Grand Rapids Historical Commission Virtual Archive
Are you one of those people who loves to look at old photos? Maybe you own some great old photos yourself that you've often wondered if anyone would be interested in seeing? Do you have a report on some aspect of local history due tomorrow? Would you swear that the original D.A. Blodgett Home for Children was torn down years ago and can't figure out how it got back in the same location?
Then you're going to love the Grand Rapids Historical Commission's website. The website went live one year ago with the purpose of serving as a community virtual archive. What's a virtual archive? It's an online archive that contains digital copies of some of GRPL's most prized collections.
If you've ever fantasized about being allowed into the closed stacks of the Grand Rapids Public Library's local history collection, or having a sneak peak at some of Grand Rapids best private collections, this site allows you to do exactly that. You can freely browse and explore some of our, and some of Grand Rapids private citizens', hidden jewels in the way of old photographs and documents.
You can even get a close look with the cool magnifier that you activate with your cursor. Try it. Click on “Photo Essays,” then “Livelihoods,” then select the essay on the earliest Chinese citizens in Grand Rapids. If you click on the fifth photo down you'll see an interesting view of the corner of Pearl and Monroe streets from the 1920s. If you use the magnifying tool, you'll see a few more things come into view including a sign for one of Grand Rapids' centennial businesses just over another for a famous soft drink we still love today, you'll recognize both.
You can also add your own material to this archive, sharing it for all to admire and learn from,without having to give it up. Claim your own place in Grand Rapids' history. Contact information is on the website.