Bio
Matthew A. Ellis is an archivist for the City of Grand Rapids. He is the author of a book titled Hidden History of Grand Rapids, as well as several articles on the city's history. His primary area of interest focuses on how decision-makers access and utilize information. Additionally, he is keen on exploring topics such as data privacy, misinformation, and open data. Matthew is an active member of the Grand Rapids Historical Society and co-hosts a local history podcast in collaboration with the Grand Rapids Office of Communications.
Dashboards
Fiscal Fallout Dashboard
I created this dashboard for the Fiscal Fallout competition administered by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
Chicago Vacancy Dashboard
I created this dashboard for my Civic Technology and Smart Cities class at Johns Hopkins University.
Current Projects
Grand Rapids Local History Podcast
A local history podcast co-created and co-hosted with Travis Scott and Jessica Croel.
Grand Rapids City Archives Digital Platform
A web publishing platform for the digital content of the Grand Rapids City Archives and Records Center. Created using Omeka.
Publications
Hidden History of Grand Rapids
More than two centuries of overlooked history flow through Grand Rapids like the river for which it is named. The first city surveyor dabbled in seances while platting out neighborhoods and streets. When a river dredging project left a mountain of stone tormenting residents, the ordeal pitted them against city leaders. Humane Society agents uncovered horrendous conditions at the city pound and successfully brought about reform and much better conditions for the animals.
Learn More
A Quick Mugshot Story | Grand Rapids Historical Society | May 2021
A Short History of Pets and Animals in Grand Rapids | Grand Rapids Historical Society | March 2021
A Short History of Grand Rapids Annexation | Grand Rapids Historical Society | July 2020
Papers
NAFTA Memorandum | July 2018
Election Security: Deterring Foreign Misinformation | Capstone for Johns Hopkins Masters | December 2020
Education
M.A. in Public Management | Johns Hopkins University
B.A. in History | Aquinas College
Experience
City of Grand Rapids | Assistant Archivist | 2015 - Present
Grand Rapids Historical Society | Board Trustee | 2017 - Present
Greater Grand Rapids Women's History Council | Treasurer | 2018 - 2021
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital | Associate Archivist | 2014 - 2016
Hot Topic Inc | Manager | 2012 - 2015
All presented work, writings, and opinions are my own, and the mistakes therein are mine alone. Created using R and the postcards package.
