The museum’s artifacts had previously been kept in storage units and back rooms, not under the same roof. That will be changing soon.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives (GRAAMA) is preparing to celebrate its upcoming move to its new space on Monday.
GRAAMA will be moving to 41 Sheldon Avenue SE in downtown Grand Rapids, which will serve as the organization’s permanent home. The 30,000-square-foot space is a massive upgrade from the museum’s former 2,000-square-foot building on Monroe Center.
The decision to move was years in the making, museum leaders told 13 ON YOUR SIDE back in July. The museum’s artifacts had previously been kept in various storage units and back rooms, not under the same roof.
“This new home gives us the opportunity to preserve, share, and celebrate the stories of African Americans in Grand Rapids with the dignity and permanence they deserve,” said George Bayard, executive director of GRAAMA.
Soon to be headquartered in the former home of Compass College of Cinematic Arts, GRAAMA will be using the space for classrooms, events, rotating exhibits and hands-on learning for all ages.
On Monday, leaders will hold a ribbon-cutting to celebrate getting the keys to their new location. The commemoration is happening at 4 p.m.
Admission to the museum is free, though donations are welcome.