles become pistons, intestines become filtering pipes and brains become computers. More than a dozen hands-on activities illustrate fascinating real-life characteristics, such as how a chameleon changes colors, a giant squid propels itself and a fly walks on the ceiling.

 

The robot animals include a chameleon, a rhinoceros, a giant squid with 18-foot tentacles, a platypus, a house fly with a 10-foot wingspread, a grasshopper, a bat and a giraffe whose head and neck alone stretch 9 feet tall.

 

Sensory activities include “Swat the Fly,” a test of the visitor’s reaction time (one-twelfth as fast as a house fly’s), and “Sticky Feet,” where visitors can experience what it’s like to be a fly on the wall.  Triggering the “Tongue Gun” demonstrates how a real chameleon shoots out its long, sticky-tipped tongue to reel in a meal.

 

Animation in the robots imitates real-life behaviors. The robot chameleon rocks back and forth as it turns its head, looks around and fires its tongue at its insect prey. The front legs of the platypus swim in breaststroke style while the tail moves up and down.  The tentacles of the giant squid grip a struggling fish, while the squid’s beak-like mouth opens to reveal a spinning food grinder.

 

The Robot Zoo is free of charge to GRPM members and is $11 for non-member adults, $10 for non-members seniors and $6 for non-member children.

Explore science and art at the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Science Tuesdays

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Students learn through exploring at the Grand Rapids Public Museum's Science Tuesdays.
Students learn through exploring at the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Science Tuesdays.

This September as part of ongoing Science Tuesdays programming at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) visitors have the opportunity to interact with various stations to learn about science and art. Science Tuesdays is an ongoing educational experience offering science programming based on changing themes each month.

 

As part of September’s Science Tuesdays, visitors will explore the many intersections of science and art from paper chromatography to the color wheel. Optical illusions will be shown to visitors to see how color can play tricks on our brain. Families and students will also have the opportunity to interact with different hands-on activities.

 

This month Artists Creating Together will join the Museum on Tuesday, Sept. 20, with additional hands-on activities for all ages.

 

Throughout the month students from Kendall College of Art & Design will be sharing their art and explaining how it assists in interpreting science. On Tuesday, Sept. 27,  there will be a live performance at 3:30 p.m. in the Museum’s Meijer Theater for performance art that was inspired by science.

 

Science Tuesdays take place throughout the day every Tuesday at the Museum and include a variety of activities and interactive displays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities are free with general admission to the Museum.

 

Future Science Tuesdays programming will be themed around activities happening at the Museum. For upcoming months themes and activities please visit grpm.org.

 

Grand Rapids Public Museum seeks new education volunteers

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Grand Rapids Public Museum opens a new exhibit tomorrow.
Grand Rapids Public Museum is looking for 18 new educator volunteers.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is looking for 18 new educator volunteers to join the team. These volunteers will be helping to enhance its exciting programs offered to visiting schools and the public.

 

Educators will engage both students and the general public in guided learning experiences that enhance the Museum’s core and temporary exhibits, special events and learning lab initiatives.

 

The GRPM offers three floors of interactive exhibits telling the stories of Kent County and beyond. Visitor favorites include the Streets of Old Grand Rapids, an immersive exhibit that transports visitors back to 19th century of downtown Grand Rapids, and West Michigan Habitats, that showcases the vast wildlife found in West Michigan.

 

Interested volunteers are encouraged to attend one of two open houses to learn more about the Museum’s education program opportunities and volunteer roles. After the recruitment open houses, interested volunteers will attend a training session, at a later date, for hands-on, in depth learning of programs offered at the GRPM. This training will prepare volunteers to lead small groups through curriculum based programming, group leadership and teaching methods, while gaining extensive knowledge of the Museum.

 

Recruitment Open Houses:

 

Dates: Tuesday, Aug. 23 and Thursday, Sept. 1

 

Open houses will take place from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m. both days. Light refreshments and volunteer educator materials and information will be provided at each session.

 

To learn more about volunteering at the GRPM visit www.grpm.org/volunteer. For more information on volunteer open houses visit grpm.org/Calendar or call 616-929-1737.

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is located at 272 Pearl St. NW.

Maker Faire returns to Grand Rapids Aug. 20 and 21

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The Maker Faire brings all ages together to talk about xxxx
The Maker Faire brings all ages together to talk about new ideas and collaborations.

Maker Faire is once again taking over the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) and Grand Valley State University’s (GVSU) John C. Kennedy Hall of Engineering on Aug. 20 and 21 for its third year. Visitors will experience a traditional science fair combined with innovation and engineering for hands-on learning and fun!

 

The Faire will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20 and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21. Grand Rapids Public Museum is located at 272 Pearl St NW and with the GVSU’s John C. Kennedy Hall of Engineering located next door on the university’s Pew Campus, 401 W. Fulton St.

 

Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire gathers all-ages to learn and teach about new ideas and collaborations. Interactive stations and inventions will be showcased by tech enthusiasts, crafters, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, artists, students and commercial exhibitors. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned. Visitors to this year’s Grand Rapids Maker Faire can expect to see and interact with more than 100 maker booths.

 

Part science fair, part county fair, the Maker Faire allows visitors to explore what local people are creating.
Part science fair, part county fair, the Maker Faire allows visitors to explore what local people are creating.

Tickets for a single day pass are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $3 for children. For a two-day pass, tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and $5 for children. Purchase by Friday, August 12 and receive $2 off each ticket.

 

GRPM Members are free, but tickets are required and recommend to reserve ahead of time. Tickets can be purchased or reserved at MakerFaireGR.com or by calling 616.929.1700.

 

The Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire is being organized by the GR Makers, The Geek Group, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University and the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

 

Makers can still sign up to be a part of this annual Faire at MakerFaireGR.com to showcase what they have made and share what they have learned.

 

The third annual Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire is sponsored by Tekton Tools, Cascade Engineering, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Wood News Radio, WGVU Public Media and Connections Academy.

 

Follow Grand Rapids Maker Faire on Twitter @makerfaireGR, as well as on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/makerfairegr/.

 

Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire is independently organized and operated under license from Maker Media, Inc.

 

Kendall fashion students get inspired by Grand Rapids Public Museum collection

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Kendall College students look over pieces in the Grand Rapids Public Museum clothing collection.
Kendall College students look over pieces in the Grand Rapids Public Museum clothing collection.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is partnering with Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University’s Pamella Roland DeVos School of Fashion to open a new fashion exhibit, “Inspired Style,” on Aug. 6. This new exhibit is a collaborative fashion project, where students used the Museum’s fashion collection for inspiration to create new, modern interpretations of the historic pieces.

 

Kendall College students work on their designs inspired by the items in the Grand Rapids Public Museum's clothing collection.
Kendall College students work on their designs inspired by the items in the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s clothing collection.

