Grand Rapids Public Museum opens archives to community, expanding access to more than 250,000 artifacts and specimens
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GRAND RAPIDS - On Wednesday, the Grand Rapids Public Museum celebrated the opening of its newly completed public space at the Grand Rapids Public Museum Archives, transforming the facility into a more accessible destination for students, educators, researchers and community members to explore the history and stories of West Michigan.
The archives houses approximately 95% of the museum's collections, including more than 250,000 artifacts and specimens. The completed project creates new public and educational spaces designed to bring people closer to those collections through learning, research and discovery.
"At the heart of this project has always been a simple idea: the museum's collections belong to the community, and we should create meaningful opportunities for people to experience, study and learn from them," said Dale Robertson, president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Public Museum. "Today is not simply about opening a new space. It is about opening more of the Museum to our community and creating opportunities for discovery for generations to come."
Former Kent County Clerk and Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, a major donor to the project, highlighted the importance of preserving history while ensuring it remains accessible to future generations.
"When I chose to support this project, I did so because I believe deeply in the importance of preserving our history -- but also in making that history accessible," Land said. "A young person who walks into this space may discover something that sparks an interest in history, science, government or even their own family's story. I am proud to have played a role in helping make this possible and in opening a space that will benefit West Michigan for generations."
The project represents a partnership among the museum, City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, State of Michigan, donors, educators and community members.
"This space represents something important about Grand Rapids: We value our history, but we do not simply preserve it behind closed doors," said Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand. "By expanding public access to these archives and collections, we are giving residents an opportunity to better understand the people, events and ideas that shaped Grand Rapids. The result is a space that preserves our past while helping educate and inspire the next generation."
The new space also builds upon the museum's role as an educational resource, including its relationship with Grand Rapids Public Museum High School. Students will have opportunities to engage directly with artifacts, documents, specimens and other resources that can bring classroom subjects to life.
"As an educator, what excites me most about this space is what will happen here beginning now," said Erin Koren, director of education for the Grand Rapids Public Museum. "These archives and collections are not simply things we preserve. They are tools for learning, questioning, investigating and discovering. We look forward to seeing the research, questions, projects and discoveries that begin in this space and, most importantly, to welcoming the community in."
The State of Michigan also supported the project, helping turn the vision for greater community and educational access into a completed public space.
"State support for projects like this is ultimately an investment in people," said state Rep. John Fitzgerald, 83rd House District. "This space gives students, educators, researchers and residents greater access to resources that can deepen their understanding of history, science and the community around them. This is what we hope to accomplish through thoughtful public investment: bring partners together, expand opportunity and create something that will continue benefiting the community long after construction is complete."
The opening celebration also included the dedication of an America 250 plaque, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
"In 2026, our country is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, making this an especially appropriate place to recognize America 250," said Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington. "This public space gives our community a place where we can reflect on where we have been, recognize who we are and imagine what we can accomplish when we are united in purpose and pride. May this space, and the history preserved within it, inspire future generations."
Appropriately, the next generation had the final word in officially opening the new space. Odon Kiara, a Grand Rapids Public Museum High School student, concluded the ceremony and welcomed the community into the Archives.
"As students, we have the opportunity to learn in a place where history and science are not limited to what we read in a textbook," Kiara said. "We are surrounded by real artifacts, specimens, records and stories that allow us to ask questions and understand our community in a different way. I think it is fitting that we are celebrating both the history preserved here and the future generations who will learn from it."
A public institution with more than 250,000 artifacts, the Grand Rapids Public Museum has been part of the community since 1854. The museum tells the history of Kent County and offers three floors of exhibits, a planetarium and educational programs. It also protects The Mounds, a National Historic Landmark, and holds accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. The Museum is located at 272 Pearl St. NW in downtown Grand People may find more information, including hours, admission and events, at grpm.org.