Bentley Historical Library

News Stories

  • gloved hand holds sepia-toned image of a woman

    Studying Race and Racism at U-M

    The Bentley Historical Library is part of a new U-M project to study, document, and better understand the university’s history with respect to diversity, equity and inclusion — with the history of race and racism at U-M as its first major focus.

    … Complete Story
  • Claude Shannon black and white student photo

    The Elegant Philosophy of Ones and Zeros

    The University of Michigan College of Engineering in the 1930s was the perfect environment to nurture Claude Shannon’s curious mind. Aspects of Shannon’s U-M experience can be found in the archives, before he became the “father of information theory.”

    … Complete Story

  • Decolonizing U-M Philippine Collections

    The Bentley Historical Library is part of a new cross-campus project to disclose the harmful ways Philippine collections came to U-M, and to begin reparation work on these important materials. The project includes researchers, students, librarians, archivists, and more.

    … Complete Story
  • Dome of old observatory with part of new addition showing

    Seeing Anew

    The Detroit Observatory was built in 1854 and quickly became the centerpiece of scientific advancement at U-M. Now, 168 years later and after a three-year expansion project, it is ready for the public to again explore the stars. Are you ready for a visit?

    … Complete Story
  • Jean Fairfax black and white student portrait circa 1937

    The African American Student Project

    A new searchable database lists the names and years of attendance of every African American student who attended the University for any length of time from 1853-1956. It includes archival materials and other data for an in-depth look at African American experiences at U-M.

    … Complete Story

  • A Special Note from Director Terry McDonald

    After almost a decade of leadership, Director McDonald will be returning to a faculty role in August 2022. “My nine years at the Bentley have gone quickly because I have enjoyed so much meeting all of you and working with the enormously talented Bentley staff.”

    … Complete Story

  • Bentley Access Updates

    The Bentley Historical Library is open by appointment to the public. We ask that you familiarize yourself with our research procedures to keep everyone safe. Click “Complete Story” below to get all the information you need to conduct your research.

    … Complete Story