The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will be concluding its 2022 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concert Series with special themed Holiday Classics organ concerts performed by John Lauter Dec. 9, and Dec. 10.
John Lauter (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Public Museum)
Deck the halls this season by enjoying cheerful holiday songs on the GRPM’s 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ and classics such as Jingle Bells, Silent Night, The First Noel, and more.
Detroit native John Lauter has been presenting theater organ concerts for more than 20 years and made his public debut at the Redford Theater at age 16. Since those early days, Lauter was a featured performer at the American Theatre Organ Society’s 2009 convention in Cleveland. Lauter spent three years playing at “Theatre Organ Pizza and Pipes” in Pontiac. At home in Detroit, Lauter has presented nine concerts at the Detroit Theater Organ Society and many concerts and silent film programs at the Redford Theater.
The Museum is offering two options for guests to experience the concerts: in-person as well as a live-streaming option for those who wish to enjoy the concert from the comfort of their home. The Holiday Classics organ concerts will be Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. in the GRPM’s Meijer Theater, which is located in the Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW. Early ticket purchases are recommended as the holiday concerts are expected to sell out. For more information visit grpm.org/Organ.
In-person tickets are $15, with the discounted price of $10 for Museum members. Virtual tickets are $10 per household, with the discounted price of $6 for member households. Only one link is needed per household. Links to the live-streams will be sent to ticket purchasers before the concerts.
Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ
The 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ is an impressive icon of Grand Rapids and an artifact preserved in the GRPM’s Collections used to entertain and educate all ages through the annual concert series and annual programming.
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 February 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.
Japanese “Good Luck” flags are decorated with messages from family members, friends, and community members that wish victory, safety, and good luck for the soldier. (Supplied)
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) and OBON Society are in the process of returning another Yosegaki Hinomaru or Japanese “Good Luck” flag (circa 1939-1945) from the Museum’s Collections to its rightful family. OBON Society provides reconciliation between American and Japanese families through the return of personal items acquired during World War II.
Japanese “Good Luck” flags are decorated with messages from family members, friends and community members that wish victory, safety and good luck for the soldier. Through extensive research, the GRPM was able to connect with OBON Society to share high-resolution images of the flag for translation. Volunteer Japanese scholars interpret the messages, which can reveal the soldier’s origins, name and location of death. The information obtained from this particular flag in the Museum’s Collections allowed OBON Society to locate the deceased soldier’s niece, who is still living in Japan.
“We are creating a space for people who fought, suffered and grieved because of the war to enter in conversation and have the opportunity for healing and reconciliation,” said a spokesperson from OBON Society. “When news of our work travels around the world, we have witnessed the profound effect it can have on humanity.”
A Grand Rapids Public Museum staff member prepares the Japanese Good Luck flag for return to its family. (Supplied)
The flag is currently in the process of being returned to the soldier’s niece in Japan through OBON Society. The GRPM currently has possession of two more Japanese “Good Luck Flags,” which are logged in the Museum’s Collections database, accessible at grpmcollections.org. The GRPM has provided details about the remaining flags to OBON society, who will continue to search for the family members.
“The GRPM is honored to take care of these important heirlooms,” said Alex Forist, Chief Curator at the GRPM. “It is our hope they will be returned to families in Japan who may not have any other tangible connection to their loved ones who were killed in combat.”
In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March has been designated as Reading Month. To celebrate and encourage reading, we are asking local officials, residents and WKTV staff and volunteers to tell us about a book that they enjoy. Happy Reading!
Today’s selection comes from Grand Rapids Public Museum educator Amanda Tabata.
Book: Dinosaur Lady Author: Linda Skeers Genre: Biography/Children
This beautifully illustrated book is perfect for inspiring curiosity in learners of all ages. The text is lively, perfect for reading aloud, while packing a scientific punch. Readers will come away with an appreciation for Mary Anning’s inquisitive spirit and rock solid perseverance. Pair up with the Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs exhibit at the GRPM to see one of Mary Anning’s exciting discoveries!
In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March has been designated as Reading Month. To celebrate and encourage reading, we are asking local officials, residents and WKTV staff and volunteers to tell us about a book that they enjoy. Happy Reading!
Today’s reading selection comes from Grand Rapids Public Museum’s educator Katie Bilby.
Book: Firekeeper’s Daughter Author: Angeline Boulley Genre: Young Adult Fiction/Mystery/Thriller
Aspiring doctor, Daunis Fontaine is a biracial, unenrolled tribal member on the brink of adulthood. After witnessing a murder, she’s recruited for an undercover investigation into a harmful new drug. Now Daunis must combine her knowledge of modern medicine and traditional practices to save her community and become a strong Anishinaabe kwe (Ojibwe woman).
Set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this thriller directly connects to the GRPM’s Anishinabek: The People of This Place exhibit. As a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, author Angeline Boulley spent ten years researching how illegal drugs have impacted the Ojibwe people. Her self-proclaimed “Indigenous Nancy Drew story” is as educational as it is exhilarating.
This alien statue is part of the “POPnology” exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Supplied)
Two exhibits at the Grand Rapids Art Museum will be coming to a close at the end of the month, “Bats; Masters of the Night” and “POPnology” as the Museum makes way for two new exhibits to open in the spring.
“Bats,” which is included with admission, works to dispel the myths about these creatures of the night with interactive displays that demonstrate how to hear like a bat, learn about pollination, bat diets, and sonar ability. The “POPnology,” is a sci-fi experience as it looks at how pop culture meets technology with the exhibit including the DeLorean Time Machine, R2D2, E.T. and more. The “POPnology” exhibit is $5 per person in addition to admission.
Also closing on Jan. 23 is the “Windows GR” paintings. The Museum purchased the paintings by local artists of color as part of the Windows GR activation project. Five of these works are now part of the GRPM’s permanent Collections and can be viewed at grpmcollections.org.
Opening in the spring will be “Prerosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs,” which will feature life-size models, casts of rare fossils and other interactive activities. Also opening will be the GRPM original exhibit “Fashion + Nature,” which will explore the complex relationship between the fashion industry and the natural environment.
For more information about the Grand Rapids Public Museum, visit www.grpm.org. The Museum is located at 272 Pearl St. NW. Residents in Kent County receive reduce admission rates and free parking.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) invites the community to celebrate Back to the Future Day on Thursday, Oct. 21, at the Museum in conjunction with their special POPnology exhibit.
