The map at the top of the stairs on the museum’s third floor was hand carved from wood by artists in1938 showing the topography of Michigan.
This month, it went live with projection animations, showing how Michigan has changed over time.
It focuses on the historic territories of the Anishinaabe, the lands they ceded to the United States through treaties, how traditional trails became modern highways, and more says Anishinaabe curator Katrina Furman.
“This is a really great way to utilize the map with some new technology and also add an additional layer of education to this wonderful piece we have.”
The map will share Native American history while the 30-year-old Anishinabek: The People of This Place exhibit shuts down to make way for an updated exhibit starting in January.
“It’s going to have all these dynamic upgrades; there’s new technology going in there. We’re using LED panels, holographic imagery and knowledge islands.”
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is offering members of the Tribal community free admission to visit for the final weeks of the exhibit by showing a tribal I.D. on January 4 and 5.
The new exhibit is expected to open fall of 2026.
