Bentley Historical Library

06/04/2026

This could be you! Join us for the next behind-the-scenes tour of the Bentley to see this space in person.

You're invited to explore the archives with us, and get an insider’s look at the amazing historical materials here, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.

This tour is free to attend, and open to all. We’d love to see you there!

Details & registration can be found here: https://myumi.ch/39jME

06/03/2026

Submitting a dissertation used to involve writing with a typewriter, and checking your margins with a ruler. Today, University of Michigan Ph.D. candidates produce about 1,000 new dissertations each year.

Discover how this milestone has changed over the years this article from the Rackham Graduate School, drawing on history from the archives at the Bentley: https://myumi.ch/d8Mkw

06/03/2026

Meet Skyler Leslie, our new staff member!

We’re excited to welcome Skyler (she/they) as the new Museum Events and Operations Coordinator at U-M’s Frankel Detroit Observatory, where she’ll be working to help share the history of U-M and the history of science with a wide audience.

Skyler brings a wonderful range of expertise to her work from her previous position at Historic Fort Wayne in Detroit, including private and public program support. She has a Master of Science from the School of Environment and Sustainability, and a Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies from U-M.

She’s enthusiastic about bringing her experience in public engagement projects to the Observatory, where she’ll be supporting programs and assisting with outreach!

In her spare time, Skyler is a printmaker, and likes to dabble in fiber arts. 🎨 She also loves to listen to live music, and enjoys spending time outdoors. She's excited to be working so close to the Arb!

Welcome, Skyler!

06/02/2026

We’re delighted to share that student docent Katya has recently defended her PhD thesis!

Katya will be earning a dual PhD in Astronomy & Astrophysics, and Scientific Computing! When she’s not studying the formation of galaxies, Katya spends her time sharing astronomy history with visitors at the Frankel Detroit Observatory, the second-oldest U-M building in Ann Arbor.

"I have a blast being able to share my passion with the community, and also meeting visitors from all over the globe," Katya says. "I am grateful that I get to call my coworkers not only colleagues, but also genuine friends."

She especially loves getting hands-on experience with the Frankel Detroit Observatory’s historic telescopes, and sharing historical stories with visitors.

"I have always really enjoyed telling stories about science and the people behind it. The Detroit Observatory has a host of amazing historic instruments, tales of colorful past astronomers, and a long tradition of research that is really fun to talk about," Katya says.

Outside of her work as a docent, Katya studies distant stars which she says act almost like “fossils” that let her study the past and present of the satellite galaxies that orbit the Milky Way.

“I like to call my work "extragalactic archaeology,”” Katya says.

After graduating she will be working at an observatory in Chile, studying astrophysics at a Stanford institute, and more, as a KASI-KIPAC Rubin Fellow of the American Astronomical Society!

Congratulations, Katya! 🥳

06/01/2026

As AI changes archivists’ work, U-M is helping guide the future. ➡️ Learn about this symposium exploring how AI impacts archival services, co-sponsored by the Bentley Historical Library & U-M's School of Information.

The archival field is at an inflection point. At U-M, experts are navigating its future.

Archivists in the Loop, a June 4-5 symposium at the University of Michigan sponsored by the Bentley Historical Library and UMSI, is bringing archivists, technologists and researchers together to examine how generative AI is reshaping archival reference services.

"If we as a field don't start thinking further ahead and further outside the box with how AI can assist in archival access, our users are going to define it instead of us," says UMSI alumna Julia Corrin, university archivist at Carnegie Mellon University.

"Even if you don't want to use it yourself, people are still going to be coming in, asking you about it. It's going to change the way that you do your work," says UMSI clinical assistant professor Jesse Johnston, a symposium organizer.

Read more about the Archivists in the Loop symposium: myumi.ch/QMN13

05/29/2026

A view of the Peony Garden at Nichols Arboretum nearly 90 years ago. This beautiful garden first started with a gift of peonies from U-M alumnus Dr. W.E. Upjohn in 1922, and features several historical peony varieties with names such as Loveliness, Princess Irene, and Jubilee.

Interested in exploring the garden's history before your next visit? The Arboretum has a W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden history page that includes details, photos, and a planting map from the archives at the Bentley, seen here: https://mbgna.umich.edu/past-present-peony-garden

05/28/2026

Did you know that the first ever teach-in was held at U-M against the Vietnam War? Join us to learn about the history of campus activism during a free walking tour on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

During this tour, you’ll learn about campus activism from U-M’s past, ranging from the first teach-in, to the Black Action Movement protests, like the one seen here, and more, while visiting historically significant locations on U-M’s campus in Ann Arbor.

Student docents from the historic Frankel Detroit Observatory will lead this tour, starting at 1:00 PM outside the Michigan League entrance on Ingalls Mall, facing the fountain.

This walking tour is free and open to all. Registration is required, and details can be seen here: https://myumi.ch/WDRj7

05/27/2026

We’re hiring! The Bentley Historical Library is seeking a full-time Reference Assistant. If you’re a user-oriented and collaborative person who’s excited about helping people of all backgrounds and experience levels access the archives, this job could be a great fit for you.

Learn more: https://myumi.ch/5wA8D

We’re excited to work with you!

05/25/2026

Did you know that there is a memorial to U-M soldiers at Michigan Stadium? In 1950, this statue was dedicated in honor of the many Wolverines who have given their lives for their country.

Designed by the artist Marshall Fredericks, who also created the statue “The Spirit of Detroit," this memorial features a large bronze eagle delivering a wreath in memory of fallen soldiers.

Today on Memorial Day, we honor and remember.

05/21/2026

Over 100 years ago, Shi Meiyu traveled from China to study medicine at U-M. She and her friend Kang Cheng became the first Chinese women admitted to the University of Michigan in 1892.