Overview

The Bentley Historical Library was established in 1935 by the University of Michigan Regents to carry out two functions: 

• To serve as the official archives of the university.

• To document the history of the state of Michigan and the activities of its people, organizations, and voluntary associations.  

Nearly 90 years after its founding, the library has amassed extensive holdings on the history of the state and the university, including close to 80,000 linear feet and 136 terabytes of processed archival material. Its holdings are consulted by Michigan's citizens; the university's students, faculty, staff, alumni, and administrators; scholars from around the world; and others interested in the history of the state and the university.

The Curation team plays a vital role in fulfilling the BHL's mission, particularly by processing, conserving, and digitizing archival material. Continue reading to learn more about the the Bentley's collecting priorities, the Curation team, and the current ways that the team prioritizes processing and digitization projects.