Nine students each chose a garment from the Museum’s collections from different decades spanning the 1850s to 1950s. Their new pieces incorporate elements of the historic garments into their own original work, resulting in a modern artistic interpretation.

 

Visitors will be able to examine the various details of both the students’ pieces and the historic garments they drew inspiration from.

 

This exhibit will open in the GRPM’s Circle Theater, located on the Museum’s third floor, on Saturday, Aug. 6 and run through Jan. 8, 2017. Admission to this exhibit will be included with general admission to the Museum.

 

The GRPM’s extensive clothing collection offers a significant and multi-faceted view of the social, cultural and fashion history of the Midwestern United States. Since the GRPM began collecting in 1854, it has amassed a comprehensive collection of more than 10,000 clothing items, with strengths in fashionable garments from the 19th and 20th centuries. It is especially strong in the areas of women’s clothing, wedding attire, uniforms, items with local provenance and unique special function items, such as women’s athletic wear. Currently, most of these collection items are stored in the GRPM’s climate-controlled archives.

 

Working with KCAD’s Fashion Studies students is one way the GRPM is making its extensive Collections an open and accessible community resource. Students have learned through these artifacts by studying not just the garments but the social environment and circumstances during which the original garments were created.

 

“By opening up this amazing connection to our history, the Public Museum allowed our students to explore fashion from a social perspective in addition to the technical and creative aspects of garment design,” said Assistant Professor and KCAD Fashion Studies Program Chair Lori Faulkner. “It was an immersive experience which will guide our students to be intentional in their design process, informing and enhancing their work.”

 

“It is exciting to partner with the KCAD’s Pamella Roland DeVos School of Fashion students to be able to use our Collections in a new and exciting way,” said Andrea Melvin, collections curator at the GRPM. “Our fashion Collection is one of the most expansive collections we have, and we are always looking for fun ways to share more of what we have with the community; this exhibit is doing just that.”

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, with its main location at 272 Pearl Street, NW. For additional information including hours of operation, admission fees and exhibit/event listings, please visit www.grpm.org.

Call to Makers Extended to August 10 for the Grand Rapids Maker Faire

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This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By: Kate Moore

 

Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire announced today that the Call to Makers for the 3rd annual Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire has been an extended! Makers now have until Wednesday, August 10 to sign up to showcase what they have invented or are making. This year’s Maker Faire will be August 20 & 21 held at the Grand Rapids Public Museum and nearby Grand Valley State University’s John C. Kennedy Hall of Engineering.

 

Maker Faire is looking for participants who enjoy tinkering, hacking, building and designing new technology based inventions. Any groups or individuals interested in participating in the Maker Faire should complete the application at makerfairegr.com. Spots are first come, first serve basis with openings inside both the GRPM and GVSU as well as outside on the GRPM’s lawn. This year’s Maker Faire expects to see over 7,000 visitors throughout the two-day event.

 

Featuring both established and emerging local “makers,” the Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire is a family-friendly celebration featuring tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, hobbyists, engineers, artists, students and commercial exhibitors. Visitors will see installations from local West Michigan inventors, innovators and tinkerer, as well as makers traveling greater distances to showcase.

 

The Faire will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 20 and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 21. Tickets are available for purchase at makerfairegr.org with $2 off per ticket through Friday, August 12.

 

Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned.

 

The Grand Rapids Mini Maker Faire is being organized by the GR Makers, The Geek Group, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University and the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

 

Follow the development of the Grand Rapids Maker Faire on Twitter @makerfaireGR, as well as on its Facebook page.

New Mini Exhibit ‘An Olympic View’ Opening at the Grand Rapids Public Museum

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rio 2016

By: Kate Moore

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today the new mini exhibit An Olympic View will open July 23rd. With the Summer Olympics arriving soon, this exhibit celebrates the history of the Games, athletes from Grand Rapids, as well as the Brazil, the 2016 host.

 

This year is the first year the Olympics will take place in a South American country. An Olympic View allows visitors to learn more about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil leading up to and during the 2016 Summer Olympics. Visitors will learn about Ancient Greek history and see Ancient Greek artifacts that are part of the GRPM’s Collections. Other artifacts include insect jewelry, Brazilian coins, ancient Greek Lekythos as well as much more.

 

Grand Rapids Public Museum opens a new exhibit tomorrow.
Grand Rapids Public Museum readies for An Olympic View

In the modern era, 12 athletes from Grand Rapids have competed in Olympic Games. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about each of these 12 athletes, their sport and if they were Olympic medalists. In An Olympic View visitors will explore the locations of the modern Olympic Games. Visitors will pose as a gold medalist in this year’s Olympics in an interactive photo opportunity.

 

Admission to the mini exhibit An Olympic View will be included with general admission to GRPM. This exhibit will be on display from July 23 – August 21, 2016, coinciding with the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Brazil.

 

The Museum plans to showcase several mini-exhibitions, or pop-up exhibits, each year. They are modeled after pop-up stores, and are intended to be shorter in duration, showcase something new, tie into national and current events and showcase the GRPM’s Collections on a routine basis to the community. For further details visit grpm.org.

Did someone say FREE? Grand Rapids Public Museum is on July 10

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The grasshopper from "The Robot Zoo" at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
The grasshopper from “The Robot Zoo” at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will open its doors free of charge on Sunday, July 10 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors will receive free general admission on this day, to explore the Museum’s three floors of core exhibits at no cost – including “Earth Explorers,” a traveling exhibit presented by National Geographic.

The GRPM offers fun, hands-on learning opportunities for all ages through a variety of core and traveling exhibits. Visitor favorites include the Streets of Old Grand Rapids, an immersive exhibit that transports visitors back to nineteenth century of downtown Grand Rapids, and West Michigan Habitats that showcases the vast wildlife found in West Michigan.

“We are excited to be able to offer the Museum to the community free of charge, allowing more community members to experience and learn from our exhibits and artifacts,” said Dale Robertson, President & CEO of the GRPM. “The GRPM has been a cornerstone of education in the community for more than 160 years, and we are continuously working to make our Collections more accessible to the public.”

Additional costs for admission to “The Robot Zoo,” planetarium shows and the Museum’s 1928 Spillman Carousel still apply. Museum members receive free admission to all current offerings at the Museum.

The free day will be held during the Museum’s normal hours, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 10. For more information on the event, visit grpm.org.

The Museum is able to open free to the public on this day through sponsorship from Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc.

Grand Rapids Public Museum explores the science of beer

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Brewery Vivant teams up with the Grand Rapids Public Museum for a series of classes on the science of beer.
Brewery Vivant teams up with the Grand Rapids Public Museum for a series of classes on the science of beer.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM), in partnership with Brewery Vivant, will offer a series of three Beer Explorers classes inspired by the new exhibit Earth Explorers, and in conjunction with ongoing Science Tuesdays programs. Each class will offer a different scientific approach to the brewing and tasting of beer.