The Museum will offer discounted admission for all visitors to enjoy the special, traveling exhibit POPnology on Thursday, October 21, for only $2 per person. As part of the celebration, visitors are also invited to dress up as their favorite Back to the Future movie character. Participants who dress up are encouraged to show off their costumes at the Museum’s front desk, in exchange for free entry into POPnology. This discounted offer is valid with purchasing general admission to the Museum.
The GRPM’s POPnology exhibit explores innovation in technology, science, engineering and more that have been featured in popular movies, books and television shows. A highlight within the exhibition is the DeLorean Time Machine, a widely-recognized icon from the popular sci-fi movie, Back to the Future.
POPnology features over a dozen interactives that represent the connection between pop culture and technology throughout history. Visitors of all ages can indulge in the ultimate sci-fi experience by building a rocket to launch to Mars, taking pictures near the DeLorean Time Machine, racing against time to work faster than a robot, striking poses in a photo booth with out-of-this world backdrops, equipped with free image downloads) and more.
Admission includes the GRPM’s newest exhibit, Bats: Masters of the Night, as well as three floors of exhibits to explore science, history and culture. For more information, visit grpm.org.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced it is taking the popular live Curator Battle regionally, starting with a competition against the Michigan Science Center (MiSci) on Tuesday, May 4 at 4 p.m., held via Facebook Live (@grmuseum). The GRPM launched the Curator Battle series in 2020 on its Facebook page as a way to connect with the community and share the Museum virtually due to closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The GRPM/MiSci Curator Battle will have a special twist in celebration of the battle reaching Detroit — the presidents of both organizations will be competing: Dale Robertson, the President and CEO of the GRPM and Christian Greer, the President and CEO of MiSci.
Christian Greer, President and CEO of the Michigan Science Center
“We’re delighted to join the Grand Rapids Public Museum in a fun and light-hearted competition that shows off how we put you at the center of science in everything we do,” said Christian Greer. “During the competition, we’ll challenge your perception of reality with our Ames Room, take a trip on the Apollo Capsule from the Rocket Garden in our Space Gallery, visit a Wind Tunnel, learn about sustainability with something called a ‘Fatberg’ and then swing back home to Michigan to land on our version of the Mackinac Bridge. We think it will be a lot of fun for everyone watching at home.”
Due to closures across the world in the beginning of the pandemic, the Yorkshire Museum, located in England, launched a weekly #CuratorBattle competition on Twitter to challenge other museums to showcase their collections based on a particular theme. Through this inspiration, the GRPM took the idea of a curator competition to Facebook in August of 2020 to connect with its online community in a fun and unique way, while also showcasing the Museum’s artifacts, specimens, and staff expertise. Since the launch, the Museum has partnered with local West Michigan cultural organizations including Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and looks forward to expanding to more regional partners and beyond to continue the friendly competition to educate and entertain each organization’s online audience.
“Currently, the GRPM is the only organization hosting live conversations of this type that we know of, and it’s been exciting to see the engagement of our community learning about the Museum and our Collections, as well as to see the partnerships that have come out of this idea,” said Alee’a Cherry, Marketing Manager at the GRPM. “Although the title of the event mentions “curator,” the Museum has found creative ways to incorporate organizations that don’t have curators on staff to be more inclusive so we can partner with a wider variety of organizations.”
Michigan Science Center in Detroit
Each Curator Battle is hosted by the GRPM and features five topics that the contenders will speak on for a few minutes each. The presentation is also complemented by high quality images and/or video. Viewers are encouraged to ask the contenders questions, leave comments and share the event to show support of the program. The Curator Battle videos will live on the GRPM’s Facebook page for later viewing.
The GRPM will continue to engage local cultural organizations in the Curator Battle as it continues to expand. Viewers can tune into the next local battle against the Grand Rapids Public Library on Thursday, June 24 at 4 p.m. on the GRPM’s Facebook page (@grmuseum). The GRPM’s Collections Curator Andrea Melvin will be battling against the GRPL’s Head of Grand Rapids History and Special Collections, Julie Tabberer.
Organizations interested in participating in one of the GRPM’s Curator Battles can inquire by reaching out to info@grpm.org.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that tickets are now on sale for “Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks,” an award-winning and record-breaking exhibition that uses beautiful creations made from simple toy blocks to explore animal endangerment, the balance of ecosystems, and mankind’s relationship with nature. The exhibition will open at the GRPM Nov. 7.
Produced by Imagine Exhibitions, “Wild Connections” depicts important topics that artist Sean Kenney holds dear, from protecting an animals’ habitat, to planting a garden, or using a bike instead of a car. “Wild Connections” shows that just as LEGO® pieces interconnect, everything in nature is interconnected in a delicate balance. The narratives, along with the intricate displays, explore the importance of conservation, the balance of ecosystems, predator/prey relationships, as well as the relationships between humankind and the natural world. Most importantly, the exhibition allows visitors to appreciate both nature and the sculptures as something beautiful and inspires them to go home and create something wonderful themselves.
Explore the beauty and wonder of“Sean Kenney’s Wild Connections Made with LEGO® Bricks.” Timed tickets on the hour are now on sale at grpm.org/WildConnections or by calling 616-929-1700. Tickets will be $12 for adults and $7 for children with discounts for Kent County residents and Museum members. Advance ticketing required. Members can see the exhibit first at the member-only preview Nov. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Members must reserve tickets in advance.
As part of the exhibition, the Grand Rapids Public Museum designed and built several components that will be added to the exhibition including interactives measuring How far can you jump?, How tall are you in LEGOs?, a LEGO® themed photo op, and an animal tracks scavenger hunt for families. Two additional hands-on interactives will be available later in the exhibition run as determined by COVID-19 safety guidelines. All interactives will travel with “Wild Connections” on its tour following the showcase in Grand Rapids.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that a Backyard Stargazing virtual meet-up from the GRPM’s Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will be offered to GRPM members and the public on Thursday, July 23 at 4:30 p.m.
Virtual visitors will journey the depths of the universe, alongside the GRPM’s planetarium experts to learn about the upcoming Perseid meteor shower, tips and tricks on how to spot planets and constellations in the night sky and more.
