GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — Meijer has opened a museum at its Grand Rapids-area headquarters to tell the story of its 82-year history.

The big-box retailer started as a small store in Greenville. It now has more than 200 stores in six states and employs more than 60,000 people.

The Grand Rapids Press says the Meijer Heritage Center will have 12 exhibit areas and 5,000 square feet. A firm that has worked on presidential museums went through memorabilia and artifacts held by the company, the Meijer family and former employees.

There are many letters written by Meijer customers to management.

Doug Meijer says his dad and grandfather took a risk during the Depression. He says the company wants to share the history with the public.