 

The three classes will be held June 21, July 19 and Aug. 16. Classes begin at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Barrel Factory on the 1st floor of the GRPM. Admission to each class includes general admission to the Museum as well as three beer samples. A cash bar will also be available. Tickets for the June and July classes are $5 for members and $15 for non-members; tickets for Aug. 16 are $8 for members and $18 for non-members.

 

Classes will be led by Ryan Engemann, Wandering Monk Sales Representative at Brewery Vivant. Ryan has a vast knowledge of all things beer, first having worked for Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City and then Short’s Brewing Company in Bellaire. While working for Right Brain, Ryan became the first Certified Cicerone® in Northern Michigan.

 

June 21 – Science of Beer

 

Beer has been there from the beginning of the scientific revolution. From providing sanitary nourishment to the development of modern medicine, beer has been an integral influence on the development of science. Join the GRPM and Brewery Vivant to explore this fascinating topic, over a beer of course. This class will cover the history of science and beer, as well as examining how science is used in a modern brewery.

 

July 19 – Science of Flavor with a guided tasting

 

Explore the science of flavor to learn how taste and aroma combine for the delicious flavor you love, all in the context of and while sampling some wonderful craft beers. The event will conclude with a guided beer tasting in the style of a traditional beer judging contest.

 

Aug. 16 – Yeast Science/Wild Fermentations

 

Explore the microbiome of beer with a full-time beer brewer. This class will explain how microorganisms in the natural world are able to make the beer you love. This event will feature rare sour and wild fermentation ales from Brewery Vivant’s new Plein De Vie series.

 

Science Tuesdays

 

Science Tuesdays is an ongoing educational experience, offering science programming based on changing themes each month. Every Tuesday in June visitors engage with activities with the theme of Exploration! Science Tuesdays take place throughout the day every Tuesday at the Museum and include a variety of activities and interactive displays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities are free with general admission to the Museum.

 

In June, science stations including using telescopes, learning how astronauts work in Space, learn about underwater explorations utilizing scuba gear, learn about terrestrial navigation through hands on compass activities and explore how airplanes fly. Kids can try out their hand at flight by making their own paper airplanes and competing in flight contests against other Museum visitors.

 

Future Science Tuesdays programming will be themed around activities happening at the Museum. For upcoming months’ themes and activities please visit grpm.org.

 

Participants will come face-to-face with a Great White Shark in "Earth Explorers" exhibit at the Grand Rapids Publc Museum. (Christopher Gannon/Gannon Visuals) -- shot by Christopher Gannon on 9/25/13 in Des Moines, IA Shot for GES
Participants will come face-to-face with a Great White Shark in “Earth Explorers” exhibit at the Grand Rapids Publc Museum. (Christopher Gannon/Gannon Visuals) — shot by Christopher Gannon on 9/25/13 in Des Moines, IA Shot for GES

Earth Explorers

 

Organized around Earth’s eco-zones, Earth Explorers brings the unparalleled adventures of National Geographic to life. Earth Explorers allows visitors to let their imaginations run wild as they become explorers and embark on an adventure to discover new species, study animal behavior and learn about the important roles technology, innovation and ingenuity play in making and documenting these discoveries. The exhibit is free with Museum admission and will be on display through Sept. 4..

Grand Rapids Public Museum goes blue…as in the Blue Star Museums program

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bluestarmuseumToday the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced the launch of Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2016.

 

The program provides families an opportunity to enjoy the nation’s cultural heritage and learn more about their new communities after a military move.

 

“The Grand Rapids Public Museum is proud to participate in Blue Star Museums this summer,” said Dale Robertson, President and CEO of the GRPM. “Programs like this make the GRPM more accessible to all.”

 

“The Blue Star Museums program is a fun, free activity for military families to enjoy during the summer months,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “The program is also a great way for service member families to connect to their new communities, and it can provide a meaningful way for families to reconnect after deployment. The Blue Star Museums program is also a perfect way for the arts community to say ‘thank you’ to our service members and their families for the sacrifices they make on our behalf, every day.”

 

“Blue Star Museums has grown into a nationally recognized program that service members and their families look forward to each year,” said Blue Star Families Chief Executive Officer Kathy Roth-Douquet. “It helps bring our local military and civilian communities together, and offers families fun and enriching activities in their home towns. We are thrilled with the continued growth of the program and the unparalleled opportunities it offers.”

 

The free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty U.S. military – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps – and up to five family members. Some special or limited-time museum exhibits may not be included in this free admission program. For questions on particular exhibits or museums, please contact the museum directly. To find participating museums and plan your trip, visit arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

 

All summer long, Blue Star Museums will share stories through social media. Follow Blue Star Museums on Twitter @NEAarts and @BlueStarFamily, #bluestarmuseums, on Facebook, and read the NEA Art Works blog for weekly stories on participating museums and exhibits.

 

This is the latest NEA program to bring quality arts programs to the military, veterans, and their families. Other NEA programs for the military have included the NEA Military Healing Arts Partnership; Great American Voices Military Base Tour; and Shakespeare in American Communities Military Base Tour.

 

This year, more than 2,000 (and counting) museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and American Samoa are taking part in the initiative. Museums are welcome to join Blue Star Museums throughout the summer. The effort to recruit museums has involved partnerships with the American Alliance of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, the Association of Children’s Museums, the American Association of State and Local History, and the Association of Science-Technology Centers. This year’s Blue Star Museums represent not just fine arts museums, but also science museums, history museums, nature centers, and dozens of children’s museums. Among this year’s new participants are the Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover, New Hampshire, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History in Pacific Grove, California, the Rochester Museum & Science Center in Rochester, New York, and El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a living history museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

 

Leadership support for Blue Star Families programming and promotional materials has been provided by MetLife Foundation. The complete list of participating museums is available at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

 

Astronomer and space science enthusiast makes a stop at Schuler Books

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Nebil Y. Misconi
Nebil Y. Misconi

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) in partnership with the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association (GRAAA) will host a presentation by the Iraq born astronomer and space science enthusiast, Dr. Nebil Y. Misconi, at Schuler Books & Music on Thursday, May 19.

 

Misconi is an accomplished astronomer and solar system researcher. In his book “An Immigrant’s Journey into the Cosmos – a Personal Memoir,” Misconi tells the journey of an immigrant astronomer from youth in Iraq to the United States. His presentation of the same name will highlight the political history of the Middle East and the struggles of living there during religious and political unrest through to his life and accomplishments in astronomy in the United States.

 

Misconi fell in love with astronomy when he read a book about stars as a high school student in the 1960s. He could not further his pursuit in his homeland and was able to study in Turkey and later immigrated to the United States, where he went on to a career in Florida.

 

“I decided to write about my life to inspire young students on what they can do when they put their minds to it, using what our country has to offer,” Misconi said.

