GRAND RAPIDS, MI – On Friday, May 22, visitors to the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will discover new stories of Michigan heroes in the Veterans display case on the 2nd floor. Created in collaboration with the Michigan Heroes Museum, this display will feature five brave Michiganders who have served their country in the armed forces or as an astronaut across the 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“As we reflect on the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, we’re proud to illuminate the role of Michigan veterans and astronauts in our nation’s history,” said GRPM Chief Curator Alex Forist. “Through their stories of bravery and service, we honor the countless heroes who have represented this country through time and in space.”
The GRPM proudly participates in Blue Star Museums, a national initiative offering free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families from May 16 through Labor Day, September 7. In celebration of the exhibit opening, the Museum will extend free admission to all veterans—active or retired—and their families from Friday, May 23, through Sunday, May 25. This offer includes those serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and NOAA Commissioned Corps, along with up to five family members.
Visitors will encounter five mannequins representing five real Michiganders spanning from the Revolutionary War to the recent Artemis II mission alongside their stories. They will see real artifacts and reproductions, including uniforms, equipment, weapons, and photographs.
Visitors can discover the following stories:
Thomas Campbell/Camel, who served on the 4th Virginia Continental Line during the American Revolutionary War, was from Barry County, Michigan. Thomas Campbell/Camel was born into slavery, and his enslaver, Colonel Martin Pickett, gave him the choice to join the Continental Army or remain enslaved. He joined Washington’s Army and took part in many key battles. At the end of the war, he was freed and settled in Barry County.
Antoine Scott, a member of the U.S. Army who served in the American Civil War from Mackinaw, Michigan. He was a member of the Odawa Nation and enlisted in the 1st Michigan Sharpshooters, Company K, an all Native American company.
Captain Francis G. Barlow, who served in the U.S. Army Air Service during World War I, was from Muskegon, Michigan. Barlow was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the Air Service and assigned to the French Escadrille Brequet 29, B.B. 9, Escadre 12.
Roger Dains, a member of the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War from Ludington, Michigan. He received an Army Commendation Medal for contributing to the discovery and confiscation of over 1,100 weapons near Phu My, Vietnam.
Christina Hammock Koch, a NASA Astronaut from Grand Rapids, Michigan. While Christina Koch is a civilian, her inclusion in this exhibit supports the mission of the Michigan Heroes Museum: to Honor, Respect, and Remember Michigan citizens’ personal contributions to our nation’s military and space programs. Koch is Michigan’s first female astronaut. On Artemis II, Christina became the first woman to go beyond low Earth orbit and travel around the moon.
“For 50 years, MHM has celebrated Michigan veterans and the United States Military and Space programs,” said John Auger, Chief Curator of the Michigan Heroes Museum. “We are excited to work with GRPM to celebrate America 250 through some of our displays.”
The unveiling of this display will coincide with Memorial Day weekend, but it will remain open through 2026, the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, into 2027.
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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.
Michigan Heroes Museum
Every day, the Michigan Heroes Museum shares the personal stories of heroism, leadership, and sacrifice – sometimes the ultimate sacrifice – of ordinary Michigan men and women thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Michigan Heroes Museum believes that sharing this heritage is vital to understanding our past and preserving our future. Honor, Respect, and Remember. Visit our website, MIHeroes.org, or call (989) 652-8005 to plan your next visit.
