A Wege Foundation grant of $500,000 will support the new “Overcoming Hateful Things”
traveling exhibit, allowing it to work close to home in West Michigan, then travel
across the nation and around the world.
A Wege Foundation grant will help bring Ferris State University’s Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery’s traveling exhibit to new audiences, stimulating discussions leading breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive environment.
The foundation’s $500,000 grant will support the new “Overcoming Hateful Things” traveling exhibit, allowing it to work close to home in West Michigan, then travel across the nation and around the world.
The exhibit debuts at the Grand Rapids Public Museum on June 3, and runs through Sept. 3.
“‘Overcoming Hateful Things’ is an exhibit that will help stimulate spaces where intelligent discussions about race, race relations and racism can occur,” said David Pilgrim, Ferris Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Strategic Initiatives and founder and director of the Jim Crow Museum. “The Wege grant makes these much-needed discussions possible. I hope they know how much we appreciate their support.”
“Overcoming Hateful Things” includes 151 objects, 21 exhibit crates, 17 exhibits and eight multimedia interactives.
The exhibit is designed to fill about 3,000 square feet. Artifacts serve an educational purpose as reminders of America’s past and serve as a teaching tool noting generations of pushback by African Americans through activism, achievement and living their everyday lives with dignity.
Exhibits will be available for periods of least three months and a maximum of one year. Development started in 2021 when Howard+Revis, a professional design that has partnered with the Jim Crow Museum staff for content and exhibition design elements, joined the cause.
This Wege Foundation grant supports a key component of the broad scope of the work
of the Jim Crow Museum, which is currently fundraising for a future standalone museum
prominently on Ferris’ Big Rapids campus.
Ferris’ board of trustees in February committed $5 million to support the future museum, which has a fundraising goal of $20 million. In addition, the project has received $2 million in donor support and a commitment of $1 million from the state of Michigan.
The Wege Foundation’s work centers in West Michigan, primarily Grand Rapids. Peter M. Wege, the family foundation founder, has focused efforts locally in honor of the wishes of his father, Peter Martin Wege, who built the foundation’s resources. In 1912, Peter Martin Wege formed Metal Office Furniture, known today as Steelcase, and recognized as the world’s largest producer of office furniture.
For more information:
The Wege Foundation: https://wegefoundation.com/
Jim Crow Museum: https://jimcrowmuseum.ferris.edu/