 

41UcMIxlUAL._UY250_Working first for the Space Institute Center at Florida Tech, and then for 16 years at the University of Central University in Orlando,  Misconi has not only inspired students and  the public with his instructional skills, but also contributed technical expertise to a number of high profile NASA space efforts, including SkyLab and the space shuttle programs. He has worked closely with notable space science personalities, including astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

 

The presentation “An Immigrant’s Journey into the Cosmos – A Personal Memoir” will take place at 7 p.m. on May 19 at Schuler Books, located at 2660 28th Street SE. The event is free. Marconi’s book of the same title will be available for purchase and a book signing by the author will take place following the talk.

Explore the Earth in Grand Rapids Public Museum’s newest exhibition

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In "Earth Explorers" participants can explore the ocean floor. (Christopher Gannon/Gannon Visuals)
In “Earth Explorers” participants can explore the ocean floor. (Christopher Gannon/Gannon Visuals)

Journey around the world at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) in the new exhibit “Earth Explorers” opening May 21. Organized around Earth’s eco-zones, “Earth Explorers” brings the unparalleled adventures of “National Geographic” to life.

 

“Earth Explorers” allows visitors to let their imaginations run wild as they become explorers and embark on an adventure to discover new species, study animal behavior and learn about the important roles technology, innovation and ingenuity play in making and documenting these discoveries.

 

Explore an arctic cabin and test your ability to live in an ice-covered world. Descend into the deep ocean in a 3-D submersible and explore how life forms at varying depths, even coming face-to-face with a great white shark. Identify incredible insects from the Amazon while learning the benefits of biodiversity. Ascend into the thin air of the Himalayas. Soar in a hot air balloon over the Savanna while learning about the life of elephants and other mammals.

 

“’Earth Explorers’ gives our community a chance to visit places most are never able to go,” said Kate Moore, VP of Marketing and Public Relations. “This exhibit is highly interactive, allowing visitors to engage in the various eco-zones, making it a fun learning experience for all ages.”

 

Visitors will learn about the daring men and women who venture into dangerous and remote parts of the world to discover new places, help protect our planet’s biodiversity and unearth new scientific discoveries.

 

Participants will come face-to-face with a Great White Shark in "Earth Explorers" exhibit at the Grand Rapids Publc Museum. (Christopher Gannon/Gannon Visuals) -- shot by Christopher Gannon on 9/25/13 in Des Moines, IA Shot for GES
Participants will come face-to-face with a Great White Shark in the “Earth Explorers” exhibit at the Grand Rapids Publc Museum. (Christopher Gannon/Gannon Visuals)

Admission to “Earth Explorers” will be included with general admission to the GRPM and is free to Museum members. For more information, visit grpm.org/EarthExplorers.

 

CHILL: The Polar Regions
Experience life on ice in Earth’s extreme Polar Regions. Covered with icicles, battered by winds and harsh weather, an Arctic cabin invites hands-on discovery about surviving and thriving in the Polar Regions. Assemble the right mix of protein and carbohydrates in “What’s for Dinner?” Watch a polar bear pace outside a window and flip through the Explorer’s Notebook to learn first-hand survival strategies from photographer Paul Nicklen. Compare your own “thermogram” heat loss signature to a polar bear’s and test out how well different gloves protect your hands from the chill of an ice plate.

 

DIVE: The Oceans
Can you handle life under pressure? Find out in the Oceans eco-zone, where you’ll descend into the deep in a 3-D submersible. Mysteries of life under pressure and at great depths are revealed through stunning National Geographic videos. Learn the science behind submersibles and how life forms at varying depths. Get up close and personal with AIR JAWS, an 11-foot long sculpted great white shark—one of the ocean’s oldest and most misunderstood predators.

 

TREK: The Rain Forests
Hang out in a prep tent for fun, self-guided discovery about life in the tropical rain forests – the wet, wild and wonderful ecosystem that provides much of the air we breathe, safeguards Earth’s incredible biodiversity and may well hold the key to new life-saving remedies. Try your hand at identifying incredible insects from the Amazon and get “grossed out” with realistic creepy-crawlies while discovering the benefits of biodiversity.

 

CLIMB: Mountains and Caves
Descend closer to the Earth’s core and ascend to its highest peaks. Meet Carsten Peter, an explorer who takes on Earth’s most challenging caves to share photographs with the rest of the world. Then, ascend into the thin air of the Himalayas, but be careful, you might be caught by a camera trap, the same technology used by explorer Steve Winter to capture photos of the elusive snow leopard.

 

SOAR: The Savanna

Take a hot air balloon ride to witness “Life On the Move.” Through seamless video production, surround sound and other atmospheric effects, you’ll soon have the sensation of flying over a savanna where wild herds still roam. Next, put your animal tracking and migration mapping skills to the test, and meet explorers who document the incredible life cycles and stories of elephants and other endangered mammals of the savanna.

 

“Earth Explorers” is produced by Global Experience Specialists (GES) in partnership with “National Geographic.”

Grand Rapids Public Museum opens new Native American exhibit tomorrow

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Grand Rapids Public Museum opens a new exhibit tomorrow.
Grand Rapids Public Museum opens a ‘Walking Beyond Our Ancestors’ Footsteps: An Urban Native American Experience.’

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today a new regional traveling exhibit titled Walking Beyond Our Ancestors’ Footsteps: An Urban Native American Experience will open Saturday, April 2.

 

This exhibition invites visitors to step into the gaze of a few of the Native Americans who have lived, worked and studied in the greater Grand Rapids area over the mid-20th and 21st centuries and features contemporary artwork by local Native American artists. The show contains historic documents and objects made by local Native Americans during the past several decades.

 

Walking Beyond our Ancestors Footsteps will be in the Museum’s Circle Theater, a 800-square-foot area on the third floor located next to the core exhibition Anishinabek: The People of This Place. Admission will be included with general admission to the GRPM. This exhibit will be on display through June 19.

 

This exhibit is part of the work completed in conjunction with the “Gi-gikinomaage-min (We are all teachers): Defend Our History, Unlock Your Spirit” project, which is managed by the Kutsche Office of Local History at Grand Valley State University. That project has been supported in part by the Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. To learn more, go here.

Robots, rocks and more are all part of this year’s Spring Break activities

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Robots rule – at least for Spring Break 2016 as several area organizations have programs around robots and science.

Leading off the robot mania is Kent District Library’s Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW, with the KDL LAB Maker Break April 4 – 7 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. According to the KDL’s press materials “If robots and smashing and rebuilding things is your kid’s idea of a great time, then do we have the event for you!”

The Grand Rapids Community College Manufacturing Trailer will be at the branch Monday through Thursday with a 3D printer, virtual welder and more to explore. Also on Monday, there will be 11 different STEAM-based activities including Snap Circuits, LittleBits Electronics, Robot Rumble as well as demonstrations from local robotics groups.

Thursday, Spanish-speaking staff from Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities will be on hand as Maker Break week wraps up.

