Every single bit of our natural environment inspires curiosity in someone, but the wonders of astronomy seem to ignite a universal sense of awe. This curiosity was palpable during the partial eclipse visible over West Michigan in April of this year.
The solar eclipse was a reminder of how fascinating and awe-inspiring the natural world can be. Experiencing it on the Blue Bridge, with hundreds of community members sharing in the wonder, was a powerful reminder of the natural world’s beauty and mystery.
To enhance the eclipse experience, we partnered with WOOD-TV to promote safe viewing practices and provided a sensory-friendly live stream of the eclipse in the Meijer Theater. Our Chaffee Planetarium created a custom show that simulated the eclipse from both space and our local perspective. We also hosted a free viewing party on the Blue Bridge, complete with solar telescopes operated by our staff and Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association volunteers.
The Blue Bridge was packed with downtown workers taking a break, families of all sizes, and people who just happened to be walking by. Everybody was a stargazer. For Museum staff and volunteers, it reminded us of the wide-eyed faces of young people leaving the Museum’s Robert B. Chaffee Planetarium every single day.
At the Grand Rapids Public Museum, we embrace the belief that the Museum is for everyone to explore and learn. This is the everyday work of the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Whether it is natural phenomena like the eclipse, the species of the Grand River, or the cultural stories of this beautiful place, the Museum holds the artifacts and educational programming to tell the stories of the area we call home.
Will you help us continue to tell these stories in 2025?
Your support helps us enter 2025 ready to do our best work. We hope that you will invest in curiosity by donating to the Grand Rapids Public Museum.