A massive amount of time and effort goes into running and maintaining the Grand Rapids Public Museum so that our visitors have memorable experiences that spark their curiosity. Much of that effort is generously donated by an exceptional team of passionate volunteers.
Trained in the lifestyles of the 1890s, they bring history to life in The Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit. Side by side with our skilled educators, they facilitate learning experiences, experiments, and workshops that inspire curiosity and wonder.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life. We have equal numbers of volunteers under 30 as we do over 70!
They all share one thing in common: they are Museum people. Take Phil Makinen, age 96. You can see him on Wednesdays in the Old Grand Rapids Fire House. He’s been with the Museum for 45 years, and before volunteering, worked security.
Phil is a true Museum person.
Meet Joan and John Nelson. Joan started volunteering over twenty years ago and soon convinced her husband, John, a retired Army Colonel, to join her. For nearly 20 years, John captivated visitors as Jacques, a French fur trader. While John wowed audiences, Joan put in 4,200 hours as a coordinator and greeter.Â
Volunteers like Phil, John, and Joan are essential to the Museum experience.
This year alone, our volunteers donated over 3,090 volunteer shifts. Camp Curious volunteers donated 460 hours. And The Streets of Old Grand Rapids? 4,300 volunteer hours.
We are deeply grateful to have such an outstanding community of supporters from volunteers, donors, visitors, educators, staff, and community members. Whether they give their time, donate artifacts, or contribute financially, they are a crucial part of our Museum community.
Everyone can be a Museum person— including you!
As we enter the new year, we need your help. Will you donate $10 right now?
Museum people like Joan, John, and Phil make up the Museum’s community of curiosity. Your generous donation will ensure we can continue to offer a home where work and passion like this can thrive to create exciting, year-round programs and exhibits for our region.