The Grand Rapids Public Library also focuses on robots and programming with its spring break program Teen [Tech]Knowledgy Spring Workshop from 2 – 4 p.m. April 4 at the Grand Rapids Main Library, 111 Library St. NE. Participants will be able to create and program a robot using the Lego Mindstorm Education EV3 base set and software. This program is for grades 7 – 12. For more information, visit grpl.org.

And then there is The Robot Zoo at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, the basis for the Museum’s Spring Break programs. The Museum’s Galleria will be filled with hands-on crafts and activities that are free with general admission. Create your own robotic creature to take home and play with oversized games. Activities will take place in the Museum’s Galleria Monday, April 4 through – Saturday, April 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Robot Zoo will be open extended hours until 8 p.m. all during Spring Break and the Chaffee Planetarium features the new original show Starlight Safari and Breaking News from Outer Space and the return of Dark Side: The Light Show. For more information, visit grpm.org.

Not to be left out on the robots theme, the Second Annual FIRST Robotics Competition returns to the East Kentwood High School, 6230 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Friday and Saturday, April 1 and 2. This high-tech sporting event will produce excitement and energy for participants and spectators alike, as teams compete for honors and recognition that reward design excellence, sportsmanship, teamwork and more.

The 41st Annual Gem and Mineral Show will take place at Rogers Place April 7 - 9.
The 41st Annual Gem and Mineral Show will take place at Rogers Place April 7 – 9. (Courtesy of Grand Rapids Public Museum)

Also taking place and in the realm of the world of science is the 41st Annual Gem & Mineral Show, which this year returns to Rogers Plaza, 972 28th St. SW. The event is from 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. April 7 and 8 and from 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, April 9, and features an array of mineral specimens, crystals, fossils, beads, and more. Demonstrations will be taking place along with rock and mineral identification, displays and exhibits and children’s activities. For more information, visit www.indianmoundsrockclub.com

The City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department will host a Spring Break Fun Club April 4 – 8 at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. Hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Activities include sports, games, arts and crafts, gym and outdoor fun. Cost is $25 per day or $85 per week. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 656-5270 to register.

Some other spring break activities:

The Grand Rapids Art Museum opens "Maurice Sendak: Where the Wild Things Are" on April 9.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum opens “Maurice Sendak: Where the Wild Things Are” on April 9. (Courtesy of Grand Rapids Art Museum)

The Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center NW, opens on April 9. The six-week exhibition, which closes May 22, features original drawings, prints and posters by the children’s book author in celebration of book’s 50th anniversary. For more information, visit artmuseumgr.org.

Craig’s Crusisers, 5730 Clyde Park SW, hosts unlimited fun every Wednesday with $25 wristbands from 4 – 9 p.m. For more information, visit craigscruisers.com

John Ball Park Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton St., will be having a Zoobilee during spring break, April 4 – 8. Activities include special animal feeding times, an opportunity to meet the animal keepers and learn more about the animals at the zoo. For specific activities and days, visit jbzoo.org.

John Ball Zoo also offers Spring Break Day Camps for kindergarten through 5th grade. April 4 and 5 is Just Zoo It! and April 6 and 7 is Who Dung It? There is also the Spring Break overnight, Starlight Safari, April 8 to April 9, for students in third through sixth grades. Visit the website to register.

The Salvation Army KROC Center, 2500 S. Division Ave., will be offering special activities and entertainment such as extended open swim hours and sports tournaments April 4 – 8. Sponsored by the National Heritage Academies, the Spring Break activities are free for members. Non-members can purchase a day pass which is $5.50 for ages 11 and younger and $7.50 for ages 12 and up. Visit grkroccenter.org for more information.

The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave. NW, will have all kinds of Spring Break activities from April 2 – 10. There will be interactive dance, magic shows, and storyteller Kevin Kammeraad. For a complete list of events, visit grcm.org.

Shows:

"Alvin & the Chipmunks: Road Chip" runs April 1 - 7 as Flick's Family Film
“Alvin & the Chipmunks: Road Chip” runs April 1 – 7 as Flick’s Family Film Fest. (Photo courtesy of Flick’s Family Film Fest)

Flick’s Family Film Fest is currently running at all Celebration! Cinemas, including Celebration! South Cinema, 1506 Eastport Dr. SE (across from the East Kentwood High School).  Alvin & the Chipmunks: Road Chip runs April 1 – 7 and Kung Fu Panda 3 is April 8 – 14. Movies are free for children ages 12 and under and $5 for ages 13 and older.

The Grand Rapids Ballet brings back its popular Spring Break for Kids program April 5 – 7. With two performances each day of a half-hour, family-friendly ballet with the fun starting at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day. Tickets for these shows do sell out, so if possible purchase early. For more information, visit grballet.com.

For those comic book lovers, Marvel Universe Live! comes to Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St. Spidy, Hulk and even Thor will battle those dastardly villains tonight at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets start at $27.50. Visit vanandelarena.com for more information.

Robot animals make a ‘zoo’ out of the Grand Rapids Public Museum

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Ever wonder why a giraffe does not pass out when it lifts its head up and down? Curious how a giant squid breathes?

 

These and other animal questions are explored in the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s newest exhibit “The Robot Zoo,” opening this weekend.

 

“There has been a lot of comments and interest on social media about the show,” said Kate Moore, the museum’s vice president of marketing and public relations, who added that the 1,700 tickets for the grand opening event on Saturday, March 19, are sold out.

 

“Part of the appeal comes from the fact that it is a little more hands on then our last exhibit [‘The Discovery of King Tut’] and it is a shift from the historic subject matter to more a science focus.”

 

Moore added that the staff purposely works to vary the different exhibitions at the Museum so as to attract different audiences. While the Museum’s last exhibits, “Tut” and “American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition,” were for more of an older crowd, “The Robot Zoo” is geared more toward kindergarten through eighth grade. The Museum has developed a pre-kindergarten curriculum to go with the exhibit as well.

 

“The Robot Zoo,” which is based on a book of the same name that is now out-of-print, exhibits machinery in the robot animals that simulate the body parts of the machine’s real-life counterparts. Muscles become pistons, intestines become filtering pipes and the brain becomes a computer. For example, in the giraffe, a cooper pipe outlines the main vein in the giraffe’s neck with several gages showing where the vents are located. These vents are what help control the giraffe’s blood flow so the animal does not pass out from too much or too little blood flowing to its head.

 

Because of the design of this exhibit, it has an appeal to those interested in biology as well as those interested in technology and engineering, Moore said.

 

Eight robot animals and more than a dozen hands-on activities illustrate real-life characteristics, such as how a chameleon changes colors, a giant squid propels itself and a fly walks on the ceiling.

 

Popular among the staff is the chameleon, which rocks back and forth as it turns its head, looks around and fires its tongue at its insect pray. “It also has three interactive elements,” Moore said. Those include being able to see what happens when the chameleon is angry, scared, and looking to attract a mate.

