Collecting and preserving West Michigan's history

For nearly 120 years, a group of devoted individuals has been collecting information about West Michigan's rich and diverse history. Their goal is to preserve accurate records so future generations will understand our past. 
 

The Grand Rapids Historical Society began in 1894 and currently has around 300 members. Memberships start at $30 and include The Grand River Times, a newsletter published eight times a year, and the Grand River Valley History, an annual magazine that just won an award from the State Historical Society. 
 

Members also get advance notice of the organization's monthly events. Every second Thursday, they offer a wide variety of program topics to educate the public about the history of Grand Rapids and the surrounding area. All events are free, with the exception of the annual May banquet. The Gerald R. Ford Museum co-sponsors most of the programs so the events are typically held at their location and average 50-100 attendees each month. 
 

The Grand Rapids Historical Society does not collect artifacts; they leave that up to the Grand Rapids Public Museum, the Grand Rapids Historical Commission, and other organizations.
 

Rather, says President Gina Bivins, "We put on programs to educate people."
 

The Grand Rapids Historical Society often collaborates with other organizations on its programs as well. In March, they're partnering with the Greater Grand Rapids Women's Historical Council for a program called, "A Progressive Era Activist: Educator Josephine Ahnefeldt Goss." And in May, the Civil War Rountable group is co-sponsoring "Medical Myths & Misconceptions of the American Civil War."
 

On Feb. 14, Jennifer Moeling Metz from Past Perfect, Inc. is presenting a talk at the Gerald R. Ford Museum called, "Red-Lining and Auburn Hills: Developing an African-American Neighborhood in 1960s Grand Rapids."
 

Back in the 1960s, "red-lining" was used on maps to designate in which neighborhoods African Americans could live. At the time, many black professionals fought this blatant discrimination and eventually bought some land to develop their own neighborhood, which still exists today. The Auburn Hills neighborhood is located north of Leonard Street and east off Fuller Avenue. The Feb. 14 program will discuss how the white neighbors initially fought this development and despite their efforts, the first house was built in 1964.
 

Bivins and her husband Fred became lifetime Grand Rapids Historical Society members in 1979 because they both love history. She's also giving a talk in May about the people behind turn-of-the-century mug shots she found in a book at the Grand Rapids Public Museum where she works. 
 

"History is fascinating because it shows us where we came from,: says Bivins, and adds, "At every event, I always learn something unexpected."
 

In addition to the programs and publications, the Grand Rapids Historical Society hosts an online store featuring books and videos about West Michigan's history. Members receive discounts on their purchases. 
 

The Grand Rapids Historical Society is always looking for program speakers, new board members, committee assistance, and events to list in their newsletter that are hosted by other historical organizations. 
 

If you're a history buff or care about preserving West Michigan's rich and diverse history, here's how you can get involved with the Grand Rapids Historical Society: 
 

- Visit them online to find out more. 

- Attend an upcoming event. The next one is Feb. 14. 

- Purchase some of the many books, videos, and magazines produced by the Grand Rapids Historical Society. 

- Become a member and show your support for history. 

- Like them on Facebook. 
 

Source: Gina Bivins, President of the Grand Rapids Historical Society. 
Writer: Heidi Stukkie, Do Good Editor