About Our Collections
Viewing Collections
Appointments are encouraged because
some collections may require preparation for researcher access. The photographs
are not available for loan, but researchers may obtain photographic reproductions
or slides of most images. All arrangements for photographic copies are handled
by the staff of the Archives and Regional History Collections.
Regional History Manuscripts
Regional manuscript collections include letters, diaries, business records,
organizational records, photographs, and a variety of ephemeral materials documenting
the social, business, political, and institutional history of southwestern Michigan.
For an overview of the Regional History Manuscripts, consult the publication
Guide to the Western Michigan University Regional History Collections. This publication
is available through the New Issues Press.
Regional Governmental Records
The Regional History Collections
is designated by the Michigan Historical Commission as a repository for public
records of 12 counties in southwest Michigan including Allegan, Barry, Berrien,
Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, St. Joseph, and Van
Buren. Records from county, township, city and village governmental agencies
are on deposit from the State Archives and include tax records, court records
and township minutes. Some records are stored in an off-site facility and may
require advance notice to access.
University Archives
The University Archives consist of departmental
records as well as a variety of materials documenting the history of Western.
Yearbooks (1906-1987), photographs, catalogs, alumni publications, scrapbooks,
and the Western Herald (1916 to present) are available to all researchers. Some
materials may be used only with permission from the originating department and
confirmation by the Archives Curator or Director.
Oral History
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The Western Michigan University Archives and Regional History Collections includes
the archival records of Western Michigan University and manuscript records for
southwestern Michigan.
Several oral history programs have been conducted
since the early 1960s. The first oral history program was funded by the Kalamazoo
Foundation and conducted by archival staff and faculty in the early 1960s.
In
the mid-1970s at the time of the nation's Bicentennial, Dr. Peter Schmitt coordinated
the Insights oral history program. Since 1987, the University has collected oral
histories of Western alumni, faculty, staff, and friends in anticipation of the
2003 Centennial.
The oral history collection includes tapes, transcriptions,
and miscellaneous accompanying material. Contact the Archives to find out about
the oral history holdings and make an appointment to listen to recorded oral
histories. Some of the histories require the use of playback devices which may
not be immediately accessible, such as reel to reel. For sample transcriptions
of the Western Michigan University Centennial Oral History Program.
Census
Federal Census: All available for Michigan through
1920, including the population as well as any special censuses. All available
for other states and territories of the United States through 1820. Incomplete
holdings for other states, territories, Native Americans after 1820. Some state
and county census indexes are available.
State Census: Kalamazoo (1837, 1884, 1894), Ottawa (1884), and St. Joseph
(1845, 1884, 1894) Counties.
Books, Magazines, and Newspapers
The Archives and Regional
History Collections also maintains a collection of books, magazines, and local
newspapers which support the research and teaching mission of the University
and needs of local historical and genealogical researchers.
The collection of
books includes rare, out-of-print volumes relating to southwestern Michigan.
City directories, county histories, and local imprints make up a large part of
the book collection. The collection also has substantial holdings relating to
Michigan's participation in the Civil War. In 1998, the Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical
Society donated its collection of 1,700 volumes and greatly increased the collection
of genealogical books and magazines.
The collecting policy also includes books
relating to Michigan's Native Americans and Great Lakes maritime history. The
unit also has newspapers for several towns in southwestern Michigan and is a
participant in the Michigan Newspaper Project. Books, magazines, and most newspapers
are included in WestCat, the online catalog of the University Libraries.
Photographs
The Archives and Regional History Collections
has several large photographic collections. Images depicting individuals and
the social, institutional, and business activities of the region date primarily
from the 1860s to the 1990s. The collection includes a variety of formats, including
carte de visits, ambrotypes, ferrotypes, lantern slides, and contemporary slides.
Negative collections include a variety of sizes as well as glass plate negatives.
Regional photographs include the Ward Morgan collection of photographic negatives
spanning Kalamazoo history from 1939 through 1980. The 26,000 image Morgan collection
includes streetscapes, industries and businesses, as well as studio views of
individuals and families. Other large collections include the Caroline Bartlett
Crane photographs. Smaller collections include stereoptican and postcard views
of the region. The collection also contains Civil War and Grand Army of the Republic
images relating to southwestern Michigan.
University photographs includes views of the campus from the construction
phase of the original campus in 1904 through the present. Campus views, athletics,
buildings, activities, and, to a lesser extent faculty and staff, are included
in the collection. The 100,000 plus collection of photographs of the University
Public Relations and Communications office is held by the Archives.
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