These featured objects all come from the collections of the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Museum staff will update this page regularly to give our customers a detailed look at specific artifact that we feel is particularly relevant or interesting. Check back often to see more featured objects!
(view full image) | Name: | Document, Passport for Ship | Maker:
| unknown
| | Date: | 7/10/1802
| Description:
| This document is a passport the ship "Anna" captained by Caleb Johnson. It bears the seal and signature of the President of the United States of America, Thomas Jefferson, and the Secretary of State, James Madison. | Acquired:
| Courtesy of the Kendall Estate
| | Notes: | In storage at the Community Archives and Research Center. To view the full record, search our Collections Catalog for Accession #: 113289 |
|
- posted by aforist@grmuseum.org
5/12/2010
(view full image) | Name: | Volcanic Ash, in Cheez Balls Can | Maker:
| Planters
| | Date: | 1980
| Description:
| Ash from the eruption of Mount St. Helens traveled hundreds of miles through the air, but it took an even longer trip inside a Cheez Balls can to make it all the way to Grand Rapids. | Acquired:
| Gift Of Al Welch and Arlene Andree | | Notes: | In storage at the Community Archives and Research Center. To view the full record, search our Collections Catalog for Accession #: 200621 |
|
- posted by aforist@grmuseum.org
4/2/2010
(view full image) | Name: | Machine, Simplex X-ray Shoe Fitter | Maker:
| X-Ray Shoe Fitter Inc.
| | Date: | c. 1955
| Description:
| This machine is an example of the confluence of the consumer culture of postwar America and scientific advances. The idea was that X-Rays, a modern scientific invention, could be used to fit properly fit shoes on customers feet without the need for "old-fashioned" techniques like measuring the foot or pressing the toe of the shoe. However, once it became known that X-Rays are potentially dangerous sources of radiation, consumer applications like this machine were no longer desirable. | Acquired:
| Gift Of Mrs. Jean Kowalczyk | | Notes: | In storage at the Community Archives and Research Center. To view the full record, search our Collections Catalog for Accession #: 181400 |
|
- posted by aforist@grmuseum.org
3/24/2010
(view full image) | Name: | Automobile, Lincoln Zephyr | Maker:
| Ford Motor Company
| | Date: | 1938
| Description:
| The 1938 Lincoln Zephyr was made by the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan. This 12 cylinder, 4 door sedan (model 73) weighs 3,660 pounds and has a 120 horsepower, 3,900 rpm engine. With its 19 gallon fuel tank and 125 inch wheelbase, this model was one of the most popular styles, of which 15,764 were made. | Acquired:
| Gift Of Dr. Peter B. Northouse | | Notes: | In storage at the Community Archives and Research Center. To view the full record, search our Collections Catalog for Accession #: 137664 |
|
- posted by aforist@grmuseum.org
2/19/2010
(view full image) | Name: | Valentine Card, With Love To My Sweetheart | Maker:
| Hallmark
| | Date: | 2/14/1939
| Description:
| Large paper card in a heart shape. Decorated with flowers and lace. The greeting reads, "With Love to my Sweetheart on Valentine's Day." And on the inside, "You are the keeper of my heart - If all my dreams came true you are the one - and you alone - that I would bring them to: So may this Valentine today one thought alone impart - you are - and you will always be The Keeper Of My Heart!" It is signed, "with my love Jack, 2-14-39". | Acquired:
| Gift Of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Malin | | Notes: | In storage at the Community Archives and Research Center. To view the full record, search our Collections Catalog for Accession #: 180862 |
|
- posted by aforist@grmuseum.org
2/15/2010
(view full image) | Name: | Portrait, George Wickwire Smith | Maker:
| Unknown
| | Date: | c. 1880
| Description:
| George Wickwire Smith was the leader of a group of high school boys that formed the Grand Rapids Scientific Club in the 1860s and was instrumental in the reopening and formation of the Kent Scientific Institute in 1869. He passed away within a few years at the young age of 21. | Acquired:
| Museum Collection
| | Notes: | Recently featured in an online story. On exhibit in Habitats at the Van Andel Museum Center. To view the full record, search our Collections Catalog for Accession #: 133040 |
|
- posted by aforist@grmuseum.org
2/8/2010
(view full image) | Name: | Pistol, Mauser Model 1914 Pocket Pistol | Maker:
| Mauser
| | Date: | c. 1940
| Description:
| This pistol is part of the Mauser pocket pistol series which also included a 1910 and 1934 model. The Model 1914 is a 7.65 caliber (.32 ACP) pistol with an 8 round magazine. These fairly common sidearms were produced by Mauser between 1914 and 1945. | Acquired:
| Gift Of Norman E. Dean Jr., 1/11/1947
| | Notes: | In storage at the Community Archives and Research Center. To view the full record, search our Collections Catalog for Accession #: 117045 |
|
- posted by aforist@grmuseum.org
1/28/2010
(view full image) | Name: | Poster, Some Common Winter Birds about Grand Rapids | Maker:
| WPA
| | Date: | c. 1935
| Description:
| Rolled poster hand-painted with images of "Common Winter Birds about Grand Rapids" set in a natural scene.
| Acquired:
| Museum Collection
| | Notes: | In storage at the Community Archives and Research Center. To view the full record, search our Collections Catalog for Accession #: 2010.1.23 |
|
- posted by aforist@grmuseum.org
1/28/2010
(view full image) | Name: | Portrait Doll, Martin Luther King Jr. | Maker:
| Cecil Weeks
| | Date: | c. 1960
| Description:
| These dolls were used by the B'nai B'rith Women, Grand Rapids Chapter, as part of their national 'Dolls for Democracy' program, to educate local groups about the worth and dignity of every human being and every individual's right to full and equal opportunity to develop to full potential. | Acquired:
| Gift Of B'nai B'rith Women, Grand Rapids Chapter, 6/27/1995 | | Notes: | On exhibit in D is for Dolls at the Van Andel Museum Center. To view the full record, search our Collections Catalog for Accession #: 1995.46.14 |
|
- posted by aforist@grmuseum.org
1/19/2010
(view full image) | Name: | Harpoon Missile Strapdown Guidance System, Attitude Reference Assembly | Maker:
| Lear Siegler Incorporated | | Date: | 1975
| Description:
| This system was created by Lear Siegler Incorporated, a local Grand Rapids company, and used in the Persian Gulf War. Artifacts like this help tell the story of the importance of computer systems in modern warfare. | Acquired:
| Gift Of Adolph W. York, 10/4/2009 | | Notes: | Currently in storage at the Community Archives and Research Center. To view the full record, search our Collections Catalog for Accession #: 2009.55.1 |
|
- posted by aforist@grmuseum.org
1/11/2010
(view full image) | Name: | Model Canoe, Freedom Victorious | Maker:
| Unknown
| | Date: | c. 1880
| Description:
| This model canoe is a beautiful example of the art of quill work. It is possible that it was made as a souvenir for the U.S. Centennial in 1876. The canoe was given to the family of Daniel C. Lamberton c. 1880 by a son of "Chief" Ignatius Petoskey in "appreciation of assistance rendered him in an illness." | Acquired:
| Gift of W. F. Keeney, 6/3/1922
| | Notes: | On exhibit in Anishinabek at the Van Andel Museum Center. To view the full record, search our Collections Catalog for Accession #: 94292 |
|
- posted by aforist@grmuseum.org
1/5/2010
