This silk banner is a recent acquisition of the Museum that was donated by the #PolishHeritageSocietyGR. The Poland coat of arms can be seen in the center and each corner features a depiction of royalty or a religious leader (circa 1900).
Geta are a type of traditional Japanese sandals that resemble flip flops or clogs. They have unique “teeth,” or pieces of wood attached to the soles and were designed to keep one’s kimono from dragging through the mud or snow.
This is the skull of a loggerhead sea turtle, species name Caretta caretta. Loggerheads are the most common sea turtle found in U.S waters. Their continuous population decline has kept this species listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act since 1978.
This lava medallion was made from the lava of a volcano called Mount Vesuvius in Italy. (Circa 1880)
Mount Vesuvius is famously known for its 79 A.D. eruption, when it destroyed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
This cartonnage is part of an ancient Egyptian mummy of a woman named Nakhte-Bastet-Iru and dates to the Third Intermediate Period, 22nd Dynasty, ca. 946-712 BCE
The Grand Rapids Fire Department used this ledger to keep record of the date, time, location, type of fire, members present, hours of service and the amount of hoses used to fight a fire. (Circa 1880)
Yooperlites are syenite rocks rich in florescent sodalite. In normal light they look like plain grey rocks, but when exposed to a black light, they fluoresce.
Daylight provided workers at the former Phoenix Furniture Co. with enough light to hand paint chairs. Decorative paintings on furniture was a popular style during this time. This photograph was printed in @GRPress, January 1, 1924.
#HappyInternationalDanceDay! This grass skirt (circa 1944) shows Tahitian influence and was worn often for fast hip dances, which were popular in Tahiti and Fiji.
This is a poster for Labor Fest 2009, the theme for which was "Labor and Leonardo", held on Labor Day 2009 at Ah-Nab-Awen Park and the Grand Rapids Public Museum. https://t.co/18r4CFZC47
Chairmania is a collection of miniature chairs collected and curated by George Beylerian. Each piece was carefully selected to represent important design concepts such as marketing, transformation, culture, comfort, and Americana. Learn more at: https://t.co/O3cA4CCF05
Today the @GRMuseum celebrates the maker movement at Maker Faire! Many things are made or have been made right here in West Michigan, including furniture. This triangle chair was made by Stow & Davis Furniture Co. of Grand Rapids and Kentwood. Collection of @grmuseum.