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Grand Rapids (Mich.) -- History

 Subject
Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings

Found in 397 Collections and/or Records:

Grand Rapids Public Library civil rights exhibit collection

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 358
Abstract The exhibit Our Voices Our Liberty: Grand Rapids Area Civil Rights Leaders was displayed at the Grand Rapids Public Library beginning in February 2006. It was researched and prepared by the staff of the Grand Rapids History & Special Collections department. The exhibit encompasses a broad definition of civil rights, including the rights of African Americans and other ethnic groups, women, the handicapped and gay/lesbian rights. Materials for the exhibit come from the archival...
Dates: 2006-

Grand Rapids Public Library Civil War documents

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 242
Abstract This collection has been devised to bring together several small accessions containing information related to Grand Rapids and Michigan in the United States Civil War. Also included are a few national pictorials of the era, which include information on all areas for background reference. Both originals and facsimile documents are included in the collection, such as letters, military records and journals of Michigan soldiers active in the Civil War. Additionally, there are civil war era...
Dates: 1860 - 2013

Grand Rapids Public Library collection of politics and elections ephemera

 Collection
Identifier:  Collection 534
Abstract This devised collection is comprised of materials related to elections and political campaigns in West Michigan. The bulk of the collection consists of campaign flyers and newspapers from individual candidates who ran for office in the 20th and 21st century. It also contains informational flyers, booklets, and voter guides detailing important election issues, proposals, millages, the voting process, and political party platforms. This collection would be particularly useful for researchers...
Dates: 1859 - 2025

Grand Rapids Public Library ephemera

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 216
Abstract

The Grand Rapids Public Library ephemera collection includes miscellaneous items relating to Grand Rapids, Michigan history. Ephemera are items that were created for a specific, limited purpose and were intended to be discarded after use. This can include posters, tickets, programs, brochures, receipts and advertisements. The collection also includes calendars, almanacs, business cards, certificates, city and county guides, cookbooks, menus and school catalogs.

Dates: n.d.

Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation records

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 342
Abstract The Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation is the funding arm of the Grand Rapids Public Library in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was created as the Ryerson Library Foundation in the early 1990s and funds numerous programs and projects within the Gradn Rapids Public Library. The largest endeavor to date was fundraising for the library building program in the late 1990s to 2003, when the Main Library building reopened after major renovations. The name was changed to the Grand Rapids Public...
Dates: no date

Grand Rapids Public Library furniture design and designers collection

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 276
Abstract

This is a devised collection that brings together small and unknown accessions of materials under this general topic. It also contains research materials identified by staff through reference requests, gathered together as biographical files or files on other topics, related specifically to the furniture designers of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Additional information on area furniture designers can also be found in many other GRPL archival collections.

Dates: no date

Grand Rapids Public Library furniture industry collection

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 233
Abstract

This is a devised collection that brings together miscellaneous small and unknown accessions related to the Grand Rapids furniture industry. The collection includes photographs, drawings, graphic clippings, ephemera and other material. Some items relating to Michigan furniture companies are also included.

Dates: no date

Grand Rapids Public Library furniture trade catalogs

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 232
Abstract

This devised collection contains trade catalogs issued from furniture companies in the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area. Included are representative catalogs from the prominent American Seating, Baker, Berkey & Gay, Carl Forslund, Herman Miller, John Widdicomb, Nelson-Matter, Steelcase, Stickley Bros. and Stow & Davis companies, among numerous others. The catalogs list items for sale and usually give prices, item numbers and photographs or illustrations.

Dates: 1866-1999

Grand Rapids Public Library general Michigan history collection

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 281
Abstract

This is a devised collection that includes manuscript and graphic materials related to the early Michigan territory, Michigan’s entry as a state, key historical Michigan events, general Michigan history and key Michigan citizens. To this is added information on Michigan places, transportation, waterways and other general Michigan subjects. Most of the materials in this collection are published imprints, with one series at the end for manuscript materials with a Michigan wide scope.

Dates: 1830-1990

Grand Rapids Public Library general trade catalog collection

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 246
Abstract

This collection contains trade publications primarily for Grand Rapids, Michigan businesses but also for select Michigan and national companies. Publication forms include illustrated catalogs, product lists, brochures and pamphlets. Also included are department store catalogs, such as Sears or Herpolsheimers.

Dates: circa 1887 to present