The Civil Rights History Project: Survey of Collections and Repositories

Grand Rapids Public Library. Grand Rapids History and Special Collections Department

111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

Phone: 616-988-5400

Repository URL: http://www.grpl.org/research/localhistory.php

Repository code: migr

Repository description (CRHP): Interviews with a number of African American citizens of Grand Rapids are held in several oral history collections at the GRPL.

Repository description (extant): On level four of the Main Library, discover a wealth of research materials on Grand Rapids and Michigan history, genealogy, and Furniture design. Our extensive archives, including our popular photo collections, are available to the public whenever the Library is open. Access our online resources, including genealogy databases and photo essays, anytime.

[. . .] The Archives, together with the Grand Rapids Local History & Genealogy Collection, form one of the largest collections of local and family history material in the state of Michigan. Included are more than 30,000 books and periodicals, plus holdings on microfilm. Collecting emphasis is on the Grand Rapids and Kent County area, with additional sources on Western Michigan, Michigan and the Old Northwest. County and state histories, atlases & maps, family histories & biographical information, census data, city directories, local newspapers on microfilm, and vertical files are just some of the items to be found.

Additionally, the Archives contain over 360 collections,including more than a million photographs and negatives, as well as original letters, business documents, videos, and other types of data related to area families, businesses & organizations. The Archival Collections are secured in a temperature & humidity controlled storage area.

Over 360 finding aids make up the bulk of the Archives of the Grand Rapids Public Library.

Repository Notes (CRHP): Finding aids are available at http://www.grpl.org/wiki/index.php/Finding_Aids

Repository type: Public Library

Collections:

Grand Rapids Press Monday guest oral history and graphics collection
Grand Rapids Public Library oral history collection
Greater Grand Rapids Women's History Council oral history collection
Robert Raz and Alberta Massingill Oral History Collection