News Summary
Ari Siegel, from the historic Siegel Jewelers family, launches ‘History by Mail’, a subscription service delivering historical documents and narratives. This venture blends education with entertainment and reflects the family’s commitment to heritage in Grand Rapids. Siegel’s participation on ‘Shark Tank’ propelled his business to national prominence, showcasing innovative ways to engage with history.
Grand Rapids—Ari Siegel, a member of a long-established family of jewelers, is merging history with entrepreneurship through his latest venture, “History by Mail.” This innovative business initiative follows the legacy of Siegel Jewelers, a jewelry shop in Grand Rapids with a remarkable history that extends over 135 years.
Founded in 1889 by Ari Siegel’s great-great-grandfather, a watchmaker who immigrated from Kiev, Russia, Siegel Jewelers has deep roots in the community. The store originally operated in what is now known as the Amway Grand Hotel before becoming the first tenant at Woodland Mall. The family patriarch was notable for crafting watches for the czar of Russia before relocating to the United States due to political unrest.
Currently managed by Ari Siegel and his brother Jaron, who represents the fifth generation of the family in the jewelry business, Siegel Jewelers highlights a dedication to craftsmanship and heritage. The establishment holds an important place in the local economy and community, known for its quality products and historical value.
Ari Siegel has pursued a passion for history alongside his family traditions. His interest intensified during a past internship at the U.S. Senate, where he uncovered a trove of historical documents at the Library of Congress. This experience led him to create “History by Mail” in 2019, a subscription service that sends subscribers a monthly package of historical documents paired with contextual narratives.
Among the notable offerings from History by Mail, subscribers can receive a fingerprint card of Rosa Parks from her 1955 arrest alongside a pancake recipe attributed to her. Additionally, the service features cocktail recipes connected to various historical figures, enriching subscribers’ perspectives on the past through tangible items.
Ari Siegel’s journey took a significant turn when he was featured on the television show Shark Tank. His rigorous preparation paid off as he successfully secured a partnership with Daniel Lubetzky, the creator of Kind Bar, propelling his business into the national spotlight. Following his appearance on the show, Siegel experienced a dramatic increase in sales, hitting record-breaking numbers month after month.
The success of History by Mail reflects not only Siegel’s entrepreneurial spirit but also his ability to blend historical education with entertainment. The business aims to engage individuals of all ages, encouraging subscribers to appreciate the stories behind important historical moments while enjoying unique artifacts. This initiative showcases how history can be both informative and engaging in a modern context.
As he continues to honor the legacy of Siegel Jewelers, Ari Siegel reinforces the importance of family heritage and community connections, promoting an ongoing appreciation for history. Located near its original sites, Siegel Jewelers is not only preserving its rich tradition but also embracing new avenues for growth and engagement in today’s marketplace.
With innovation at the fore of Ari Siegel’s endeavors, both Siegel Jewelers and History by Mail signify a unique and promising approach to celebrating history and entrepreneurship within the Grand Rapids community and beyond.
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- WZZM 13: West Michigan Native on Shark Tank
- WOOD TV: Grand Rapids History Exhibition
- Fox 17: Black History Month Tour
- Grand Rapids MN: Itasca County Sports History
- Cadillac News: Researching Area’s History
- Wikipedia: History
- Google Search: Grand Rapids history
- Google Scholar: History of Grand Rapids
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids
- Google News: Grand Rapids news
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.
