BIG RAPIDS — Ferris State University’s Jim Crow Museum is relocating to a new facility set to open in fall 2026. The expanded museum will be located near the State Street entrance of the Big Rapids campus, where more than 30,000 artifacts are being transported.
The transition of artifacts began in early January 2026, with volunteers from the campus and community assisting in the careful transport of the extensive collection. Over three decades, the museum has focused on teaching tolerance and promoting social justice through its collection of objects that illustrate the racist historical context of Crow. This new standalone museum will include a state-of-the-art archive and research component, paving the way for expanded educational programming.
David Pilgrim, the Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Strategic Initiatives at Ferris State, expressed gratitude for the community involvement, saying, “It’s wonderful that so many people want to assist us with the process of safely moving our collection to the new museum.” This sentiment encapsulates the collaborative spirit fueling the relocation effort.
In the initial stages of the move, more than 200 high-priority objects have been selected for display in the “Understanding Objects” exhibit. This display will feature a rotating selection of artifacts aimed at encouraging visitors to engage deeply with the collection’s messages. Cyndi Tiedt, the Collections Manager of the Crow Museum, commented on the progress made thus far, noting, “This is the first time we’ve ever done a comprehensive volunteer program at the museum... our volunteers are getting a crash course on museum preservation and we couldn’t be more thankful for their help.”
The new facility will span 26,000 square feet, allowing for greater programming events, volunteer opportunities and improved storage for artifacts. Tiedt highlighted the benefits of the new space, stating, “Moving to this new building is going to be better and safer for the collection. It’s going to allow us to expand the work we’re doing and by both of those things, we can increase our reach and impact on the community.”
Currently, approximately 29,000 objects are still awaiting relocation from their existing displays. Volunteers interested in assisting with the project are encouraged to sign up, as the need for help remains significant during this critical transition.
The museum’s new location is projected to open in fall 2026, after the current phase of transporting artifacts concludes, with the first batch needing to be ready by late April. The timeline for future volunteer opportunities will be announced as the opening approaches.