Introducing George Wickwire Smith

by Marilyn Merdzinski, Director of Collections & Preservation
George Wickwire SmithJohn Ball
There are many names, faces and personal tales that combine to tell the collective story of our 155 year old Public Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The story began in 1854 when a group of distinguished local gentlemen, led by prominent land agent John Ball,  first came together to form the Grand Rapids Lyceum of Natural History.  They used their personal "cabinets" or collections of natural history specimens to help late 19th century Grand Rapidians understand the world around them.  But it wasn't long before the Civil War put an end to the steady growth of this fledgling organization.  When the War came to an end in 1865,  resuming the Lyceum's natural science programs and activities got a boost.  Interestingly, it wasn't the town elders who had formed the pre-war Lyceum at the helm this time. 

Instead, it's the story of a young boy, George Wickwire Smith.  I'll let the words of local historian, Albert Baxter. excerpted from his definitive 1890 History of Grand Rapids explain:

..."In 1865, George Wickwire Smith, a lad whose genius outran his years, gathered about him a number of youths in the Union School, and organized a club which he named the Kent Institute [formerly, the Grand Rapids Scientific Club].  He was a young man of rare promise; though modest and diffident, he had the irresistible ardor of enthusiasm as a student of Nature which kindled a like spirit in his associates. 

Simple, child-like and loving, he won the confidence and warm affection of all who came in contact with him.  But consumption had laid its wasting touch upon him and he sank under it dying March 31, 1869 when but 21 years of age in Florida, saying to his weeping father:  ..."Bury me where there are the most butterflies".

In 1867 young Smith, desiring to put his Kent Institute upon a permanent footing, proposed to those who had been members of the Lyceum of Natural History, that the two societies be combined.  This he accomplished, the articles of association bearing the date January 2, 1868, under the name suggested by him, of Kent Scientific Institute..."

The rest is history - our history.  Today when we contemplate the Museum and its place in our 21st century community, it seems appropriate that we think about the 19th century life and accomplishments of young Mr. Smith.  Next time you visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum's Van Andel Museum Center, be sure to stop by and say "hi" to George.  You'll find  him on the third floor inside the Museum's permanent Habitats exhibition - right where he belongs, on the wall in the recreated  "Kent Scientific Museum " period room display!
- posted by mmerdzinski@grmuseum.org
2/5/2010