The Grand Rapids Historical Society was organized in 1894 and reorganized in 1906 under the auspices of the Grand Rapids Public Library. In 1951 the society was reorganized, a second time, by Donald W. Kohlstedt, director of the Grand Rapids Public Library.

Since the 1951 reorganization the group has remained active. During the early years the society published a chatty newsletter, sponsored various speakers, and conducted local history essay contests for high school students. In 1973-4 the society reprinted Baxter's History of Grand Rapids.

The society newsletter, begun in 1954, underwent a major format and content change in 1979. Part of this change resulted when the city commission established the office of city historian. The city historian was able to devote more time to the goals of the society than had previously been possible. That same year the society began publishing the Grand River Valley Review (later the Grand River Valley History), a journal of studious articles on the history of the region.

Grand Rapids Area Historical Organizations:

• Grand Rapids Public Library
• Public Museum of Grand Rapids
• Grand Rapids Historic Preservation Commission
• Grand Rapids Historical Commission
• West Michigan Genealogical Society
• Grand Rapids Area Women's History Council
• Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
• West Central Michigan Regional History Consortium

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