Bentley Historical Library

At the Bentley Historical Library, the past isn’t just stored, but discovered, questioned, and brought to life. For nearly a century, Michigan’s history has been preserved at the Bentley. As the official archive of the University of Michigan and a leading collector of materials from across the state, the Bentley brings the past into vibrant focus. Since its founding in 1935, the Library’s mission has been to document the history of Michigan—its people, organizations, and institutions. With more than 12,000 collections across three facilities comprising more than 86,000 feet of material, the Bentley is internationally recognized as a vital research institution. By sharing original materials and the context behind them, we invite everyone to explore history as it really is—complex, challenging, and still unfolding. Here, the past isn’t finished. It’s alive, evolving, and full of possibility.