Contact or Join Us
The Grand Rapids Historical Society invites you to share in the adventure of exploring our past; to join us on a journey of discovery.
For over a century, the Grand Rapids Historical Society has been dedicated to exploring the history of West Michigan; to discovering its romance and tragedy, its heroes and scoundrels, its leaders and its ordinary citizens.
We have gotten to know politicians, athletes, entrepreneurs, writers, lumbermen...the people whose names mark our streets and monuments, the people who have given Grand Rapids and West Michigan its special flavor.
We've learned what it was like to journey by riverboat...by interurban train...by early automobile; and what it was like to walk down Monroe Avenue 100 years ago...or to live, centuries earlier, among the Mound Builders who lived in the Grand River Valley 2,000 years ago.
There is much more. Members of the Grand Rapids Historical Society have participated in historical digs... taken a steam train excursion; and traveled by bus to attractions in Detroit and Chicago as well as West Michigan's Dutch heritage landmarks.
Join the Grand Rapids Historical Society now, and you will receive advance notice of all programs and events in The Grand River Times, the societys' six-times-a-year newsletter. You will also receive the annual Grand River Valley History magazine. It comes to you with in-depth articles that will broaden your appreciation of the rich heritage that has contributed so much to our lives.
Additionally, society members are entitled to a discount of 20% or more on the variety of printed items published by the Grand Rapids Historical Society as part of its commitment to enriching our knowledge of the past.
Since it's founding in 1894, the Grand Rapids Historical Society has been collecting and preserving our heritage, passing it on to new generations through books, lectures, and education projects.
We invite you to join us in this adventure! Broaden your perspective by learning -- and socializing -- with people who share your interest in our heritage. There's something for everyone: the scholar, the lover of nostalgia, and the just plain curious. There's something for you. Your membership is the vehicle that takes you on a fascinating exploration of Grand Rapids' history.
Membership Benefits
Lecture Series
Lectures are held 6 times each year. Lectures, audio/video programs, demonstrations, collections or tours are featured. Co-sponsored by the Gerald R. Ford Museum.
The Grand River Times
The Grand River Times is the newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society. Published and mailed to you six times a year, it includes current items of historical interest, details of upcoming lectures and other activities, and short articles.
The Grand River Valley History
The Grand River Valley History is the societys' annual magazine. Featured are illustrated articles by local history researchers. The magazine is co-sponsored by the Greater Grand Rapids Womens' History Council, the Ryerson Library Foundation, and the Grand Rapids Historical Commission.
Travel Opportunities
Frequent travel along routes of historic interest, or to destinations of historical importance. Rates for these tours are reduced for Grand Rapids Historical Society members.
Minimum 20% Discount
Discounts offered on all books and other items published by the society.
Special Joint Membership Discount
Discounts offered by the Historical Society of Michigan to Grand Rapids Historical Society members.
Individual Memberships
$30.00 per year
Senior Citizen
$20.00 per year
Student
$20.00 per year
Lifetime
$400.00 one-time fee
Or drop us a line:
Grand Rapids Historical Society
c/o Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library NE
Grand Rapids MI 49503
For website related inquires, please contact the webmaster with "GRHS Website" in the subject line.
