August 16, 2025

Grand Rapids Celebrates 175 Years with Poster Vote

News Summary

Grand Rapids, Michigan, is marked its 175th anniversary by inviting residents to vote for a design for a commemorative poster. The voting will continue until September 5, with three finalist designs showcased at City Hall. Additional events and exhibitions will honor the city’s rich heritage and community spirit throughout the celebrations. Contributions from local designers will also be rewarded as the new poster design reflects the essence of Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids, Michigan, is embarking on a celebratory journey to mark its 175th anniversary this year, having been incorporated on April 2, 1850. The city invites its residents to participate in a vital part of the festivities by voting on a design for a commemorative poster that reflects the community’s rich heritage and vibrant culture.

The voting process for selecting the poster design runs until Friday, September 5. Three finalist designs have been chosen for public consideration, and the winning design will be revealed during the opening ceremony for ArtPrize on September 19. As part of the anniversary celebrations, all three finalist posters will be displayed at City Hall throughout the duration of ArtPrize. Each designer of the finalist posters will receive a cash reward for their contributions.

In addition to the poster vote, Grand Rapids has organized a diverse array of events, contests, and digital collaborations intended to honor the city’s history and community spirit. Information regarding the anniversary events and the city’s past can be found at www.175GR.com.

Historical Context

The land now known as Grand Rapids holds significant historical importance, as it is the ancestral territory of the Anishinaabe people, referred to as Owashtenong. This area was once governed by a confederation of 19 Odawa bands, now recognized as the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians. In 1821, tribal leaders signed the Treaty of Chicago, which resulted in the cession of substantial land in West Michigan to the U.S. federal government.

Grand Rapids began its journey towards becoming a city in 1826 when French trader Louis Campeau established a trading post and later purchased land that laid the groundwork for the founding of the community. At the time of its incorporation as a city in 1850, Grand Rapids had a population of 2,686 residents, and by 1857, the city’s boundaries extended to 10.5 square miles.

175th Anniversary Events

As part of the anniversary festivities, a photo exhibit titled “175 Pictures for 175 Years: A Mobile Museum Exhibit” is available at DeVos Place downtown. This exhibit showcases a significant photograph from each year since the establishment of Grand Rapids, chronicling the area’s milestones and cultural evolution. The exhibition is curated by local expert Andrea Melvin from the Grand Rapids Public Museum and involves contributions from numerous local museums, libraries, and the Grand Rapids Historical Society. It includes a historical context showcasing the Native American community’s crucial role in the area’s development.

Festivities kicked off with celebratory activities at Rosa Parks Circle, where attendees enjoyed various games and entertainment, including a dunk tank. These community engagement activities featured live music, fostering a vibrant atmosphere as people gathered to reflect on the city’s history and future. Notably, Sister Cities International participated in the celebrations, commemorating 40 years of fostering global connections for the residents of Grand Rapids.

Overall, the 175th anniversary of Grand Rapids not only marks a significant historical milestone but also emphasizes the importance of community involvement and cultural pride. The city is looking forward to the multitude of activities lined up, showcasing its rich history while engaging residents and visitors alike in a celebration of shared heritage.

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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.

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Grand Rapids Celebrates 175 Years with Poster Vote