What We Do

Bentley field archivists travel across Michigan and work closely with U-M units, organizations, and individuals to build lasting connections and identify materials of enduring research value. Each new collection is carefully selected and preserved to reflect the rich history of the University and the state. Read our collecting policy.

Once a collection arrives at the Bentley, our Curation team organizes the materials—including physical items like papers and photos, files from digital storage media and the cloud, and websites. They preserve it all and create guides (called finding aids) to help you locate and access what you need.

Sometimes, historical papers, like photos and scrapbooks, need extra care. Our expert conservator fixes up items from the collections in our Conservation Lab, using tools from U-M’s historical book bindery, alongside modern equipment. Bentley materials are conserved, stored, and protected to the highest standards.

Our digitization specialists turn physical items—like documents, photos, or old tapes—into digital files that you can view on your computer or phone. This can preserve the original and, when possible, makes them easier for you to find and share online. Check out our materials available online for examples.

The University Archives and Records team works to collect and research the history of the students, faculty, staff, and community of the University of Michigan, taking in new materials and digging into existing collections to answer new questions.

The Bentley’s Advancement team raises awareness of the archives, via our social media pages on Facebook, and Instagram, our newsletter, and in our twice-yearly publication, Collections magazine. They also fundraise to keep the Bentley Historical Library’s hard work supported, with crucial help from gifts by people like you.

When a collection is ready for use, our Public Engagement Team welcomes you to the Bentley, assists you with your research in the reading room, and answers your questions. They also help instruct visiting classes and host Michigan history events at the Bentley.

The Judy and Stanley Frankel Detroit Observatory, a division of the Bentley, is a museum dedicated to the history of astronomy and the history of U-M. Built in 1854, it hosts exhibits, tours, talks, and cultural events—and invites visitors to explore the stars using its original Fitz telescope.