Grand Rapids Public Museum

It was so great to host you in the Van Dort Print Shop! Your donations of paper for the printing press in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids help us keep history alive!

Educators! 🍎 📚 Discover new ways to weave native history into your social studies and history classes through a one-day professional development session on Thursday, October 17, 2024! Facilitated by Anishnaabe Historian Eric Hemenway, Anishinaabek History in the Classroom: An Examination of Primary Sources to Help Tell Native Stories will focus on utilizing primary sources to help educators impart native history in the broader teaching of American, Michigan, and local history and Social Studies. The focus of this one-day session is for Secondary educators (Grades 6-12) who teach social studies, history, and civics. Participants will leave with high-quality, culturally appropriate sources to incorporate into their instruction, as well as increased background knowledge and confidence in teaching native history. Participants will also be provided with 5 MDE State SCECHs. Register today at https://lnkd.in/gSFfJSJ4

Hey, educators! 🍎 📚 Discover the world of freshwater mussels through the lenses of history, science, and culture in your classroom. The new digital booklet explores mussel anatomy, life cycles, habitat, threats to freshwater mussel survival, and efforts to preserve them. Freshwater mussels are a hot topic in West Michigan this fall with a massive relocation project underway in the Grand River. For the City of Grand Rapids to begin restoring the namesake whitewater rapids, endangered species of freshwater mussels must be moved to safety, and divers are currently hard at work collecting them. Throughout the activity guide, background information is provided through easy-to-understand language, diagrams, and photographs. Opportunities to reflect, sketch, and learn more will keep students engaged as they consider the differences between native and invasive species, make connections, and brainstorm their own ideas to protect these endangered freshwater mussels! Download the Virtual Discovery Kit today at https://bit.ly/4gfeOpO Photo credit: Gary J Wege, https://bit.ly/3z5eQQt

🚨Discovery Alert! 🚨 During ongoing riverfront construction at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, crews uncovered a historic centrifugal pump from William T. Powers’ Grand Rapids Electric Light and Power Company! This fascinating find is a key piece of our city’s industrial history. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to investigate this artifact. Curious about what's happening on the riverfront? Learn about how we're #ExpandingCuriosity through improved community access to the Grand River at grpm.org/expansion

We're passionate about educating GRPM visitors about the Grand River and its watershed. From events like Grand River Adventure to guided education programs around water quality and community watershed decision-making, visitors can learn how integral this resource is to West Michigan life. Now imagine how impactful learning about the importance of the Grand River would be right on the banks. This outdoor classroom space will serve generations of students and community members through powerful place-based learning. Learn more about how we're #ExpandingCuriosity on the riverfront at grpm.org/expansion

Last week, with the passage of the National Fossil Act, the Mastodon became the official fossil of the United States! Introduced by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Mike Braun (R-IN), the bill passed unanimously. We're particularly fond of this ancient giant here at the GRPM. You can learn about our mastodon specimens, including the recently discovered Clapp Family Mastodon, by reading our latest blog post: https://lnkd.in/gCiq92Un

Thanks for helping us spread the word Grand Rapids Magazine! We can't wait to welcome guests for Grand River Adventure this Saturday! This one-day, open-house-style event aims to bring community members together to highlight the Grand River's past, present, and future. Attendees will visit various stations to learn about efforts to preserve this valuable resource and actionable steps to contribute to those efforts. Free with general admission. https://lnkd.in/geaD6yRY

Happy back to school season, educators! 🍎 ✏️ There are endless ways a GRPM field trip can be integrated into your curriculum this school year. We have compiled resources that will help you make the most out of your class's experience from classroom activities and book lists to scavenger hunts and exhibit educator guides. Plus, field trips are affordable, at just $5 dollars per student, or if you're a Kent County group, FREE with a reservation. You can also add on planetarium shows or guided education programs with Museum educators that connect directly to curriculum. At the GRPM, we love to support students and teachers and are so excited to help provide memorable learning experiences in the school year ahead! Reserve your trip today at https://lnkd.in/gr98ZsTh

NEXT SATURDAY: Join us for the second annual Grand River Adventure at the GRPM on August 17, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.! 🛶 This one-day, open-house-style event aims to bring community members together to highlight the Grand River's past, present, and future. Attendees will visit various stations to learn about efforts to preserve this valuable resource and actionable steps to contribute to those efforts. Community partners will share about the ecosystem of the Grand River, local wildlife, hobbies that people can enjoy in and around the river, and artwork created with and inspired by nature. In addition, there will be two opportunities to go on a guided river walk at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. led by GRPM VP of Science & Education Dr. Stephanie Ogren and her team of sturgeon, mussel, and ecology experts. This event is free with general admission. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/g7z7jN5e

On June 15, 2024, The Grand Rapids Public Museum celebrated Loving Day for the second year in a row in collaboration with Ebony Road Players and Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. Loving Day celebrates the landmark Supreme Court decision in Loving vs. Virginia (1967), which struck down all state laws against interracial marriage in the US. A panel of prominent Grand Rapids families in relationships legally affirmed by Loving vs. Virginia (1967) shared their stories with the audience, exploring challenges, acceptance, love, community, and how their unions have made Grand Rapids the city it is today. Panelists included Juan and Mary Olivarez, Ruth and Carl Kelly, Edye Evans Hyde and Mike Hyde, and Arick Davis and Sarah Laman-Davis. Margie Derks Peterson, Chaplain at Fountain Street Church facilitated the conversation. Watch the full discussion: https://lnkd.in/g7s6VNB2 This event was part of the GRPM's GR Stories: 14th Amendment series "Learning, Living, and Loving and Grand Rapids. The final installment, "Living" will take place on August 6 at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Learn more at grpm.org/gr-stories