 

Other larger-than-life-size animated robots, besides the chameleon and the giraffe, are a rhinoceros, a giant squid with 18-foot tentacles, and a platypus. Joining the animals are a house fly with a 10-foot wingspread, a grasshopper and the monster-of-the-night bug eater, the bat.

 

Admission to the exhibit is free for Museum members and for non-members, $11 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $6 for children with the price including general admission to the entire Museum. Staff does recommend purchasing tickets early since lines can get long on Saturdays and during Spring Break. A membership is $65 for a family and includes parking and planetarium shows, which staff said a new planetarium show for “The Robot Zoo” will be opening soon.

 

Several activities are planned around the exhibit including special Spring Break programs and a summer camp dedicated to robotics. Also, in May, the museum will be opening the National Geographic exhibit “Earth Explorers,” which Moore said has a connection to the “The Robot Zoo” since it looks at animals living in various environments around the globe.

 

“The Robot Zoo” will be open through Sept. 18. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is located at 272 Pearl St. NW. For more on programs and upcoming exhibits, click here.

 

Microscopes, water rovers and more: science fun at the Grand Rapids Public Museum

Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , , ,
Students learn through exploring at the Grand Rapids Public Museum's Science Tuesdays.
Students learn through exploring at the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Science Tuesdays.

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

 

As astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson makes his way to Grand Rapids this month, the Grand Rapids Public Museum sets the mood with a number of family activities in March all centered around science.

 

This week, the GRPM hosts its annual celebration of engineering week with school groups participating in an integrative Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics experience featuring activities from science and engineering. The week culminates in a public day Saturday, March 5.

 

“Basically all the stations that the school groups go through during the week are available for the public on that Saturday,” said the museum’s Marketing Manager Christie Bender.

 

Saturday’s programming focuses on STEM applications to create real world solutions to human problems and needs. Stations include creating underwater submersibles, design bridges, exams biomedical devices, manipulate robots, experiment with water systems and create concrete cookies using household ingredients.

 

“There are also special audience interactive events on the fifth where they can help drive an underwater rover that is in Florida waters from the Museum’s Theater,” Bender said. Underwater researcher and scientist Chris Olstad,and Grand Valley State University Professor Mark Gleason will be hosting live presentations at 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. from thirty feet below the water’s surface in Florida waters.

 

The GRPM also will be continuing its new, ongoing program Science Tuesdays, focusing on Zoology for the month of March. Stations will include hands-on activities, microscopes, animal x-rays, honey bee information and live animals every week. Today and March 8, animals from the John Ball Zoo will be at the GRPM from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Blandford Nature Center will bring in animals on March 15 and 22 from noon to 1 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m. Dr. Rebecca Vincent will have animals from noon to 4 p.m. March 29 and she is also scheduled to be the guest speaker at 6 p.m. that day. Vincent will discuss wildlife rehabilitation. Presentations are free with general admission.

 

Also this month, the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association with the GRPM will be hosting the Winter Star Party March 11 and 12 at the Cascade Recreation Park, 3810 Thornapple River Dr. SE. The program is from 7:30 – 9 p.m. both days.

 

GRAAA members will have telescopes set up to allow public viewing of the crescent moon, Jupiter and various other sky features visible only during winter and early spring. During warm weather season, these features are below the horizon making them unable to be seen. Those attending this event are encouraged to dress for cold weather and to bring flashlights, binoculars and telescopes if available.

 

This event is weather dependent and will only take place if the sky is clear. Status updates will be posted on the GRAAA website, graaa.org.

 

For more information on these events, upcoming exhibitions or other activities at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, visit grpm.org. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is located at 272 Pearl St. SW.

 

Neil deGrasse Tyson comes of Grand Rapids March 21. He will be at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. SW.

Grand Rapids Public Museum announces summer Camp Curious programs

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Explore science at the Grand Rapids Public Museum's Camp Curious.
Explore science at the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Camp Curious.

There is something new for this year’s Camp Curious program at the Grand Rapids Public Museum – a special Watershed Wonders camp.

 

The new program will utilize the recently added exhibit “Grand Fish, Grand River,” which explores how the Great Lakes region’s largest and oldest fish, the Lake Surgeon, once found in abundance, is now a threatened species. According to Museum officials, the exhibit will be used as a way to teach students about the endangered species in Michigan’s watersheds and what has caused it. Students also will be using the Grand River, which runs right outside of the Museum to learn more about the Grand River watershed and the creatures that call it home..

 

The Watershed Wonders is one of several Camp Curious programs offered June 22 – Aug. 10. The Museum’s summer camp program is designed to explore the wonders of science, history, culture, art and fun. For nine weeks this summer, kids ages 4 – 14 can use the Museum as a learning lab.

 

Camp Curious offers sessions with a focus on a variety of themes from space exploration to building with Legos®, and from fossils to exploring what it was like to grow up in the Victorian Era. Camp options vary for each age group and are suited to their interest. Age groupings are 4-5 years old, 6-8 years old, 9-11 years old and 12-14 years old.

 

Registration for the Camp Curious programs is now open and officials say it is better to register earlier than later since some programs fill up quickly.

 

Discounts are available for enrollment in multiple camps and by registering multiple campers. Additionally, Museum members receive discounts off each camp.

 

Camps range in dates and duration, including Be Curious Day Camp offering one day sessions every Monday, each based on a different topic. Others camps are multiple days and have options between morning or afternoon sessions.

 

The Watershed Wonders program is in conjunction with Grand Valley State University’s Teaching English as a Second Language program and is available for age groups 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14.

 

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is located at Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids. To register and to learn more about Camp Curious, visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s webpage or call 616-456-3977.

New Discovery in Egypt Adds Deeper Intrigue Into King Tut’s Exhibit at the Public Museum

Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Our Cities, , , , ,
It is behind this north wall, an exact replica appearing here from the exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, where researchers have discovered the hidden chamber. Could the royal tomb of Queen Nefertiti be behind this wall?
It is behind this north wall, an exact replica appearing here from the exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, where researchers have discovered the hidden chamber. Could the royal tomb of Queen Nefertiti be behind this wall?

By Tom Norton

With the exhibit of the Treasures of King Tutankhamen winding down in less than a month at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, the latest news out of Egypt creates a new reason for revisiting, or catching the exhibit for the first time, what is likely one of the greatest exhibits ever to come to West Michigan.

 

3,300 years ago King Tutankhamen was laid to rest in what researchers now believe was a hastily constructed or modified tomb. Since its discovery in 1922, one nagging question remained unanswered; why was his burial tomb not fitting that of a ruling pharaoh?

 

Scores of reasons were supplied; the tumultuous period in Egyptian history when Tut lived and ruled was the most obvious. His father, the heretical pharaoh Akhenaton had recently been deposed and the 11-year-old Tutankhamen placed on the throne. DNA evidence today shows he was a sickly teen who died at the age of 19, but beyond all that there were tantalizing items in the tomb that didn’t add up. A number of the treasures didn’t appear to have ever been owned by the boy king. Treasures where the text has been erased altogether or altered to reflect the new “ownership” of Tut.

