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.

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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?

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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.

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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.”

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Bentley Launches Willis Ward Exhibit

Willis Ward was infamously benched for being Black during the 1934 University of Michigan vs. Georgia Tech football game. This exhibit goes beyond the game into his rich life and legacy.

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Scratching the Surface

To write his new memoir, multimedia journalist and educator Harvey Ovshinsky had to research his own collection at the Bentley.

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When Every Box is the Last Box

How students and faculty from U-M’s History Department collaborated with Bentley archivists to find creative ways to produce a successful research project, even without physical access to archival materials.

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