Curious about the history of Grand Rapids, Michigan? We learn about neat folks, (mostly) interesting things, and uncover small stories that, together, shaped our city. Feel free to email us at: grandrapidslocalhistorypodcast (at) gmail.com.
Episodes
Monday Jan 09, 2023
Monday Jan 09, 2023
Matthew A. Ellis' new book barely scratches the surface of unseen history in Grand Rapids. We discuss Matt's favorite section, potential sculptures for Calder Plaza, and wonder what you might have in the basement.
Monday Sep 20, 2021
Monday Sep 20, 2021
We chat about some great old buildings around town. As usual, a few other topics, including what the Gillette Bridge was used for, are discussed. We also issue our first correction - what mistake was made this time?
Friday May 14, 2021
Friday May 14, 2021
We touch on the history of schools, schooling, and living in Grand Rapids over the years.
Friday Mar 05, 2021
Friday Mar 05, 2021
We'll zipline back into the past to explore the future. Islands in the Grand River became useful land for the City, baseball fans, and thrifty shoppers but we don't quite know what the future holds.
Monday Feb 01, 2021
Monday Feb 01, 2021
Mooo...ve this episode to the front. Matthew points to pigs in the early city, and Jess provides a purr-fect history of fire dogs.
Wednesday Dec 23, 2020
Wednesday Dec 23, 2020
We put together a mini-episode for the holidays this year. Please, steer clear of any crazy sledding!
Saturday Oct 31, 2020
Saturday Oct 31, 2020
*Here's the full episode. It's almost as if...something...didn't want their story told.*
This episode will put you in high spirits as we discuss spooky places and stories around town.
Thursday Oct 22, 2020
Thursday Oct 22, 2020
This episode touches on communication forms in Grand Rapids. From the first telephone line to amateur radio and a bizarre karaoke session on GVSU's campus, we cover it all. Aliens are discussed along with WLAV's infamous river raft races.
Friday Aug 14, 2020
Friday Aug 14, 2020
We discover how gardens grew into their own, wonder why there's no Iris Festival, and send positive thoughts to Jess' basil.
Friday Jul 17, 2020
Friday Jul 17, 2020
We talk about the evolution of hospitals in Grand Rapids, the city's ties to the goal of polio eradication, and we take a quick detour to cemeteries.