“The planetarium is a large part of the GRPM experience,” said Kate Kocienski, the GRPM’s Vice President of Marketing and PR. “We are happy to offer affordable, educational programming during this time when we are unable to welcome visitors to the Chaffee Planetarium. In this program, visitors of all ages can enjoy learning about upcoming celestial events.”
Backyard Stargazing is free for GRPM members and only $2 (per link) for the general public. Capacity is limited; early registration is recommended. Only one ticket link is needed per household. Tickets can be reserved or purchased a grpm.org/Calendar.
Meet-ups are in webinar style held via Zoom, so attendees will be able to see the GRPM panelists, but not each other. A brief Q & A session will follow the presentation.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is now open and welcoming visitors. Explore three floors of core exhibitions, along with Bodies Revealed, extended through September 27. Limited capacity; advance ticketing is required. For additional details about the new GRPM visitor experience, visit grpm.org/the-grpms-new-visitor-experience/. At this time, the Chaffee Planetarium is temporarily closed. For updates, please visit grpm.org.
Did you get a telescope over the holidays, or do you have one sitting around collecting dust because you find it difficult to use? Do you want to learn more about what to look for in the sky and resources that can lead to better enjoyment from backyard stargazing?
Learn more about astronomy and the night sky from the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) and Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association (GRAAA) as they team up again this year to offer three introductory Saturday afternoon classes at Schuler Books and Music, 2660 28th St., Grand Rapids. Each of the one-hour “Astronomy as a Hobby” sessions begins at 10:30 a.m., and is followed by a Telescope Tune-up Clinic from approximately 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. During the Telescope Clinic, experienced amateur astronomers will adjust personal telescopes and provide advice about proper use. Those wishing to come to only a Telescope Clinic session may do so.
The schedule for 2020 Astronomy as a Hobby classes and Telescope Tune-up clinics:
January 25 – The Ever Changing Sky Attendees will learn what to look for and when; sky motions and seasonal attractions during 2020 for naked eye, binoculars and telescope. Effective viewing of sky objects is highlighted.
February 8 – Telescopes, Accessories and How to Use Them Attendees will learn how to select the right telescope for their background and level of interest, and equipment challenges often encountered by novice amateur astronomers.
February 22 – What’s Next from My New Hobby Attendees will learn about the most recommended guides, star maps and online resources, along with stargazing tips. What options are available to learn more?
All activities are geared to a family audience, and are free and open to the public.
Students from the Grand Rapids Public Museum School will serve as docents on May 15. (Supplied)
By Christie Bender Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) just announced an additional Student Docent Day will be hosted by Grand Rapids Public Museum Middle School students on Wednesday, May 15.
Student Docent Days take place throughout the school year at the GRPM as part of GRPM Middle School students’ Place Based Design class. During this program, eighth grade students choose an artifact from the Museum’s Collections and through their classwork and research, design a story to guide Museum visitors to a deeper understanding of their chosen artifact and how it relates to existing exhibits.
“Student Docent Days are valuable because they allow students to share their work with a real audience,” said Erin Koren, Learning Specialist for the Grand Rapids Public Museum. “This additional day gives both the students another opportunity to share their learnings, but also GRPM visitors and field trip groups an engaging, new perspective on our exhibits.”
The additional Student Docent Day will take place on May 15 from 1:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The general public is encouraged to visit the Museum for the Student Docent Day, which is included with general admission to the Museum.
“We're all in the same boat ready to float off the edge of the world. The flat old world.”
― The Band (from the song "Life is a Carnival")
Wyoming’s annual Spring Carnival will open this weekend at Lamar Park. (Supplied)
Life is a carnival
West Michigan families are invited to come out to Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St SW, and enjoy carnival rides, food, and games April 26 – May 5. The carnival will be open Monday through Thursday from 4–8:30 p.m., Friday from 2– 8:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon–8:30 p.m. For the complete story, visit here.
VeggieCon is coming to Kentwood this weekend. (Supplied)
Eat your veggies!
VeggieCon, an event to educate the community more about healthy options, is coming at Encounter Church, 4620 Kalamazoo Ave. SE., Kentwood, on Saturday, April 27. 10 am. to 2 p.m. Along with many family friendly activities, there will be April 27, there will be a fresh produce display on site so people can see what produce is available at local farm stands. For the complete story, visit here.
This strange creature is part of Grand Rapids Public Museum’s “Expedition: Dinosaur exhibition” (Supplied/GRPM)
(Strange) creature comforts
The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s “Expedition: Dinosaur exhibition” has been extended, so visitors can now explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs and the hunt for their fossils through May 12. This exhibit has something for all ages, from life-sized and life-like animatronic dinosaurs – some controlled by visitors – to mechanical and electronic learning stations. For the complete story, visit here.
Fun fact:
240 million years
You may know that the world was full of dinosaurs 99 million years ago, but crocodilian creatures, including current crocodiles themselves – have been on Earth for an estimated 240 million years. Talk about adaptable! (Source)
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that by popular demand, the Expedition: Dinosaur exhibition has been extended by two weeks! Visitors can now explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs and the hunt for their fossils through May 12.
This exhibit has something for all ages, from life-sized and life-like animatronic dinosaurs – some controlled by visitors – to mechanical and electronic learning stations. Visitors learn about modern imaging techniques like high-energy neutron beams that reveal the inside of a T. Rex skull in microscopic detail never seen before. The exhibit includes a number of hands-on interactives that explain dinosaur movement, digestion, and evolution, and show the life and methods of dinosaur hunters from the 1800s to today.
“The Grand Rapids Public Museum is pleased to extend Expedition: Dinosaur in response to the community’s excitement of the exhibit, giving us the opportunity to allow more visitors to experience the science behind paleontology and these fascinating creatures,” said Kate Kocienski, VP of Marketing and PR for the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Expedition: Dinosaur taps into our fascination with these incredible creatures, and is perhaps the closest experience to what it would have been like to be in the presence of a living, breathing Mesozoic-era dinosaur.
Admission for Expedition: Dinosaur is $12 for adults, $7 for children, $9 for Kent County adults, $4 for Kent County children, and $2 for Museum members.
