On Wed, November 11, 2009, Jim McClurken did a presentation for the Grand Rapids Public Library on his work in researching the history of Michigan Indians. He commented that when he started his research in the 1970s at the Grand Rapids Public Library there were only three books on Michigan’s Native Americans. Since that time [...]
Hey Foodies! Step back into Michigan’s past … Enjoy the nostalgia of old kitchen utensils worn thin through decades of use … Learn the secrets of measuring ingredients by the egg shell, hickory nut, pinch and dash. Priscilla and Larry Massie, a husband and wife team of historians from the [...]
Registration is now open for the Genealogy Lock-In, September 25,2009. The fun begins at 6pm and continues until 11pm. Volunteers will be available to help you with genealogy questions, Ancestry Library Edition, and Heritage Quest. Free printing, free parking, free refreshment!
Footnote, an outstanding subscription database available only at the Grand Rapids Main Library, is aimed at creating and sustaining an online community of users, researchers that discover genealogical records, interact with one another, and share information on common ancestors.
Now totaling more than 53 million images, much of Footnote’s content is culled from the collections of [...]
Ever wonder who built that house in Heritage Hill? Who lived there, when it was built, what significance the building might have?
The image below is what is called the Heritage Hill Inventory, which can be found in the Local History department. Conducted during the early to mid 1970’s this inventory lists all of the residential [...]
Had a patron coming in looking for information on a Bishop Rancans who resided here in Grand Rapids. This patron remembers their family had a picture of Bishop Rancans on their mantle while growing up and was trying to figure out why he was so important?
According to the book Where the Star Came to Rest [...]
Acoording to a 1911 article, within the Grand Rapids Press, the Grand Rapids Public Library was a recipient of the very first map of Grand Rapids.
The map was drawn by the surveyor Lucius Lyon in 1831. Lucius would soon become one of the leading citizens of the fledgling village. He would one day become [...]
Then why not come up to Local History and check out our real estate cards!
These cards were created by local realtors from the 1950’s-1990’s each time a piece of property was put up for sale in the city. These cards go into detail on the price, description, amenities, age, etc. on each property that was [...]
On Friday night, the Local History Department hosted another Genealogy Lock-In. We offered an Ancestry mini-class to those new to the Ancestry database, free printing, free parking, lots of guidance, and of course, snacks! Thanks to the Western Michigan Genealogical Society for their support , providing the munchies, and for their volunteers! [...]
The Grand Rapids History & Special Collections department of the Grand Rapids Public Library is featuring a new exhibit on Preservation in Grand Rapids. The exhibit was designed by Michael Moore, Graphics Illustrator for the City. Rhonda Baker, from the Historic Preservation Commission of the City Planning Department, did the intellectual content for the exhibit [...]
111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone (616) 988 5400
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