Abstract The Archives: Sampling the Past collection was created from the facsimiles used in the exhibit held at the Grand Rapids Public Library from June 2005 to December 2006; part of this exhibit remained on display with another exhibit. The exhibit illustrated a variety of material types, such as photographs, maps, serials/magazines, postcards, furniture catalogs, etc. Items selected represent only a portion of the 350-plus collections in the archives. One photo panel focused on the Robinson...

Abstract The Black History exhibit collection documents a joint 1984-1985 project by Alpha Kappa Alpha, the Grand Rapids Study Club, the Suburban Club, the Grand Rapids Public Library, the Grand Rapids Public Schools and the Grand Rapids Public Museum to detail the history of the Black community in Grand Rapids. Historic items, including photographs, were collected and reproduced. From the collected data a photo exhibit, "150 Years: An Exhibit of the African American Presence in Grand Rapids," was...

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...

Abstract

The Kent County African American baseball teams exhibit collection, including the Jess Elsters, includes items used in an exhibit in the Local History Department in the early 1990s. Also included are research materials such as newspaper articles about those teams.