Bentley Historical Library

News Stories

  • Frauds in the Field

    From 1890 to 1920, more than 3,000 “ancient” artifacts were discovered across Michigan. The papers of U-M Professor Francis Kelsey reveal his efforts to unmask a hoax involving these artifacts and a state-wide scam. Check out the latest issue of Collections magazine for the full story.

    … Complete Story

  • When Hobgoblins Walk

    Since 1890, The Michigan Daily has been the authoritative voice on student life. And when it comes to Halloween, it hasn’t shied away from covering all types of student shenanigans and general tomfoolery. Here is a brief look at student life on campus from the pages of the Daily at the spookiest time of the year.

    … Complete Story

  • Segregated Service

    A rare set of photographs captures the working life of two African American Civilian Conservation Corps camps during the Great Depression. But who are these men and what was life in the camps like? The Bentley needs your help in identifying these men, all of whom played a critical role in American history.

    … Complete Story

  • “Lack of Taste, and Low Quality of Humor”

    A controversial ad for a one-cup bra was part of the reason the Board in Control of Student Publications tried to kick Michigan’s student-run humor magazine, The Gargoyle, off campus in 1950. Needless to say, they didn’t go quietly. Here’s what happened next.

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  • A By-the-Numbers Guide to the University of Michigan

    As the fall semester gets underway, Martin Slagter of MLive has compiled a back-to-school article with an array of numbers about the University of Michigan campus, compiled with assistance from the Bentley Historical Library.

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  • A Tremendous Load of Humanity: When Football was Dangerous for Fans

    To mark the start of football practice this week, we take a look at a 1905 bleacher collapse on Ferry Field that injured spectators and prompted the construction of new, safer seating for Michigan fans. Read what happened on the sunny fall day when the Badgers played the Wolverines.

    … Complete Story

  • Two Bentley Archivists Work to Uncover Hidden Collections

    Archives seek to collect and preserve the stories of all people, but many stories remain untold. To help change that, Bentley archivists Lilly Carrel and Devon Proudfoot are part of a team of researchers who are diving into Bentley records to uncover and highlight the role of women at the University during its first 100 years.

    … Complete Story