Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids
fordlibrarymuseum.gov, (616) 929-1700
This month, pay tribute to the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. Join the Boy Scouts as they salute, listen to keynote speakers and watch disaster readiness demonstrations.
In November, you can join Tom Tudor during his two-part talk and learn about Arlington Cemetery and the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier. The first part of the talk will focus on Tudor’s connection with the historic cemetery, including a recollection of his time standing watch over the tomb. During the second part, learn about some of America’s finest laid to rest within the gates and the history of the cemetery.
Then in December, get in the holiday spirit and take a trip to the museum for the annual tree lighting and holiday open house.
September 11 Community Commemoration, Sept. 11
ArtPrize, Sept. 13 through Oct. 8
Louder Than Words: Rock, Power & Politics, Nov. 4
Tom Tudor, Arlington and the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier, Nov. 14
Tree Lighting, Annual Holiday Kick-off, Nov. 16
Holiday Open House, Annual Holiday Event, Dec. 3
Grand Rapids Public Museum
272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids
grmuseum.org, (616) 456-3977
Brain: The World Inside Your Head will allow you to see comparisons between human brains and animal brains, along with info on brain development and sleep. Explore the relationship between depression and creativity, how drugs work in the brain and the nature of pain.
Following that is Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids. Featuring various models and replicas of preserved specimens, as well as casts of fossils of prehistoric animals, this is an exhibit you won’t want to miss. Investigate the animals that may have inspired the development of some legendary creatures, including how Narwhal tusks from the North Sea led to the centuries old belief in the unicorn.
Brain: The World Inside Your Head, Sept. 16
Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids, Nov. 11
Holland Museum
31 W. 10th St., Holland
hollandmuseum.org, (616) 392-9084
Explore the stories of local people who assisted in the war effort of WWII at For the Future Peace: World War II and Holland on the Home Front, an exhibit that looks at soldiers who fought abroad, women who stepped in to work and children who helped any way they could.
Step back in time and walk the path of the fire of 1871 during the Museum On The Move: Fire Walk this month. Stories will be shared through images, objects and first-hand accounts.
The magic of old Halloween traditions can be discovered at the Cappon house during Hallowe’en Haunts. Stroll through the house and join in on parlor games, crafts, decorating a pumpkin, ghost stories and fortune telling.
Keep the Halloween fun going with Monsters at the Museum, where you will be able to trick or treat in the exhibits and join in on flashlight tours of the Dutch Galleries.
Then celebrate Sinterklaas by listening to stories, creating a Dutch lantern and playing some family games. And while you’re there, get a chance to see Sinterklaas yourself as he leads you through Centennial Park to the tree lighting.
For the Future Peace: World War II and Holland on the Home Front, Through November
Museum On The Move: Fire Walk, Sept. 15, Oct. 6
Museum On The Move: Historic Architecture Walk, Sept. 26
Hallowe’en Haunts at the Cappon House, Oct. 20-27
Monsters at the Museum, Oct. 28
Deck The Halls, Nov. 30-Dec. 1
Celebration of Sinterklaas Eve, Dec. 1
Christmas at the Cappon House, Dec. 9-17
Kalamazoo Valley Museum
230 N. Rose St., Kalamazoo
kalamazoomuseum.org, (269) 373-7990
Hateful Things will debut this month at Kalamazoo Valley Museum after starting out at the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University. Get taken back in time and examine the history of racism along with present day stereotyping as the exhibit illustrates the effects of the Jim Crow laws with 39 items from the late 19th century to present day.
Also this month, prepare to have your world rocked by the touring exhibit of GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World. Get hands-on experience with one of the most cultural icons in history. Learn about the evolution, engineering and design of the guitar, along with the cultural impact it had.
Then in January, go undercover in Top Secret: License to Spy. Based in a James Bond-style fantasy, explore exotic locations and hi-tech equipment while solving mysteries. Learn about the science and technology of the undercover world and enjoy tasks of breaking codes, using spy satellites and creating elusive disguises.
Hateful Things, Sept. 17
GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World, Sept. 30
Golden Legacy: Original Art from 65 Years of Golden Books, Jan. 27
Top Secret: License to Spy, Jan. 28