Expedition: Dinosaur was developed by Stage Nine Exhibitions.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) just announced Snowflake Break activities and additional displays at the Museum for the holiday season. Snowflake Break includes a variety of family friendly programs and activities themed around special exhibits Expedition: Dinosaur and TOYS!
Finny, the finback whale skeleton, greats visitors as the enter the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
During Snowflake Break at the GRPM, visitors can make a variety of crafts including their own themed snowflakes, sock monkey hats, dinosaur kirigami, punch tin, play a variety of over-sized games, and explore Expedition: Dinosaur and TOYS!
Expedition: Dinosaur is perhaps the closest experience to what it would have been like to be in the presence of a living, breathing Mesozoic-era dinosaur, and TOYS! lets visitors rekindle childhood memories as they create new ones. Additionally, the Museum has holiday displays for visitors of all ages to enjoy from additions to the Streets of Old Grand Rapids, the Herpolsheimer’s Child Passenger Train from the Museum’s Collections, historic LEGO® display of Grand Rapid and more.
Snowflake Break runs from Dec. 22 through Jan. 6. General admission includes hands–on activities for Snowflake Break, special holiday displays and the TOYS! exhibit. Expedition: Dinosaur is an additional $4 per person and $2 for Museum members.
Kent County residents receive reduced admission. Kent County adults are only $5 for general admission and Kent County children 17 and under are FREE general admission.
Holiday Displays
Historic LEGO® Display – See historic Grand Rapids like never before; built from LEGO®s. The 1925-era display, complete with operating trams, will be on display in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibition now through January 18, 2019 and is included with general admission. Built by the West Michigan LEGO® Train Club.
Santa’s Rocket Express is now on display at the museum through Jan. 18.
Herpolsheimer’s Child Passenger Train – Visitors to the Museum can enjoy a community favorite on display – the Herpolsheimer’s Child Passenger Train. The Train is included with general admission to the Museum and will be on display through Jan. 18.
The monorail train debuted as “Santa’s Rocket Express” when the new Herpolsheimer’s Department Store opened in in 1949. Recognizable to any baby-boomer resident of Grand Rapids, the train chugged along the ceiling of the toy department at the Herpolsheimer’s Department Store, which sat at the corner of Fulton and Division streets in downtown Grand Rapids.
Santa and Elf Hunt – Find 15 historic Santas from around the World in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids, and 12 elves hidden throughout the 3 floors of the Museum. The Santa & Elf Hunt is included with general admission.
Let it Snow Planetarium Show – 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, laser imagery and special effects. Tickets are $4 each with general admission to the Museum, free to Museum members and $5 each for planetarium only tickets. Let it Snow will run through Jan. 6.
Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium
The GRPM announced that the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium recently underwent upgrades introducing the latest Digistar technology! The new Digistar system provides the latest in resolution quality, content features and immersive surround sound for an out of this world experience.
The Planetarium re-opened this November with its newest upgrade since March of 2014 after a major renovation that included new technology, sound system, full dome and seating.
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 has gone through renovations to provide the best experience for Planetarium visitors.
Two happy children are having fun pretending to be in the dinosaur jaw
Expedition: Dinosaur
Expedition: Dinosaur explores the fascinating world of dinosaurs and the hunt for their fossils! From life-sized and lifelike animatronic dinosaurs – some controlled by visitors – to mechanical and electronic learning stations. The exhibit includes a number of hands-on interactives that explain dinosaur movement, digestion, and evolution, and show the life and methods of dinosaur hunters from the 1800s to today.
Expedition: Dinosaur taps into our fascination with these incredible creatures. It is perhaps the closest experience to what it would have been like to be in the presence of a living, breathing Mesozoic-era dinosaur.
Take a trip down memory lane in the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s “TOYS!” exhibit.
TOYS!
TOYS! is an interactive, multi-generation exhibition of toys and games to rekindle childhood memories and spark the creation of new ones.
Baby Boomers loved Paper Dolls, Erector Sets, and Mr. Potato Head, Gen Xers preferred Holly Hobbie and Hot Wheels, and Millennials have never known a world without Super Mario or My Little Pony. Some toys, like Barbie and G.I. Joe, have adapted to appeal to different generations and remain popular today. Toys and games have changed over time, but the desire to imagine, compete, and create has not.
The exhibit, designed and curated by the GRPM staff, features toys and games from the Museum’s Collections and on loan from community members. Visitors will imagine, compete and create, while going on a journey of toys through generations.
Through the design process of the exhibition, the Museum worked with several experts from the community making sure the design was as inclusive as possible so everyone visiting can enjoy it. The exhibition is being presented in both English and Spanish, and also includes Braille.
Hipster Santa makes a stop at the Grand Rapids Public Museum Dec. 8.
This holiday season, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, in partnership with The People Picture Company, Hipster Santa will be stopping by the Grand Rapids Public Museum on Saturday, Dec. 8, for photo opportunities.
“The Museum is excited to host Hipster Santa this holiday season,” said Kate Kocienski, VP of Marketing & PR for the GRPM. “It’s a perfect combination of your favorite backdrop with a new take on Santa.”
Hipster Santa will be set up in the Museum’s Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibition’s Barrel Factory from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8. All ages are welcome to purchase picture packages, which are $65, to be printed on site, during their visit to the Museum.
“The People Picture Company is pleased to support institutions with community impact like the Grand Rapids Public Museum,” said founder and owner Adam Bird. “Hipster Santa is a fun, slightly different take on the holiday tradition of family Santa Claus pictures, making it a delightful activity for people of all ages.”
Leading up to Dec. 8, be sure to check out social media accounts for the Grand Rapids Public Museum and The People Picture Company for the 12 days of Hipster Santa, as Hipster Santa explores all that the GRPM has to offer.
Photo packages may be purchased in advance online at thepeoplepicturecompany.com/hipster-santa for $65. Visitors are also welcome to get a photo with Hipster Santa while at the Museum on December 8 on a first-come, first-served basis, photo package fees still apply. General admission to the Museum is required to have access to pictures with Hipster Santa.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced that a special evening series of programs will take place this summer at the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium. Three evenings this summer will include a special spotlighted show, along with opportunities for attendees to relax, socialize and learn more in-depth about astronomy.
