NOTICE: THE ARCHIVES OF MICHIGAN WILL BE CLOSED ON FRIDAY, JUNE 19!! This is to accommodate an unpaid furlough day for state employees. (Click Unpaid Furlough Days for more information.)

Click Days Closed in 2009 for a complete list of Archives closings during this year.

The Archives of Michigan is currently undergoing a construction project.

The project is expected to last until the end of June 2009.

During this time, access to many collections will be limited.

Patrons may wish to call 517 373-1481 before arrival. An Archives staff member can then advise them on the availability of pertinent materials.

IF YOU DO VISIT THE ARCHIVES, BE SURE TO BRING A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR OTHER VALID FORM OF IDENTIFICATION THAT INCLUDES A PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPH. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCESS ARCHIVAL RECORDS WITHOUT IT!

Archives of Michigan
Hours of Operation:

Monday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Tuesday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Friday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

The Archives is closed on state holidays. In 2009, there will also be some closings to accommodate unpaid furlough days for state employees. Click Days Closed in 2009 for a complete list of Archives closings during this year.

Archives of Michigan
Location and Contact Information

Archives of Michigan
Michigan Library and Historical Center
702 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48913
Phone: (517) 373-1481
E-mail: archives@michigan.gov

BE SURE TO BRING A DRIVER'S LICENSE, STATE I.D. OR OTHER VALID FORM OF IDENTIFICATION THAT INCLUDES A PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPH! YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCESS ORIGINAL ARCHIVAL MATERIALS WITHOUT IT.

Click Location and Parking for a street map and parking information.

Click Archives of Michigan to visit the Archives of Michigan home page.

INTRODUCTION TO THE ARCHIVES OF MICHIGAN

The Archives of Michigan is responsible for preserving the records of Michigan government and other public institutions. In fulfilling this primary mission, it serves as the collective memory of Michigan state government. In addition, after review, the Archives of Michigan also accepts papers from private individuals and organizations. The number of private collections is growing.

The records preserved by the Archives of Michigan are one-of-a-kind and extremely important. The records receive impeccable care. They are placed in a secure, fire-resistant area and stored in shelves, drawers or filing cabinets designed for record preservation and efficient use of space. Humidity and temperature levels are also carefully controlled to ensure longevity of the records.

PLANNING A VISIT TO THE ARCHIVES OF MICHIGAN

The best way to research your topic of interest at the Archives of Michigan is to visit the Archives of Michigan Reading Room. The Reading Room is open to the public during the following hours:

Mon.: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Tues.: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Wed.: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Thurs.: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Fri.: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

The Archives of Michigan is located in the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 W. Kalamazoo Street, two blocks west of the State Capitol, in Lansing, Michigan.  [Location and parking information, map]

Our circulars list the information available on our most popular research topics.

Prospective visitors can contact the Archives of Michigan by calling (517) 373-1481 or e-mailing archives@michigan.gov. A prior contact is not necessary, but in some cases, it may help us identify some of the records you may wish to use before you arrive. (Also, see General Reference Services for information about on-line, mail and telephone research requests.)

CONDUCTING RESEARCH IN THE ARCHIVES OF MICHIGAN

When you arrive at the Archives of Michigan, you will be asked to fill out a researcher rules form that explains our security rules. A locker will be provided for your use throughout the day. Here you should store pens, books, bags, carrying cases, briefcases and handbags. You may take only pencils, paper and research materials into the Reading Room. Pencils are also available at the Reference Desk.

The Archives of Michigan stacks are not open to the public, so records must be retrieved by staff members and delivered to the researcher. The reference archivist can assist you with the use of guides and indexes that will help you determine which records you need. You will be assigned a table so the archival assistants will know where to deliver your research materials.

The majority of our holdings are State and County Government Records. Examples of State Records include the minutes of the Natural Resources Commission and Committee Records from the state legislature. County records include tax rolls and Naturalization Records. Michigan's vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) are located at the Michigan Department of Community Health  Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics. However, we have microfilm copies of the indexes to many of these records. You may search these indexes in person at the Archives of Michigan.

The Archives of Michigan looks forward to serving you and hopes that you will find your time at our facility both enjoyable and informative.

The Archives of Michigan's Research Guidelines brochure provides further details. You can access the guidelines - in pdf format - by clicking this link: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/hal/mhc_am_ResearchGuidelines_196704_7.pdf

NOTE: The Archives of Michigan has received inquiries from prospective volunteers. We appreciate the interest, but we are not accepting volunteers at this time.

Michigan Historical Center, Department of History, Arts and Libraries
Use and Reproduction Information [PDF]

Click Archives of Michigan to visit the Archives of Michigan home page.

Archives of Michigan
Michigan Library and Historical Center
702 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48913
Phone: (517) 373-1481
E-mail: archives@michigan.gov