GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Rapids History and Special Collections Department at the Grand Rapids Public Library has rebranded as the Grand Rapids History Center.
Located on the fourth level of the Main Library, its mission is to collect, preserve and share the history of Grand Rapids, a news release said Thursday.
“We are changing the name to Grand Rapids History Center to be friendlier and more approachable,” said Julie Tabberer, the center’s manager. “The new name is easier to understand, say and remember. There have been many different names over the years: Grand Rapids History & Special Collections, local history, genealogy, archives and the Michigan Room. The new name – Grand Rapids History Center – concisely encompasses all we do.”
The History Center is free to use and is open during library hours. It includes:
- Archives: original and unique items like photographs, scrapbooks, maps, diaries, reports, oral histories, business records, furniture catalogs
- Local History: books, newspapers, magazines and subject files about Grand Rapids, Michigan and the Midwest
- Genealogy: databases and books for family history research (local, national and international)
- Rare Book: volumes that are valuable, rare or notable. Strengths include gardening and landscape architecture, maps and angling (fishing)
- Furniture Design Collection: one of the largest in the country. Includes books, folios and periodicals on furniture design and decorative arts