Special late-night Chaffee Planetarium evenings will be held on Thursdays on July 12, Aug. 2 and Sept. 6 with each program having a specific theme. GRPM doors open at 7 p.m., with the planetarium show beginning at 7:30 p.m.
On July 12, join the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium for a special one-night-only double feature of Dark Side: The Light Show and NEW! The Queen Light Show: From Mercury with Love!
Dark Side: The Light Show is the Museum’s first original planetarium production since the new generation of planetarium technology, and is set to the music of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon album. Experience this iconic album as never before in this one-of-a-kind light show, featuring stunning 4k visuals, brilliant LED sequences and incredibly clear 5.1 surround sound.
Experience ten of Queen’s greatest hits in this brand new show, including favorites like Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust and You’re My Best Friend. The Queen Light Show: From Mercury with Love is brought to the Chaffee Planetarium from Longway Planetarium in Flint, MI.
*These shows contain some adult language and dizzying effects. It is not recommended for individuals prone to motion sickness, seizures or light sensitivity.
Tickets for the July 12 light show double feature are free to Museum members, $5 for non-members and can be purchased at grpm.org.
Additional evening planetarium shows will take place August 2 and September 6.
August 2 – Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Astronaut?
Join the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium for a special evening for the full astronaut experience! Start the evening in the planetarium watching Space School, a new documentary based show, to learn the incredible story of how astronauts train underwater to live and work in space. Missions will be given to participants to see if they can complete the tasks and reach their destination!
After Space School, visitors can take command of space vehicles through video game technology in the Museum’s summer exhibition, Be The Astronaut! In a special guided-tour with an expert, visitors will chart their course to the Moon, Mars and beyond. The exhibition features detailed digital recreations of actual places in the solar system built using data from NASA space probes.
September 6 – Night Sky Trivia
Explore the night sky inside and out! Start by learning end-of-summer constellations and current astronomy events in the GRPM’s Chaffee Planetarium. Participate in an extended version of the Under Scorching Skies live show to delve into the current astronomical events.
Following the planetarium show, venture outside for telescopic observations with the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association (GRAAA). See what you can find in the night sky above the city, with a star chart and astronomy experts to guide you. Participants can plan to see Saturn, Jupiter and Mars, as well as some of the very brightest stars such as those that make up the Summer Triangle.
*Outdoor observation is weather-dependent, and alternate indoor activities will include a trivia tournament in the newly renovated Meijer Theater.
Tickets for August 2 and September 6 are $8 for Museum members, and $12 for non-members and can be purchased at grpm.org.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced today that it will showcase pieces from its Fashion Collection in a special pop-up experience this weekend only – Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2. This pop up experience, will showcase the Collections process of photographing, cataloging and documenting artifacts for the Museum’s online database, grpmcollections.org.
The GRPM’s artifact photography station, used behind-the-scenes on a daily basis, will be brought to the main floor Galleria at the Museum’s downtown location. GRPM curatorial staff will be taking high-quality digital images for a portion of the Museum’s historic clothing collection that will include swimsuits, athletic wear and children’s clothing. These images will be immediately available on grpmcollections.org.
Visitors will get to learn about the process of researching the garment to find out how it was worn and can assist staff with dressing mannequins for photography, getting a close up look at some of the Museum’s clothing treasures. Curatorial staff can answer questions about the process, as well as the Collections in general.
Boy’s sailor suite circa 1915
Normally photographing the Collections is a behind-the-scenes task. Improving the cataloging content supports GRPM’s interpretive programs, increases primary source learning resources for teachers and students, and expands research opportunities through grpmcollections.org
This pop up experience will be in the Museum’s Galleria from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 1 and June 2, 2018 and will be included with general admission to the GRPM. For further details, visit grpm.org/calendar.
This project part of an inventory and cataloging project of 5,600 clothing objects made possible with the support of the Institute of Museums and Library Services: Museums for America grant program.
All-American Girls Professional Baseball Uniform League Uniform, circa 1952
Identified in the GRPM’s long range preservation plan, the GRPM’s historical clothing Collection has long been recognized as one of the Museum’s most fragile assets. The IMLS grant in is significantly improving the physical management of the Collection by consolidating it into the GRPM’s climate-controlled collection storage facility and re-housing individual pieces as needed. This is a matching grant, in which the GRPM matched the IMLS contribution.
Since the GRPM began collecting in 1854, it has amassed a comprehensive Collection of clothing items, with strengths in fashionable garments from the 19th and 20th centuries. The Collection is especially strong in the areas of women’s clothing, wedding attire, military uniforms, items with local provenance, as well as unique special function items such as women’s athletic wear.
Trillions of microbes make their homes inside our bodies, and the Grand Rapids Public Museum will introduce you to them! Opening May 19, Zoo in You: Microbes, allows all ages to explore this fascinating and complex world inside us that is our microbiome— a dynamic, adaptable and delicately balanced ecosystem much like any other found in nature.
At Zoo in You, learn who our constant microbial companions are, where they live, how diverse they are and in what ways scientists are discovering just how important they are to our personal health. Visitors are invited to explore this vibrant world of our inner microorganisms through engaging, interactive, and bilingual exhibits and programs.
“The Museum is excited to take our visitors to a microscopic level to have fun while learning about the organisms who live inside us,” said Kate Moore, VP of Marketing & PR. “This exhibit is a great, hands-on way for all ages to learn more about science. The community can look forward to additional science programming and events to go along with this new exhibit!”
Zoo in You has three thematic areas: Meet the Microbes, Our Complex Ecosystems and Exploring our Microbiome:
Meet the Microbes
Go on an interactive journey to learn all about the four major types of microbes that live in and on us! From bacteria to archaea, fungi to viruses, these tiny non-human organisms outnumber our human cells ten to one. Through hands-on activities, learn about “good” microbes, watch how our microbiome reacts to every day occurrences, and manipulate a marble maze to learn how a newborn baby is first colonized by microbes.
Our Complex Ecosystems
Delve deeper into the lives of microbes with green screen technology to get a “weather report” on the climate conditions of your nose, mouth, gut or skin, and a touch-screen video game that challenges guests to keep gut microbes in balance. Adults and kids alike are invited to explore the eye-opening hand “washing” station to observe just how long it takes to be free of germs.
