We’re sharing historical cats who think they’re kittens, in honor of National Kitten Day!

Which one is your favorite?

📸: Cats from the Maude Sink scrapbook, Frances Green scrapbook, and Emile Lowe scrapbook, plus a bonus kitten from the Thomas Shaw photo collection

#NationalKittenDay #Archives #VintageCats #HistoricalPhotos #KittensOfInstagram ...

These baby wild turkeys and their parents recently decided to stop by our library courtyard! 🦃

They clearly enjoyed the Historical Circle sculpture by Richard Hunt; as you can see, they climbed right to the top of it. While we don’t encourage climbing the sculptures, we do appreciate their interest in history!

If you, too, want to visit the Bentley to explore Michigan’s past (and possibly spot some wild turkeys) you’re welcome to visit our reading room during our open hours. The Bentley is open to the public in both the summer and the school year. 📖❤️

Thank you to Bentley Research Associate Andrew Rutledge for these wild turkey photos!

#WildTurkeys #UMich #Archives #HistoricalLibrary #BabyWildTurkeys #Poults #Birds #SoCute #SupportYourLocalLibrary ...

Happy 4th of July! ⭐ Open this envelope with us to celebrate!

This envelope comes from the collection of U-M alum Charles Rasch, who played ragtime piano, served 2 years in the U.S. Army, and snapped all kinds of pictures across the state of Michigan during his lifetime.

His photographs highlight both the beautiful natural environment in Michigan, and the ragtime music scene!

Today we’re showcasing a photo of a 4th of July party from his collection! Thrown by Mike Montgomery, a friend of Rasch, this party featured Michigan musicians performing together, and enjoying the festivities. 🎺

From all of us here at the archives, we hope you have a safe and wonderful 4th of July!

#4thOfJuly #IndependenceDay #1960s #Ragtime #MichiganHistory #OldPhoto #HaveAWonderfulHoliday ...

Flashback to the late 1960s, when this space was being excavated for the Power Center!

U-M’s Power Center for the Performing Arts opened two years after this photo was taken, with the world premiere of the musical “The Grass Harp,” based on a novel by Truman Capote. Many alumni attended the opening performance, including much-beloved actor James Earl Jones.

Featuring large spiral staircases, and mirrored windows that reflect the nearby trees, the Power Center has hosted performances from the Royal Shakespeare Company, folk musicians, and even celebrated French mime Marcel Marceau!

The center’s construction was made possible by three U-M alumni: Eugene and Sadye Power, and their son, Philip. Today it is a crucial part of U-M’s School of Music, Theater, and Dance.

You can find this photo, and others like it, in the Joe O’Neal papers in the archives, which anyone is welcome to view in our reading room!

#UMich #AnnArbor #PowerCenter #History #Campus #Theater #1960s ...