Major Historical Collections

Michigan’s museums are crucial in their role to preserve and interpret the material culture of our colonial period. Their collection of artifacts and objects allow us to study and learn from the materials of that time. These tangible pieces of evidence lend insights into the daily lives, craftsmanship, and experiences of the people living here.

Michigan State Library and Historical Center

Michigan State University – University Archives and Historical Collections (East Lansing):
More than 160 years of MSU history can be explored, including original letters and diaries, photographs, and oral histories. The collections span the entirety of MSU’s history and also contain historical materials not related to the colonial period. Some of the collection highlights include materials that document the physical campus and grounds, early student life, the lumber industry, and the Civil War.

State of Michigan – Library of Michigan (Ann Arbor):
Since 1828, during Michigan’s territorial days, the Library of Michigan has served state government and the people of Michigan much as the Library of Congress works at the federal level. The Library’s early task was to collect, compile and store Michigan territorial laws and other important documents that formed the basis for Michigan government today. The library’s responsibility has expanded to include a fine collection of Michigan state government publications as well as important journals, books and other materials.

University of Michigan – Bentley Historical Library (Ann Arbor):
The Bentley Historical Library was established in 1935 by the University of Michigan Regents to carry out two functions: to serve as the official archives of the University and to document the history of the state of Michigan and the activities of its people, organizations and voluntary associations.

Central Michigan University – Clarke Historical Library (Mount Pleasant):
The Central Michigan University Libraries consists of the two libraries (the University Library and the Clarke Historical Library) which support Central Michigan University, a public university in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The CMU Libraries meets the research, information, and study needs of the students, faculty, and staff of the university, as well as researchers outside the university community. The library building is named after Charles V. Park, who was the library director at CMU from 1931 through 1957.

State of Michigan – Archives of Michigan (Lansing):
The Archives of Michigan is responsible for preserving the records of Michigan government and other public institutions. The collections also include documents, maps, photographs and film from private individuals and organizations. With documents dating back to 1792, the Archives of Michigan houses much of Michigan’s record heritage. More than 80 million state and local government records and private papers, 300,000 photographs and 500,000 maps, plus films and audio tapes are available for research.

City of Detroit – Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library (Detroit):
The Burton Historical Collection (BHC) of the Detroit Public Library began as the private library of Clarence Monroe Burton, a prominent attorney and Detroit historiographer. Mr. Burton’s original intention was to assemble a collection on the history of Detroit. Realizing that Detroit’s history was inextricably connected to that of Michigan and the Old Northwest, Canada and New France, he assembled a collection that is one of the most important private historical collections in the country.

Genealogical Societies

Genealogical societies are available throughout Michigan to help you to explore your identity and build a deeper connection to your roots and cultural heritage. Any man is eligible for membership in the Society of Colonial Wars who, being eighteen of age or over and a citizen of good repute in the community, is the lineal descendant of an ancestor who served in the military, or who held office in, a colony that became the United States.