Exploring Our Microbiome
Get up close and personal with microbes as they answer tough questions and use a microscope to examine real preserved specimens. Build your own viruses using puzzle pieces, assemble DNA strands as quickly as possible, and even try your hand at matching DNA patterns to the correct microbes. Plus, a unique photo opportunity allows you to imagine what they would look like as a microbe.
Zoo In You is free with general admission to the GRPM and runs through September 2, 2018. For more information, visit grpm.org/ZooInYou.
Museum members can be the first to see the exhibit on Saturday, May 19 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the members only preview! Members can RSVP for the member preview at grpm.org/ZooInYou.
Zoo in You was produced and is toured by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. This exhibit was made possible by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Jim Pestka, university distinguished professor of food science and human nutrition, Melissa Bates, Ph.D student and Jack Harkema, university distinguished professor of pathobiology, work at the microscope on Tuesday August 30, 2016. (Photo supplied)
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) just announced a new exhibit, TheLife of the Mind, opening Saturday, October 21, telling the story of mental health treatment from the late 18th century through to today.
The Life of the Mind explores the evolution of mental health care based on an increase in knowledge of how the brain and mind works and on society’s changing perspectives of mental illnesses.
Featured artifacts from the GRPM’s extensive Collections provide fascinating evidence about the progression of medical intervention for mental illness from radical treatments of the 19th and 20th centuries, to the more research-based therapies of present-day practice.
This new exhibit will accompany the traveling exhibition Brain: The World Inside Your Head offering visitors a deeper dive and local angle on the subject matter.
“The Museum continuously works to add a Grand Rapids component to all of our experiences for the community. With the Brain exhibit, it’s a natural tie to the topic of mental health, and is a collaboration with local students at Calvin College,” said Dale Robertson, President & CEO of the GRPM. “The exhibit is unique as it tells the story of nationwide changes to mental health treatments over time using Grand Rapids artifacts.”
Many artifacts featured in The Life of the Mind were generously donated to the GRPM by Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Hospital where they had been originally used. Established in 1910, Pine Rest is one of only a handful of private, independent, free-standing behavioral healthcare institutions that remains in the United States, and is one of the largest with 198 inpatient beds.
The Life of the Mind exhibit was developed by GRPM staff, based on a student project from Calvin College, where Historical Research and Writing students presented the concepts of a mental health exhibit to tell of the technological and societal changes in advancement of mental health care. The GRPM has worked with the History Department at Calvin College since 2011 in various capacities, including provided Collections access for several classes.
This exhibit is running in conjunction with the Museum’s current traveling exhibit Brain: The World Inside Your head. Both exhibits are included with the cost of general admission to the Museum, and run through January 7, 2018.
Brain: The World Inside Your Head
Brain literally takes you inside the head to probe the geography of a giant brain and stand in the midst of the brain’s constant electrical brainstorm as thoughts and sensations are generated.
Upon entry into the exhibit, visitors walk through a shimmering tunnel of flashing fiber-optics that illuminates networks of neurons firing and communicating. From this dynamic beginning, Brain invites guests deeper into the brain to discover its basic workings. Trace this brain’s development from infancy through old age, learn the evolution of scientists’ understanding of the brain’s physiology and study the re-created skull of Phineas Gage — a man who survived after his brain was pierced by a metal rod.
For audiences of all ages, the experience-based exhibit employs innovative special effects, 3D reproductions, virtual reality, hands-on learning activities and interactive technology to delve into the inner workings of the brain, including its processes, potentials and mysteries.
For more information about The Life of the Mind or other exhibits and activities at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, visit grpm.org.
The Public Museum’s Beer Explorers program will again team with Brewery Vivant to offer a class on how and why beer tastes so darn good. (Supplied)
By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
The Muskegon Oktoberfest 2-day fundraiser for Muskegon Winter Sports Complex is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6-7, will include a “beer trail” event Saturday from 5-9 p.m. and features specially brewed beers from Pigeon Hill Brewing Company, Unruly Brewing Co., Fetch Brewing Co., and Grand Armory Brewing Company.
Beers from several other craft breweries, hard ciders and wine will be available. (Domestic beer will also be available, but not sure why.) Five biergartens throughout the trail will feature live musical acts, with the Oktoberfest main stage featuring headlining act Westside Soul Surfers from 7-1 p.m.
The fun begins Friday with a “tapping of the kegs” ceremony and a 5K Fun Trail Run under the lights at Muskegon State Park. Saturday, from 3-9 p.m., family events are planned with kid’s activities including a wheel luge track, archery, a pumpkin roll down the luge track and more. Music from traditional German band Ein Prosit will begins at 3:30 p.m.
Free shuttle service will be available to transport guests due to limited parking at the Winter Sports Complex. Shuttle service will run Friday, 6-11:30 p.m., and Saturday, 5-11:30 p.m., with pick up at the state park beach parking lot and the Block House. Guests are encouraged to use the shuttle system to alleviate parking and traffic congestion around the sports complex.
KDL Uncorked program continues with tours, ‘Ladies Night’
The Kent District Library’s Uncorked program will continue with three programs this month, starting Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. with a tour and talk at Gray Skies Distillery, and including later in the month a mead tour at Arktos Meadery, a ladies night wine tasting, and “Geeks Who Drink” quiz night.
The tour at Grey Skies, located at 700 Ottawa NW, Grand Rapids, includes a tasting and behind the scenes look at the process of creating spirits.
The tour of Arktos Meadery, 251 Center Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, will be Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 5 p.m. This tour — which requires pre-registration — will look at how mead is made and have a tasting event.
Also on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 6-8 p.m., KDL will continue its “KDL Uncorked: Ladies Night”, this time at the East Grand Rapids branch, 746 Lakeside Dr. SE. Wine tasting will be provided by The Crushed Grape, and chocolate and cheese tastings will be provided by The Cheese Lady. During the program, participants will learn about wine pairings and how to create their own.
Finally, on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 7-9 p.m., a special event “Geeks Who Drink” quiz night will be held at the Atwater Brewery, 201 Michigan St. NW, in Grand Rapids. According to supplied material: “If you possess encyclopedic knowledge about “Seinfeld,” can recite Sonic Youth’s entire discography in chronological order, or you want to impress your friend by showing off your otherwise useless knowledge, then this event is for you.”
All programs are for adults, age 21 and older. For more information on any of the events visit kdl.org .