 

Now in 2016, the news coming out of Egypt could be as thrilling as it was in 1922 when the most famous Egyptian tomb ever was discovered.

 

The Egyptian government has now announced that it has a 90% certainty that there is a hidden chamber behind the north wall of Tut’s tomb. Far from being a storage room, researchers and Egyptologists believe the north wall of Tut’s burial chamber may have been built and painted over to conceal the entrance to the tomb of the fabled Queen Nefertiti, possibly an aunt of the boy king.

 

The north wall of the burial chamber shows the young King in the afterlife and going through the ritual known as the “opening of the mouth.” A ritual performed by the gods as the pharaoh enters the underworld. Strangely, however, some of the figures that were always assumed to be the boy king have certain feminine characteristics. Could these images have been originally been painted for Nefertiti?

 

If all this is true, the tomb of Tut that we know today would actually be merely the outer rooms to a much larger tomb built for the most famous Queen of Egypt.

 

Tut2The questions surrounding the strange size of Tut’s tomb would also be answered.

 

The results of the radar scans which discovered the hidden chambers will be announced in the coming few weeks. If an intact royal tomb is found within Tut’s tomb, it would be the most spectacular archaeological discovery of the last 100 years. All the more reason to take in the breathtaking exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum before it leaves at the end of January.

 

Read the Original Article about Tutankhamen’s Treasurers at the Grand Rapids Public Museum here.

Last Second Holiday Gift Guide

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giftsLooking for some great, last minute, local ideas to share with the people on your “Nice” list this year? If you like waiting until the last second to do your shopping, we can help! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite West Michigan gift ideas below, broken down by category to help make your last second holiday shopping this year a breeze.

Gifts for Foodies

Gift Idea: Spice Merchants offers a Taste of Asia gift box ($29.95), which includes Asian spice blends: Chinese Five Spice, Thai Coconut, Korean BBQ and Teriyaki Ginger. Many other themed sets to choose from are available, including flavored sugars, curry spices, and sea salts. Another great option is a Himalayan Salt Slab (beginning from $29.95), ideal for cooking vegetables, meats, and seafood, or chill to serve sushi, sashimi, fruits cheeses or desserts. Himalayan Salt Slabs enhance the flavor of your food while delivering the benefits of 100% raw salt, and they are a unique and fun way to cook and serve your food.

Get it Here: Downtown Market, Grand Rapids

The Green WellGift Idea: Give the gift of Essence this holiday season, with gift cards to Bistro Bella Vita,The Green Well, and Grove: the perfect stocking stuffer for any foodie. For a limited time, you’ll receive a complimentary Essence Cocktail Book when you purchase a gift card in store only. Prefer to shop online? You can also purchase gift cards through their new and improved, user friendly online system! They’ll even deliver it to your special someone on the date you choose. Complimentary cocktail book is only available with in-store purchase.

Get it Here: Bistro Bella Vita, The Green Well, or Grove, Grand Rapids

Gifts for Beer Enthusiasts

Gift Idea: Buy a stainless steel ($35) or glass ($5) growler from Slows Bar-B-Q and fill it up with your gift recipient’s favorite beer. Pairs well with some Slows-branded pint glasses ($8) or a gift card!

Get it Here: Downtown Market, Grand Rapids

Michigan Brewers GuildGift Idea: Shop online at MiBeer.com for a variety of logoed items from the Michigan Brewers Guild. You’ll find everything from apparel, backpacks, tote bags, drinkware, eyewear, flags, license plates, beach balls, bottle openers, patches, pins, stickers, tin tackers, umbrellas and more. Michigan Brewers Guild Enthusiast Memberships also make great gifts, providing a year of benefits like pre-sale dates for the four official festivals and one hour early admission to each, dollar-off pint options at participating breweries, special brewery tours and an official Enthusiast t-shirt — all for just $55.

Get it Here: Michigan Brewers Guild

Gifts for Family Outings and History Enthusiasts

Grand Rapids Public MuseumGift Idea: Members of the Grand Rapids Public Museum who purchase or renew their membership now through December 31 will be entered to win one of 4 Family 4-pack tickets to the special opening event for our newest exhibit, The Robot Zoo in March! Tickets will be on sale in February for the event and members will have discounted admission to the event. Members also get into the new exhibit for free, with all our other great perks!

Gift Idea: Visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Curiosity Shop for your holiday shopping! The shop offers a variety of unique, toys, trinkets and gifts for both children and adults. Find the perfect gift, that is from Grand Rapids or the Michigan made.

Get it Here: Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids

Gifts for a Night Out

Opera Grand RapidsGift Idea: Treat your gift recipient to a night out at Opera Grand Rapids! Now through December 21st, take advantage of these two special offers: Buy two premium orchestra tickets to Orpheus & Eurydiceor Romeo & Juliet. and get 25% off additional tickets, or a free ticket to Beethoven’s String Quartet #1, Op. 1. Second offer: Buy a $100 gift card and get one half-price ticket to Beethoven’s String Quartet #1, Op. 18. Subscriptions make great gifts too!

Get it Here: Opera Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids

Gift Idea: Give the gift of Live Entertainment!  Tickets make the perfect Holiday Gift! Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal musical success, The Phantom of the Opera, will come to DeVos Performance Hall as part of a brand-new North American Tour. Hailed by critics as “bigger and better than ever before,” this production boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier, new scenic and lighting designs, new staging and choreography. The beloved story and thrilling score – with songs like Music of the Night, All I Ask Of You and Masquerade  – will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this Phantom one of the largest productions now on tour.  Don’t miss this two week engagement when it premiers in Grand Rapids May 18-29.

Get it Here: Broadway Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids

Prohibition is Still Alive at the Grand Rapids Public Museum

Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, , ,

AmericanSpirits1By: Dianna Higgs Stampfler

American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition graces the galleries of the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) through January 17, 2016. This exhibit explores America’s most colorful and complex constitutional hiccup, spanning from the inception of the temperance movement, through the Roaring ’20s, to the unprecedented repeal of the constitutional amendment.

The world of flappers, bootleggers, temperance lobbyists, and organized crime legends comes to life in the American Spirits exhibition. This extensive collection will showcase over 100 rare artifacts, including: temperance propaganda, flapper dresses from the Roaring ’20s, Carry Nation’s hatchet used during her barroom-smashing raids, and authentic items used for making moonshine and other illegal potent liquors.

Interactive elements and immersive environments will bring to life the sights, sounds, and experiences of the time period. Visitors have the chance to take a quiz to find out if they are a “wet” or a “dry,” learn the Charleston in a re-created speakeasy and play the role of a federal Prohibition agent chasing rumrunners in a custom-built video game.

