Bentley’s Legacy: The Name and the Building

First named the Michigan Historical Collections when it was established in 1935, the library changed its name to honor the Bentleys  (Warner). After Alvin's death in 1971, his wife Arvella donated funds to build a new location for the historical library to house its collections. In 1993, the archive was moved from its original location in Angell Hall to its current location on North Campus, its name was formally changed to the Alvin M. & Arvella D. Bentley Historical Library (Nickel and Patterson). Its mission is towards both the university and the state and is “to collect the materials for and promote the study of the histories of these two, fundamentally intertwined, institutions” ("About"). The Bentley family was seen as the right candidate for the renaming due to their contributions and dedication to collecting and preserving the historical records of the library as well as his efforts in supporting his country and school.

The Bentley Library has continued to expand its collections and is now one of the most extensive university-based archives in the country (needs source). It holds historical records of people and businesses in the state of Michigan as well as all records from the University, dating back to its founding in 1817. Documents regarding people all the way up through our country’s highest ranks are also filed away within Bentley’s extensive collections (needs source). In 1963, files from University of Michigan alum and former President of the United States Gerald R. Ford were added to the archives. These include information on his vice presidential administration and extend over 1,000 linear feet (needs source). 

Despite focusing on history that dates back centuries, in recent years the library has also become more modernized. In a world surrounded by social media, many have access to what is new and happening at the library. If you click a few buttons on that smartphone or laptop of yours, you can find @umichBentley on Twitter, where librarians post up-to-date information on what’s happening at the library, including weekly updates on special events for the public. Their website is easily accessible and quite simple to navigate. Whether one is trying to find information on athletics today or peruse one of the collections on Michigan’s 19 former governors, one can find what they’re looking for in the snap of a finger. The library has also modernized in ways other than its use of technology by taking on contemporary issues through its exhibits like its “Constructing Gender” exhibit focused on the historical gender divide at the University of Michigan. 

As Alvin Bentley was a lover of history, it is important to know the history behind the man's name itself. According to BehindTheName.com, Bentley is a place-based surname, "itself derived from Old English beonet 'bent grass' and leah 'woodland, clearing.' Various towns in England bear this name." His first name Alvin means "noble friend" (Duddy).

Because of his contributions to this state and country, Alvin M. Bentley was given this honor following his passing and his eponymous library has continued to grow and prosper throughout the years. Although archives are often seen as places only useful for looking back at the past, the Bentley Library continues to reaffirm its importance on our campus by spotlighting relevant issues in its collections and celebrating the Bentley family’s accomplishments in the modern world. 

Works Cited

“About: Bentley Historical Library.” Bentley Historical Library, 2023, https://bentley.umich.edu/about/.

“Alvin M. Bentley.” Michigan History, Shiawassee County. 2021, https://shiawasseehistory.com/bentley.html.

Duddy, Nicole. "Alvin." The Bump. https://www.thebump.com/b/alvin-baby-name

Nickel, Jamie, and Sal Patterson. “Bentley Historical Library.” Clio, 7 Sept. 2016, https://www.theclio.com/entry/25930.

“Photo of Alvin M. Bentley.” History, Art, & Archives United States House of Representatives, 1961. Library of Congress.  https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/9282?ret=True. 7 April, 2023.

Powers, Thomas E. “Alvin M. Bentley Papers.” BHL: Alvin M. Bentley Papers, 1981, https://quod.lib.umich.edu/b/bhlead/umich-bhl-85746?view=text.

Warner, Robert M. “History of the University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library.” History of Bentley Library, 2017, http://um2017.org/History_of_Bentley_Library.html.

Yaldoo, George. Exterior photograph of the Universtiy of Michigan’s Alvin M & Arvella D Bentley Historical Library. 7 April, 2023. Author’s personal collection.