Local History Research

Due to the time and staff resources involved in researching answers to local history , genealogy, and furniture questions, some fees apply to certain types of requests. Family history queries are answered by the Western Michigan Genealogical Society research committee for a fee of $15.00 per hour of research. Michigan and Grand Rapids history research questions are answered by the Local History Department staff at a rate of $30.00 per hour. Copying charges are extra. Indexed obituaries are charged as follows: no charge for the first requested obituary, with any request beyond one obituary to be charged based on the library's research rate of $30.00 per hour. Non-indexed obituaries are charged at the hourly research rate.

The Local History Department may be reached by phone at 616-988-5400. Requests for both the Western Michigan Genealogy Society and the Local History Department may be sent here: Contact the Grand Rapids History and Special Collections Department

If you have attachments or additional information you wish to provide, please note this in your inquiry. Staff will contact you with information on how to provide this.