Partnering with representatives from the Anishinaabe people of Michigan, the Museum’s redesign will dig deeper into important topics and include technology upgrades.

Grand Rapids, MI - For over 30 years, the Grand Rapids Public Museum has been proud to welcome students, community members, and visitors to experience the core exhibit Anishinabek: The People of This Place, created collaboratively with the Anishinaabe people of Michigan. The Museum is excited to announce that over the next two years, Museum staff and Native partners will complete a redesign and expansion of the space to breathe new life into the exhibit for future generations to learn and enjoy.

The Museum is also excited to announce the appointment of Katrina Furman to the role of Anishinaabe Curator. Furman is a proud member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. She has 18 years of experience in tribal government, a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, and a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management, both from Grand Valley State University. 

"I've had the privilege of working with the Public Museum for three years before stepping into the role of Anishinaabe Curator," said Furman. "I am deeply honored and excited to be selected for this position. I look forward to the exhibit redesign and continued collaboration with our partners to create something very empowering for our community."

Through consultation with Tribal leaders and community members on the Eshtoojik (the ones who create) Advisory Council, a new vision for the exhibit has emerged. The new design will include updated technology, natural elements, connections to the Grand River, and opportunities for visitors to dig deeper into topics central to today’s Anishinabe communities. The entrance will also feature unique art from local Anishinaabe artists. Guests will learn about Anishinabek culture’s past, present, and future, underscoring that Anishinabe communities are still here, shaping the future of Turtle Island (our world).

Anishinabek: The People of This Place will close for renovations after Sunday, January 5, and guests are encouraged to visit during the holiday season before its temporary closure. During the renovation, the GRPM will continue telling Anishinaabe stories through other exhibits and displays until the new exhibit opens in the Fall of 2026.

“Anishinaabe voices will be present at the Museum during construction,” Furman assures. “Our stories will be available through other visuals and new technology offered throughout the Museum.”

Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a 170-year-old, publicly-owned institution home to more than 250,000 unique artifacts that tell the history of Kent County and beyond. Funded in part by Kent County taxpayers through a 10-year millage (2016), the Grand Rapids Public Museum offers three floors of exhibits, the region’s only planetarium, extensive educational offerings, and protection of The Mounds, a National Historic Landmark. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, with its primary location in downtown Grand Rapids, MI at 272 Pearl Street, NW. For additional information including hours of operation, admission fees including Kent County discounts, and exhibit/event listings, visit grpm.org.

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