Digitized Collections

The Bentley has digitized some full collections or large segments of collections and made them available here. Examples include early records of the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies and a survey of early female graduates of the University. Check the “online content” tag for digital material dealing with more specific subjects – like our Civil War collections.



  • In 1924, more than 3,000 female alumni and former students of U-M replied to an Alumnae Council survey, asking them for an update on their occupations and U-M memories dating back to 1870. You can search and view the digitized surveys.

    Go to Alumnae Survey







  • Hudson was a Detroit businessman whose grandfather founded Hudson’s department store. This collection focuses on his role as chairman of the New Detroit Committee, an organization established after the 1967 Detroit Rebellion to investigate and remedy the causes of that civil disturbance.

    Go to Joseph L. Hudson Papers





  • Warren Petoskey is an Odawa and Lakotah elder as well as a writer, musician, dancer, and founder of Dawnland Native Ministries, an outreach program for those affected by American Indian boarding schools. His collection gives an overview of his life and work.

    Go to Warren Petoskey Papers



  • The bullet-damaged diary of Lucius Shattuck, a Civil War soldier from Plymouth, Michigan who served as an officer in Co. C, 24th Michigan Infantry and was killed at the Battle of Gettysburg. A collection of Shattuck’s letters is available through our Civil War Collections Online.

    Go to Lucius L. Shattuck Diary

  • Selected papers of the Quaker abolitionist and physician whose Schoolcraft home was part of the Underground Railroad. Materials document his medical practice and political involvement in the Liberty and Republican parties.

    Go to Nathan M. Thomas Papers