Collections & Archives
Your Community Archive and Research Center
The Community Archive and Research Center (CARC) is now open! In order to better serve our community and fulfill our mission, the CARC building was renovated to properly house the collection, open community access to research and exploration, and to provide space for interaction with collections staff.
CARC Community Tours
We're proud of our Community Archive and Research Center (CARC), and invite the public to learn how CARC can serve history explorers of all ages! Get a behind-the-scenes look at unique artifacts in the collection, learn how you can do research on your own family or business, and find out how we care for your local history.
Tours available for TCHM Members or for businesses/organizations or special groups. Click below to schedule! You'll receive an e-mail confirmation, plus a reminder email the day before your tour.
Work with the Collection
Have a local history question or looking for photographs? Collections staff will research the permanent collection for items about your request. For your convenience, we can share watermarked digital copies of photographs or information via email. For rare occasions when artifacts need to be seen in person, an appointment can be made and staff will handle the artifact. For any questions or special requests, please download a research request form or contact a member of the collection team.
If you have any questions either chat with us by using the chat icon at the bottom of the screen or contact:
Position Open
Collections Curator and Off-Site Facilities Manager
careers@tchmuseum.org
616-842-0700 X 200
Position Open
Donating an Artifact to the Collection
We are happy to consider items you’d like to donate to the collection. In keeping with our mission statement, we collect artifacts and archival material related to northwest Ottawa County.
How we evaluate donations
The Collections Committee, made up of board, staff, and knowledgeable members of community, meets each month to consider donated items. We evaluate items against these acquisition requirements:
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Is the item relevant to the history of northwest Ottawa County?
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Does the item have exhibit or research potential?
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Could the item be used for educational programs?
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Can the item be properly stored, protected, and preserved in its current condition and with our available resources?
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Does the item fill an identified gap in the collection or could it replace an inferior example?
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Will this item be an unnecessary duplication?
Want to donate an item or items?
If you are interested in donating: Please download a donation form below and email it to Erica Layton at elayton@tchmuseum.org along with a photo of the item(s) you wish to donate.
Please do not drop off items at the Museum until you have contacted our Collections Team and received a response on your potential donation.
Other local institutions for research:
Extended Summer Hours
(Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
closed
10-8
10-8
10-8
10-8
12-8
12-5
Come on in...
Admission is free!
Regular Hours
(Labor Day to Memorial Day)
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
closed
10-5
10-5
10-5
10-5
12-5
12-5