GRAM’s Beer Explorers teams with Brewery Vivant, GRCC
The Grand Rapids Public Museum, in partnership with Brewery Vivant and Grand Rapids Community College, will present a Beer Explorers class examining the science of tasting, on Thursday, Oct. 12.
Brewery Vivant’s Ryan Engeman and GRCC brewery students will host three interactive beer stations, each related to a different sense. According to supplied information, participants will learn how our brains process flavor profiles, and learn about aroma, color, feel and taste of beer.
The Class begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held on the first floor of GRPM. Admission to class includes three beer samples, as well as access to the Museum’s first two floors to explore, and a cash bar will be available. Participants must be 21 and older. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 for non-members and can be purchased at grpm.org/calendar.
During ArtPrize Nine the Grand Rapids Public Museum will be open with regular Museum hours and half off general admission fees.
This means that a Kent County adult resident who would normally pay $5 would pay $2.50. Kent County seniors and students go from $3 to $1.50 each.
The Museum will be showcasing “Brain: The World Inside Your Head” traveling exhibit, free with paid admission. This exhibit takes visitors through the human head, learning about neurons firing, how the brain works and much more.
The GRPM will once again host an outdoor exhibition in which the artwork will visually lend itself to the setting of the Museum grounds. Each year the GRPM curates a rewarding experience with approachable art that is intriguing, distinctive and engages the viewer’s capacity for awe and curiosity. Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids along the busy river walkway, the GRPM is able to offer a 24-hour experience.
The GRPM will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays of ArtPrize. For more information about artists, exhibitions, special programming and tickets visit grpm.org.
Through this partnership, GRPM members can visit GRAM during the month of August and receive free general admission and discounts in the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s store. GRAM members can in return visit the GRPM and receive free general admission, free planetarium shows, free carousel rides, and FREE admission to the special exhibit “Mindbender Mansion!”
Grand Rapids Art Museum (supplied).
As an added benefit GRAM members will receive member pricing to the Grand Rapids Maker Faire, hosted by the GRPM, taking place August 19th & 20th. Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to scientists to artists and crafters, Maker Faire is a venue showcasing inventions, creations and more.
“It’s a great time to be a member of the GRPM!” said Kate Moore, VP of Marketing and PR for the Grand Rapids Public Museum. “We are thankful to the Art Museum for their partnership, making it possible for us to offer even more to the community.”
“GRAM’s proud to partner with the Grand Rapids Public Museum for the third year in a row,” commented Juliana Nahas-Viilo, Membership Manager of the Grand Rapids Art Museum. “The Grand Rapids Public Museum is one of the many outstanding cultural institutions in our city, and we are excited to offer this reciprocal benefit to our members.”
For more information on the reciprocal membership benefits or to become a member of the GRPM, please visit grpm.org/membership.
Grand Rapids Maker Faire
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, educators, 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.
Join the family-friendly celebration of tech enthusiasts, crafters, hobbyists, engineers, artists, and commercial exhibitors. Visitors will be hands-on driving robots, being a part of an iron pour, testing renewable energy sources, seeing 3D printing and more!
The Faire will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19 and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 20th. More information and tickets available at GrandRapids.MakerFaire.com.
Eclipse Party
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is hosting a special Eclipse Day Party on August 21st between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to celebrate the total eclipse that will span the continental United States. The Eclipse Day will include hands-on solar related activity booths, multiple shows on the half hour of “Eclipses and Phases of the Moon” in the Chaffee Planetarium, and a live stream of the total eclipse will be shown in the Meijer Theater.
Activities as part of the Eclipse Party will be included with general admission to the Museum. GRAM and GRPM members be FREE for this event. Activities will take place outside, weather permitting. Visitors attending the Grand Rapids Maker Faire on August 19th and 20th, will receive free admission to the Eclipse Day Party by wearing their event wristband! Visit grpm.org for more information.
Curiosity Labs will continue this summer at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) as part of their ongoing science programming, making science accessible and fun for children and families. Curiosity Labs take place once per month on Saturdays and change focus each time.
July’s Curiosity Labs will focus on Mystery Solving Science, and will take place on Saturday, July 22. Participants can help the Museum solve mysteries using science! Learn to think like a scientist and conduct two hands on experiments. In this lab, kids will search clues to find out who stole a missing artifact from the Museum’s Collections, using hands-on scientific techniques.
On August 12, visitors can learn more about food in the What’s in My Garden? Lab. Are you interested in the food we eat and where it comes from? In this Curiosity Lab, kids will be hands-on learning about gardens, from how to care and harvest, down to what is in the soil that helps plants grow. Kids will prepare their own snack using some of the vegetables from the Museum’s urban garden. This lab will partially take place outside, weather permitting.
Labs take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on their scheduled date. Labs are designed for children to work alone or to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. It is recommended children 8 and under have a parent or guardian with them. Tickets can be purchased at grpm.org/science or by clicking here.
“This is a great way for kids and families to learn together about science!” said Dr. Stephanie Ogren, the Museum’s Science Director. “These special lab experiences were designed after our successful weekly ongoing science programs, Science Tuesdays. At the Museum our goal is to make science accessible to all learners.”
Additional Summer Family Programming at the GRPM
Camp Curious
Additional experiences at the Grand Rapids Public Museum this summer include Camp Curious summer camps that explore the wonders of science, history, culture, art and fun. For 9 weeks this summer, kids age 4-14 can use the Museum as a learning lab in a variety of camp themes.
Camp Curious runs through August 14 with various sessions available depending on age and interest. Discounts are available for enrollment in multiple camps and by registering multiple campers. Additionally, Museum members receive discounts off each camp.
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. To register and to learn more about Camp Curious, visit grpm.org/CampCurious or call 616.929.1700.
Special Exhibits — Creatures of Light & Mindbender Mansion
In Creatures of Light visitors will move through a series of luminous environments, from the familiar mushrooms on land to the extreme in the deepest parts of the ocean, to explore the diversity of organisms that glow and how they do it. Visitors will discover the ways in which light is used to attract a mate, lure unsuspecting prey and defend against a predator, and to learn how, where and why scientists study this amazing natural phenomenon. Creatures of Light is open through July 9.
