We have asked people to tour the archives and share their memories/impressions/observations of 54 Jefferson and write about those experiences. Those stories are collected here.

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Rickey Ainsworth: Lumen Martin Winter’s Fra Mauro+

During my time as an eight-year-old supernerd, I never felt more in my element than during my frequent visits to...

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Dale A. Robertson: Robert E. Lee Sword Sash+

My favorite artifact at the Grand Rapids Public Museum is a sword sash.  The sash is currently on display in...

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Wall Wasilewski: Detroit Jewel+

The Detroit Jewel captures an automotive guy’s heart Born and raised in Detroit in a very automotive-focused family, Wally is...

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Amy and Steve Ruis: Table+

Artifact: Table 82.1.3. Author: Amy and Steve Ruis Remember setting the table as a child? A chore, right? Most of...

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Pam Ralston-Hunt: Santa Express+

I love the Public Museum and have visited many times, but I never expected to find an artifact with a...

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Tommy Allen: Simplex Clock+

Give Pause. It has been many years since I was invited to the archives at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. ...

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Geoffrey L. Gillis+

The Old Museum The shrunken head is no longer on display. He is buried under sensitivities and recognitions. Locked away...

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Chris Knape: It pointed up+

The symbol at the bottom of the “Evacuation Route” sign contains the letters CD, for Civil Defense. I remember first...

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Dr. Gregory Crowell: The Harpsichord+

Unlocking a Voice from the Past Dr. Gregory Crowell Like cooks or gardeners, musicians depend on having the correct tools...

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Miranda Curtiss: Voigt Cream Flakes Box+

Artifact: Voigt Cream Flakes Box It seems a bit silly to be writing a whole entry on an old box. ...

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Lee Davis: Button Dress+

My mom used to sew. As most women who grew up during World War II and through the 50’s, sewing...

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New Images Search+

Many new images are being added daily to the online database. These are searchable and available to everyone, just enter...

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Grand Rapids Magazine article+

The latest issue issue of Grand Rapids magazine has an article about the project . Find them on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/grmag...

Read More+ 3 years ago

New Images Search+

Many new images are being added daily to the online database. These are searchable and available to everyone, just enter...

Read More+ 4 years ago

Eric Kuhn: 1913 Indian Motorcycle+

Motorcycles terrify me. Well, not motorcycles themselves, but its the idea of riding one out on the open road, surrounded...

Read More+ 4 years ago

Andrea Melvin: Blue Wedding Dress / Bridesmaid Dress+

Artifact: Blue Wedding dress / bridesmaid dress Accession Numbers: Blue wedding dress – to follow tomorrow Bridesmaid Dress, c.1957 #147100...

Read More+ 4 years ago

Amy and Steve Ruis: Table+

Artifact: Table 82.1.3. Author: Amy and Steve Ruis Remember setting the table as a child? A chore, right? Most of...

Read More+ 4 years ago

Bill Hill: Rudell Pharmacy objects+

Items from Rudell Drugstore, in the Grand Rapids Public Museum Archives You know how it is. Sometimes it’s a slant...

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Mayor George Heartwell: Birch Bark Canoe+

Come back with me. Way back. European settlers had discovered the New World but had only begun to push into...

Read More+ 4 years ago

Rickey Ainsworth: Lumen Martin Winter’s Fra Mauro+

During my time as an eight-year-old supernerd, I never felt more in my element than during my frequent visits to...

Read More+ 4 years ago

Pamela Patton: 1960’s Tablet Desk+

1960’s Tablet Desk Accession Number: 2009.2.5 Manufacturer: Irwin Seating I was thrilled and honored when Gayle DeBruyn asked me to...

Read More+ 4 years ago

Tommy Fitzgerald: Roder stove and oven+

Old Fashioned Pot Roast 1 5lb Chuck 1 Large Red onion, wedged into 8s 2 Cups chopped (into 1 inch...

Read More+ 5 years ago

Wall Wasilewski: Detroit Jewel+

The Detroit Jewel captures an automotive guy’s heart Born and raised in Detroit in a very automotive-focused family, Wally is...

Read More+ 5 years ago

Tom T. Simmons: A basket+

Way in the back of the third room in on the second floor of the Grand Rapids Public Museum Archives,...

Read More+ 5 years ago

Janice Propst: Paragon Cutter+

In our current world of brutally hard-edged, utilitarian machine design this Paragon Cutter captures one’s aesthetic sense and reminds us...

Read More+ 5 years ago

Thank you Grand Rapids Public Museum and Staff!+

Our great thanks to the staff at the Public Museum Archive! Thank you Andrea Melvin, Alex Forist, Tim Priest and...

Read More+ 5 years ago

William DeBruyn: Steelcase Metal Office Furniture Co. , Victor Waste Baskets+

I love wood – from a walk in the woods under tree canopies – to the furniture and architecture they...

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Evan Hunt: Are you the King of Pop?+

Are you the King of Pop? Hiya, ladies and gentlemen! King Kernel here with a “pop” quiz for ya. Let’s...

Read More+ 5 years ago

Sarah Nagy: Merchant Marine Uniform+

“The Merchant Marine has the largest ratio of casualties of any branch of the services….” stares back at me from...

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Nancy Goodman: 54 Jefferson – The building+

A recent quick walk through the old public museum at 54 Jefferson Street was such an amazing and delightful tease....

Read More+ 5 years ago

Tommy Allen: Simplex Clock+

Give Pause. It has been many years since I was invited to the archives at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. ...

Read More+ 5 years ago

Collin Hunt: REO Speedwagon+

The band REO Speedwagon is one of my favorite bands, and I’ve always known it was named after a car....

Read More+ 5 years ago