Information and Sources

Ethnic Layers of Detroit

Ethnic Layers of Detroit was an inspiration for this project. This source provides information about locations and spots in the Detroit area to revive the memory of or history and untold stories behind the history of Detroit.

Edelweiss Club Grand Rapids

The Edelweiss Club of Grand Rapids was a source used for the history of Grand Rapids in the aspect solely of German history, current German immigrants or people interested in German culture, as well as reference to German locations and Wilhelm Seeger's work on The German Americans In Grand Rapids, Michigan: A Historical Survey.

The German Americans In Grand Rapids, Michigan: A Historical Survey by Wilhelm Seeger

This source was used in many ways as a foundation of the research in this project. Many valuable sources and photos that cannot be found anywhere else depicting historical scenes and people alike can be found in this source.

German Traces of NYC : A Project of Goethe Institute

This source inspired this project about the history and untold stories behind our region. This interactive website allows users to explore stories and visualize on a map how Germans impacted the New York City area. It also includes information about each area on the map, to learn about the history behind each location and German immigrants there.

History of the City of Grand Rapids Michigan by Albert Baxter

This source is an extremely helpful look into the past. This source, published in 1891, provided insight into many areas of life within the Grand Rapids area. Some topics that can be found in this book include city charters, stories of early settlers, celebration documentations, political parties, utility industries (such as Water supply, Lights and Electricity, Roads, Etc.), Kent County city government, records of immigrants and nativities, news and press of Grand Rapids, and more.

History of Grand Rapids Michigan by the Grand Rapids Historical Commission

This source was used mostly for photo reference and historical photo evidence. In many ways it was used to find photos of buildings that no longer exist, photos of buildings and churches from early construction or use, as well as events occurring in the Grand Rapids area.

St. Mary Catholic Church

For the research and contact for historical archives about the Church such as founding date, location, as well as modern day congregation and missions of the Church.

Temple Emanuel

For the research and contact information including information about artifacts in the Peg & Mort Finkelstein Historical Archives, as well as information about the mission of the Church.

Immanuel Lutheran Church

For the research, contact information and and intents of finding information about the history of the Church including modern day congregation and missions of the Church.

Grand Rapids Brewing Company

For contact information about the brewing company as well as its new and current owners of the brand, including a list of its stout menu featuring an original stout.

Michigan Genealogy on the Web

The Michigan Genealogy on the Web provided resources and documents about the history of Kent County from as early as 1873. This source also includes links to other sources on information about the history of Michigan communities such as founding dates, businesses, immigration, newspapers, and more.

Grand Rapids History 1960 and Before: A Facebook Group

This group provided many resources and referrals to other sources provided online and in person in libraries. Additionally some members of the group provided photos related to this project, books about Grand Rapids history, and stories of their own or their families' immigration to the United States as a German.

Grand Rapids in Stereographs: 1860-1900 by Thomas R. Dilley

This book provided photo and historical accounts for buildings and people within the Grand Rapids area from 1860-1900. This includes photos of buildings which are now destroyed, have been demolished or remodeled for other use, as well as looking into the history of Grand Rapids through photographs.

The Story of Grand Rapids by Z.Z. Lydens

This book acted as a source about the city's history as well as information about immigrant life within Grand Rapids area from before 1960.