Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives (GRAAMA)

A small location now but with so much passion for local history and preserving the stories of African Americans in West Michigan. GRAAMA does so much important work for the community. The included pictures are of the current location but I’m so excited for the larger building and all the new opportunities and exhibits that will go along with it!

If you’re in Grand Rapids, especially downtown, you should definitely visit GRAAMA. It’s an incredible archival museum focused on the African American diaspora. The owner and founder is amazing—so knowledgeable and passionate. No matter your background, it’s a place worth experiencing!

We visited on a Friday afternoon and we were the only ones besides the workers which I loved because we had a chance to browse at our own pace. Museum is small, not very interactive. Everything has a page for you to read about but it would've been nice if there were actual recordings for some of the items like the MLK speech, etc. There wasn't much but what we did view we loved and appreciated the history. It was free but donations are accepted which we sent via PayPal buy they accept other forms as well. This small place has so much potential all it needs is a little more love.

I was so honored to meet the owner and have him talk to me and my friend about the establishment and about some of the pieces. Everyone was so informative and helpful i hope they can expand soon and show more of our history!

Very nice experience. Enjoy great conversation regarding the past.

Curator was pleasant and informative when asked about Idle Wilde. Unless you read everything. You can spend about 30 min to an hour here.

Very enjoyable, very informative. You will not be disappointed

But it's going to be get much better when they can move into their new space, I'm sure! Right now it's very small and easy to miss. Even with Google, I went a full circle passing it many times :P But there is a lot of heart and care about information and research here! If you are in the area and have a moment you should go. He did not tell me who he was; but the man working there seemed a great person and very easy to talk to. I'm only giving 3 stars because it is small and easy to miss, but I think it will be amazing in its new digs! They are still ironing things out so it will be awhile before this happens, but I wish them the best!

They're located right on Monroe Center. . The GRAAMA has hosted ArtPrize pieces over the years and even won the Outstanding Venue Award for ArtPrize 10! . . Check out their exhibits and displays of African American traditions and history. They host special events as well - check out their website for details. Their gift shop also features pieces from local artists! .

Small but mighty- a wonderful collection of art and artifacts, as well as archives, of the Black and African American experience and history in our city and region. Excellent location on Monroe Center, right down the street from the other major GR cultural institutions. Also serves as the We Are Lit book store.