News Summary
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is set to launch the Clapp Family Mastodon exhibit, showcasing a remarkably complete skeleton discovered in Kent City. The exhibit features original bones and a 3D-printed model, providing an engaging educational experience. The preparation of the bones was conducted with the University of Michigan, ensuring scientific integrity. The GRPM aims to enhance community understanding of natural history through such exhibitions, reflecting its long-standing commitment to education and historical preservation.
Grand Rapids, MI – The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will unveil the highly anticipated Clapp Family Mastodon exhibit to the public on Thursday, September 11. This exhibit marks the culmination of a three-year journey since the discovery of mastodon bones by a construction crew during a drainage project near 22 Mile Road in Kent City.
The bones, estimated to be approximately 13,210 years old, were found on the property of the Clapp Family and were later donated to the museum by Michael and Courtney Clapp. This specimen is regarded as remarkably complete, with around 130 bones recovered, representing about 70% of the mastodon’s skeleton. It is noted that the mastodon was around 10 years old when it passed away.
Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to engage with the exhibit prior to its grand opening. On the first floor, they will witness the assembly of a 3D-printed model of the mastodon and observe select original bones. This hands-on experience is designed to educate attendees ahead of the full exhibit’s launch.
Exhibit Preparation and Educational Focus
For a year and a half, the recovered bones underwent a detailed preservation process in the GRPM Collections, where they were carefully dried and studied in collaboration with the University of Michigan. This scientific preparation included scanning each bone to create an accurate 3D print, allowing the original bones to be preserved for future research while still providing an engaging exhibit for the public.
Inside the exhibit, select original bones will be displayed alongside the fully articulated 3D model of the mastodon. The installation will feature educational information that highlights the differences between mastodons and mammoths, as well as insights into other species that inhabited the Earth during the mastodon’s era. This emphasis on educational content aligns with the museum’s mission to share knowledge and preserve history.
Future Exhibitions and Community Engagement
The GRPM is also set to host a traveling exhibit featuring a larger subject that will open on October 11, with further details expected to be announced on September 2, 2025. This commitment to providing a diverse array of exhibits reflects the museum’s role in engaging the community and fostering a greater appreciation for natural history.
A Historical Institution
The Grand Rapids Public Museum has a rich history spanning over 170 years and houses more than 250,000 unique artifacts that relate to Kent County and its history. The museum is partially funded by Kent County taxpayers through a 10-year millage approved in 2016, ensuring that it remains a vital resource for education and local heritage. The museum is also accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, a designation that indicates its adherence to the highest professional standards in museum operations.
The upcoming Clapp Family Mastodon exhibit promises to be a highlight for both residents and visitors of Grand Rapids, offering a rare glimpse into a distant past and enriching the community’s connection to its natural history.
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Additional Resources
- MSN News
- Wikipedia: Mastodon
- MLive
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Public Museum Mastodon exhibit
- Fox 17 News
- Google Scholar: Mastodon Kent City
- WZZM 13 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mastodon
- Wood Radio
- Google News: Kent City Mastodon
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