At the end of the exhibition visitors will explore the legacy of Prohibition in today’s regulatory landscape. Displays will show why and how laws differ from state to state and how the idea of drinking responsibly evolved.

American Spirits is a national touring exhibition created by the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and curated by Daniel Okrent, Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition. The exhibition includes 17 artifacts on loan from the Collection of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

AmericanSpirits2The GRPM will offer a variety of engaging community and educational programs to complement the exhibition. Programs vary from free with admission to an additional cost to participants.

Bathtub Gin Kit

Long Road Distillers, Grand Rapids’ first craft distillery, has created a special Prohibition-themed “bathtub gin” kit to commemorate the exhibition, which will be available at the distillery located at 537 Leonard Street NW, Grand Rapids (while supplies last). The kit includes a bottle of Long Road’s signature vodka, crafted from Michigan grain, botanicals for infusing, a second jar with a special edition Prohibition label, and instructions for infusing your gin at home. Long Road Distillers opened in early June of 2015 and is the first craft distillery in the history of the City of Grand Rapids.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Grand Rapids Public Museum on this exhibit commemorating such a unique period in American history. The rise and ultimate fall of prohibition changed the landscape for American distilleries and breweries, and only now, over 80 years later, are we seeing the resurgence of the local, craft beverage makers. The Long Road Bathtub Gin Kit is a great way to honor the ingenuity of those who tried to make the most of what they had available at the time” said Kyle Van Strien, owner, Long Road Distillers.

AmericanSpirits3Long Road Distillers is proud to be part of the exciting revitalization that is taking place in the West Side neighborhood they call home, as well as being an active member of the thriving craft spirit culture around Michigan. Staying true to its name, Long Road takes no shortcuts in crafting their spirits, using thousands of pounds of grain each week from a family farm located less than 25 miles from the distillery to produce vodka, gin, whisky and other uniquely Michigan spirits.

Long Road’s spirits can be enjoyed by the taste or in one of their carefully crafted cocktails and paired with a farm-fresh meal in their bar and restaurant. If seeing the production area through the floor to ceiling windows from the bar doesn’t satisfy your curiosity, distillery tours are offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Cocktail Classes

For the first three Tuesdays in October (October 6, 13, and 20), join the GRPM and New Holland Brewing for hands on cocktail classes in the Museum. Each class will be themed around a different Prohibition era spirit. Tickets are $10 and include general admission (Members receive discounted price).

Budweiser Clydesdales

The famous Budweiser Clydesdales will visit Grand Rapids in October in conjunction with the exhibit, on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24 from 11 am to 1 pm on the grounds of the GPRM and the Holiday Inn Downtown parking lot. Guests can interact with the hitch team and take photographs with the iconic horses. Seeing the Budweiser Clydesdales is free of charge. The appearance is weather permitting. The event will take place as part of the partnership with Anheuser-Busch for the exhibition; the exhibit also includes Anheuser-Busch artifacts from the Prohibition era.

Legacy Awards Gala

Join the GRPM for the 7th Annual Jay & Betty Van Andel Legacy Awards Gala on Thursday, November 12 starting at 5:30 pm. In celebration of the exhibition “American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition” this event will be set in the era of flappers, bootleggers, temperance lobbyists, and organized crime legends. As the GRPM’s annual fundraiser, the community comes together to recognize three individuals for their dedication and commitment to bettering the quality of life in the region. Attire is roaring 20s fashion. Co-chaired by Dave & Carol Van Andel and Jim & Sue Williams. Tickets may be purchased by calling (616) 929-1754.

“Spirited Women” a Presentation by the Grand Rapids Women’s History Council

On November 17 at 6 pm join the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council at the Grand Rapids Public Museum for a presentation, “Spirited Women: Grand Rapids and the Push for Temperance.” Presented by council members Ruth Van Steele and Julie Tabberer, this program will take a look at the local scene during 13 years of speakeasys and bathtub gin, reviewing the role the area women during the massive national temperance movement and the long push for women’s rights.

AmericanSpirits4Repeal Day

December 5, 2015 marks the 82nd anniversary of the 21st Amendment, repealing the laws of Prohibition. Visit the Museum to take part in special Repeal Day activities including meeting characters who were important in passing the first and only amendment to repeal another amendment ever. The Museum’s Galleria will be filled with adult and children hands on activities to both celebrate and learn about our country’s history.

Join the Museum for a special soda making workshop from 10 am to 11:30 am for a special Repeal Day activity, also on December 5. This workshop will take place in the demo lab at the Grand Rapids Public Museum and can accommodate up to 20 people. Pre-registration is required, all ages welcome, recommended for ages 6-12. The workshop is $12 per person and includes general admission to the Museum.

Extra Events!

“Party Like it’s 1933” Repeal Day party at SpeakEZ

Step back in time to the first legal drinks after Prohibition at the Speak EZ Lounge on Saturday, December 5. Starting at 9 pm the Lounge will turn into 1933 with guests and staff partying to celebrate the 21st amendment. The event will include a live band, as well as ticket giveaways to the GRPM’s American Spirits exhibition! No advanced tickets necessary.

Prohibition style beer and food pairing dinner – exclusive tickets!

On January 12, 2016 in conjunction with the GRPM’s American Spirits exhibit, join Brewery Vivant for an exclusive prohibition beer and food pairing dinner. Tickets are limited and will go on sale later this year.

Last Call! Closing Weekend

Join us first the last call and last chance to see the exhibit on January 16 & 17, 2016. January 17 marks the 95th anniversary of the 18th amendment. On this weekend meet historic figures such as Wayne Wheeler and Carry Nation who helped bring about this constitutional amendment. As you journey through the history of Prohibition in American Spirits, hear in depth talks about the era, the culture and the changes that were seen in 1920. Saturday, January 16, join Speak EZ Lounge in the Meijer Theater at 3 pm for an exclusive mixology presentation.

AmericanSpirits51920s Era Family Activities:

Make your own marbles at the Grand Rapids Public Museum on November 14 from 10 am to 11:30 am. Learn how to make your own marbles out of clay, and while they bake play some of the original marble games that were popular in the 1920s! This workshop will take place in the demo lab at the Grand Rapids Public Museum and can accommodate up to 20 people. Pre-registration is required, all ages welcome, recommended for ages 6-12. The workshop is $12 per person and includes general admission to the Museum.

This holiday season, visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum for a variety of family friendly crafts and events during the annual Snowflake Break. Make your own themed snowflakes and punch tins, play a variety of board games, dress paper dolls in the Museum’s 1920’s fashion straight from our Collections. Activities are free with general admission. Visit the Museum on December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, and 30 and enjoy late nights in The Discovery of King Tut and American Spirits!

For a full schedule of events, please visit grpm.org.

Admission to American Spirits; The Rise and Fall of Prohibition will be included with general admission to the GRPM. This exhibit is free to Museum members.

This article was republished with permission from Dianna at Promote Michigan. We do our best to help with the promotion of the great State of Michigan!