Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids
fordlibrarymuseum.gov
Beat the crowds to ArtPrize this month by stopping at Preview Week. You’ll be able to see all the art displayed during the festival while keeping your personal space bubble intact.
Also in September, catch Lisa McCubbin’s chat about her latest book, Betty Ford: First Lady, Women's Advocate, Survivor and Trailblazer. Make sure to secure your spot to attend the event with a reservation, and enjoy an evening of discussion centered on the humor, faith and spirit of Betty Ford.
Then, stop by the museum in November and listen to Elaine Weiss speak about her book, The Woman's Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote. Learn about the great female figures that led the battle to grant women voting rights and discuss the courage of those who fought for the civil rights that prompted waves of activism throughout the 20th century.
ArtPrize Preview Week, Sept. 12-18
Lisa McCubbin, Sept. 13
Elaine Weiss, Nov. 15
Grand Rapids Public Museum
272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids
grmuseum.org
This fall, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is honoring the life of Ralph W. Hauenstein, a leader in the West Michigan community. Hauenstein was a journalist, member of the military and philanthropist, establishing various local buildings, such as the Grace Hauenstein Library at Aquinas College.
Also, running through most of this month, Be the Astronaut allows visitors to do just that, commanding a personal spaceship with a massive 70-inch monitor. The exhibit also explores piloting a lander and surface rover, and features roaming robots that will interact with visitors.
In October, Expedition: Dinosaur arrives, exploring the fascinating world of dinosaurs, from their daily lives to anatomy and evolution. You’ll find likelike animatronic dinosaurs alongside mechanical and electronic learning stations.
Then, arriving in October is TOYS!, an interactive, multi-generation exhibition of toys and games that will spark nostalgia for Baby Boomers and Millennials alike, while also being fun for children.
Check the museum’s website regularly for new exhibitions throughout the season.
Ralph W. Hauenstein: A Life of Leadership, Through Jan. 2019
Be the Astronaut, Through Sept. 16
Expedition: Dinosaur, Oct. 14
TOYS!, Oct. 27
Holland Museum
31 W. 10th St., Holland
hollandmuseum.org
Foster your child’s entrepreneurial spirit at the Holland Museum’s brand new Spark!Lab, a STEAM-based learning space that uses a hands-on approach to learning the invention process. Spark!Lab was developed at the Smithsonian Museum, and the Holland Museum’s “lab” is one of nine across the U.S.
The museum’s newest exhibit, opening on Sept. 21, is all about Mars and the red planet’s impact on culture from ancient times to now. This multimedia exhibit features photographs, videos, movie posters, book covers and more. It’s sure to be out of this world.
This fall, the Holland Museum is brimming with events. For October, celebrate Halloween by learning the meaning behind its traditions. In November, mark your calendars to celebrate the landing of NASA’s InSight rocket on Mars. Then, deck the halls in December at an ornament-decorating workshop. Check out the Holland Museum’s website for plenty more events.
Mars: Astronomy and Culture, Sept. 21-Dec. 29
Hallowe’en Haunts, Oct. 19
Mars “Insight” Landing Party, Nov. 26
Deck The Halls, Dec. 5
Spark!Lab, Open now
