GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — While working on the Grand Rapids Public Museum's latest expansion project, crews unearthed some Grand Rapids history—a piece of hydroelectric power equipment.
Museum officials say the equipment is a centrifugal pump from William T. Powers’ Grand Rapids Electric Light and Power Company, which was first established in 1880. This pump would have been used to quickly move water and consistently generate hydroelectricity. Building foundations of the former hydroelectric power plant were also discovered.
Now, museum staff are working to salvage the equipment in hopes of using it in a display in the future.
“Discovering historic remnants of the industry along the Grand River during our expansion construction is both exciting and enlightening,” said Dale Robertson, President and CEO of the GRPM. “It not only highlights the rich industrial heritage of our community but also serves as a tangible link to the past, deepening our understanding of the innovations that shaped our city’s history.”
This isn't the first time construction crews have found historic artifacts on GRPM's campus. Earlier this year, crews found pieces of turbines and a flume that were part of the Voigt Mill.
The construction is part of a $50 million project that aims to increase access to the Grand River. It began last fall. Along with updating the museum's core exhibits, the project will create an outdoor space for visitors to enjoy. It will be connected to a 7.5-mile trail that links up with other trails in the area.
The expansion will also allow the museum to welcome more visitors.
To learn more about the project, click here.