In Mindbender Mansion, families will enjoy exercising their minds as they try to master each of the 40 individual brain teasers and the 5 group activities in this fun and unconventional new exhibit. Visitors to Mindbender Mansion will be greeted by the wacky Mr. E., master brainteaser and puzzler extraordinaire to explain the mysteries of Mindbender Mansion, then will set out to gather hidden clues and secret passwords. Upon completing each of the select brainteasers and group challenges, visitors will see if they gathered the necessary clues and passwords to become a member of the Mindbender Society and add their portrait to the “Wall of Fame.” Mindbender Mansion is open through September 3.
Science Tuesdays is an ongoing educational experience, offering science programming based on changing themes each month. 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.
July will focus on amazing explosions, and will teach about the minerals responsible for the fantastic colors in firework displays. Participants will learn about exothermic and endothermic chemical reactions through demonstrations and quick experiments.
August Science Tuesdays will focus on food. Learn about where the food we eat comes from. Visitors can discuss large scale agricultural science as well as community gardening. Museum artifacts will feature historical food-making devices and utensils to emphasize the relationship between food and culture.
For more information on Museum programming and exhibits, please visit grpm.org.
At the Grand Rapids Public Museum ‘Creatures of Light’ exhibit
By Kate Moore, Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM)is partnering with the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum to offer extended reciprocal membership benefits for the month of May.
Through this partnership, GRPM members can visit the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museumand receive free general admission. Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum members in return can visit the GRPM and receive free general admission, free planetarium shows and free carousel rides. Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum members will also be able to visit the traveling exhibit Creatures of Light free of charge for the entire month of May, as well as visit Mindbender Mansion as a GRPM member for free between May 27 and May 31.
“It’s great to be able to offer additional opportunities for our members,” said Jerica Starr, Education Coordinator at the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum. “The Grand Rapids Public Museum will offer a great new experience for our members and we hope that the Grand Rapids Public Museum members enjoy their trip to the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum!”
For more information on the reciprocal membership benefits or to become a member of the GRPM, please go here.
Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a publicly owned institution that is home to more than 250,000 unique artifacts that tell the history of Kent County and beyond, houses the only planetarium in the region, and is responsible for protecting the Norton Indian Mounds, a national historic landmark. 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.
At the Mount Pleasant Discovery Museum
Mt. Pleasant Discovery Center
The Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to sparking creativity, nourishing learning, and inspiring curiosity of children through self-directed discovery in an engaging hands-on environment. The museum provides fun, hands-on exhibits to promote learning for children ages 0-12 in Mid-Michigan and surrounding areas. The discovery museum is a place that sparks curiosity and promotes learning. Each exhibit also aligns with Michigan’s Common Core Standards.
The discovery museum is located on at 5093 E Remus Rd, Mount Pleasant MI 48858 next to Morey Courts and the Isabella County Events (ICE) Arena.
For additional information please go here or call 989.317.3221.
Science Tuesdays for March will focus on watersheds.
During the month of March, visitors can join the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) for hands-on Watershed Science. As part of monthly Science Tuesdays, hands-on science activities will highlight the Grand River watershed and its impact within the community.
Learners of all ages will be engaged by interactive activities including watercolor map painting, identifying and viewing aquatic organisms, and learning about indicator species whose presence alone give indication of the water quality. See GRPM artifacts, including historic log ends and specimens that live in our Grand River watershed.
Science Tuesdays take place throughout the day every Tuesday in the Museum’s Galleria 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.
Special Saturdays at the GRPM will have Science Saturday with hands-on activities related to that month’s Science Tuesdays theme. Science Saturdays will take place in the Museum’s Galleria and be free with general admission. Science Saturdays will take place March 4 and 11.
On Saturday, March 11, join the GRPM for Glow Lab – this month’s Curiosity Lab. Kids will explore and interact with organisms and objects that use a variety of strategies to produce intriguing lights and colors. This lab features glowing dinoflagellates, fluorescent minerals, color-changing plant material and other unexpected objects that kids can view in the dark and under UV light. Curiosity Labs take place at 11 a.m. and at 1 p.m. Limited tickets available, recommended for ages 8 and older. Tickets are available at grpm.org/Science-Tuesdays.
Future Science Tuesdays are themed around activities happening in the community and at the Museum. For upcoming themes and activities, please visit grpm.org/Science-Tuesdays.
Join the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) Thursday, Feb. 9, for the next performance of Concerts Under the Stars – a new series in the Chaffee Planetarium. Visitors enjoy a live concert with a fully immersive audio and visual experience.
Following a sold out performance on Jan. 19, Janga will be performing funk music accompanied by a live full-dome light show, while visitors sit back and experience the wonder of the cosmos with the wonder of music.
This show will feature the music of Janga, the solo project of Grand Rapids-based composer, keyboardist, percussionist and cyclist Theo Ndawillie II, accompanied by musicians from Vox Vidorra and the Grand Rapids Symphony. Theo spends most of his time performing and writing with his band Vox Vidorra, teaching at Triumph Music Academy, and working on commissions. Theo has been commissioned by the Grand Rapids Symphony, Symmetry Films (shehimher), ADAPT Theatre Company and others. His hobbies include finding ways to combine musical endeavors with various forms of environmental and social activism. Theo has been a member of the Well House Board of Directors since January 2016.
The Concerts Under the Stars series features visuals by Nate Eizenga. For the past decade, Nate has been fascinated by performances that use visual imagery to enhance the experience of live music. Frustrated with preprocessed, press-play videos, he taught himself to mix and manipulate video in real-time, finally playing his first live show with musician Darkly in early November 2015. Since then he has continued to refine his craft, playing alongside Darkly as well as DJs from Rocksteady Disco, FourFour SoundSystem and Vinyl Fetish. Possessing both musical synchronization and artistic spontaneity, his work is guaranteed to mesmerize even the most reserved viewers.
Concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments, beer and other beverages will be available for purchase.
Tickets are $10 for GRPM members, $12 for non-members if purchased in advance, and $15 for non-members on the day of the concert. Tickets are currently on sale at grpm.org, by calling 616-929-1700 or at the Museum’s front desk.
The 2017 Concerts Under the Stars Series will continue on March 16 with jazz-inspired electronic by Mishigami, and on April 6 with folk music by Emma Loo and Sam.
The Chaffee Planetarium is located at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW.
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.
