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Collection

George Lincoln Rockwell sound recording, October 13, 1964

0.1 linear feet

Online
George Lincoln Rockwell was the founder and leader of the American Nazi Party. This sound recording is from a speech he gave at Hill Auditorium at the University of Michigan in 1964. Everett M. Dirksen was a member of Congress from Illinois. The sound recording also includes a speech he gave on the state of union.

The George Lincoln Rockwell sound recording consists of a single tape reel. The recording consists of a speech George Lincoln Rockwell gave at Hill Auditorium on October 13, 1964. Rockwell's appearance was part of a speakers program sponsored by the Special Projects Committee of the Michigan Union. It stirred considerable controversy on campus on the nature of the American Nazi Party, the limits of academic freedom, and the role of the university in society.

The recording also includes a 1964 speech from Illinois Senator Everett M. Dirksen on the State of Union.

Collection

Carlos P. Romulo sound recording, May 7, 1957

1.25 GB — 1 audiotape (analog, 7 1/2 ips; 7 inches; reel-to-reel tapes)

Online
Philippine statesman, general, and journalist; advocate of the United Nations. Address to the Detroit School of Government discussing Philippine foreign policy and the threat of communism and audiotape describing 1954 shooting on floor of U.S.Congress.

Address to the Detroit School of Government discussing Philippine foreign policy and the threat of communism.

Collection

Mark Nickerson sound recording collection, May 10, 1954

0.1 linear feet

Online
Mark Nickerson was a tenured associate professor of pharmacology at the University of Michigan who was dismissed due to alleged Communist connections. In May, 10 1954, he was called to testify before the Clardy Committee, a subcommittee of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), where he chose to invoke the Fifth Amendment.

The sound recording is a taped radio broadcast of Mark Nickerson's hearing before the HUAC, chaired by Kit Clardy, in Lansing, Michigan in May 10, 1954.

Collection

William Bolcom and Joan Morris papers, circa 1950-2014, 2018, undated

69 linear feet (in 82 boxes including oversize) — 31 bundles — 1 oversize folder — 3 oversize posters — 387.3 GB (online)

Online
William Bolcom (born 1938) is a composer and pianist. Joan Morris (born 1943) is a mezzo-soprano. They were both members of the University of Michigan School of Music faculty. Bolcom and Morris have given numerous performances since 1973. They have also recorded albums of classical and popular songs. Performance files include programs, itineraries, newspaper articles and reviews of each performance, and contracts. There are also files relating to the University of Michigan student production of Mina & Colossus as well as Barnum's Nightingale; original scores to Bolcom's compositions, including McTeague, Casino Paradise, and A View from the Bridge; topical files relating to awards, competitions, and other activities and interests; and physical and digital audiovisual materials.

The papers of William Bolcom and Joan Morris document Bolcom's work as a composer and performer as well as Bolcom's and Morris's collaboration in performing and recording American popular songs and classical music. There is also some material relating to their academic work at the University of Michigan, notably a 1988 production of a student opera, Mina & Colossus. The papers include programs, itineraries, and correspondence relating to performances, manuscript and published scores, topical files, audio and visual material (including sound recordings), and photographs.

Collection

Karoub family papers, circa 1947-circa 2005

0.2 linear feet — 5 sound discs (78 rpm) — 6 GB (online)

Online
Family of Husayn Kharub (Hussein Karoub), imam of the first mosque in North America, in Highland Park, Mich. Collection includes family history materials, publications, and sound recordings by and about family members. Sound recordings include recitations, interviews, poetry readings, and musical performances.

The Karoub Family papers document the history of Imam Hussein Karoub and his family in the United States of America. The collection is made up of biographical materials, some publications and family sound recordings.

Collection

Jane Briggs Hart papers, circa 1925-1996

4 linear feet (in 3 boxes and 11 oversize volumes) — 4.2 GB (online)

Online
Aviator and wife of the late Senator Philip A. Hart. Scrapbooks, photographs, clippings, and papers documenting her life as wife of Senator Philip A. Hart, her family life, and to a lesser extent, her aviation activities.

The Jane B. Hart papers include materials that document the life of Philip and Jane Hart, Philip Hart's political career, and Jane Hart's aviation and her role in the effort to include women in the space program. The collection consists of four series: Scrapbooks, Audiovisual, Personal Papers, and Inscribed Volumes.

Collection

National Housewives' League of America Records, circa 1918-1996 (majority within 1941-1987)

2.3 linear feet — 1 oversize item — 471 MB

Online
Organization established in 1933 to encourage African American housewives to patronize African American-owned businesses. The national organization was comprised of local groups, the most important of these being the Housewives' League of Detroit, which was founded in 1930 under the leadership of Fannie B. Peck. The Detroit League worked in conjunction with the Booker T. Washington Trade Association whose organization was headed by the Rev. William H. Peck, and the National Negro Business League. The record group includes minutes, correspondence, publications, and activity files of both the national organization and the Detroit league. The series in the record group are History and Organization; Core Records; Correspondence; Programs and Events; Media Coverage; Publications; Chapters; Related Organizations; and Other Materials. The largest portion of the Chapters series consists of records of the Detroit league and include history, publications, and other organizational materials.

The National Housewives' League of America, Inc.'s records include general organizational records, correspondence, annual meeting reports, minutes, and programs, news clippings, publications, drafts of speeches, and event notices. There are also several photographs, an audio tape interview, and numerous types of ephemera, including the National Housewives League Annual Calendar. The financial records which exist are generally scanty and incomplete. There are also several miscellaneous African-American publications from the first half of the twentieth century located in the Related Organizations series under Miscellaneous Publications.

The National Housewives' League of America, Inc. Records are organized into nine series: History and Organization, Core Records, Correspondence, Programs and Events, Media Coverage, Publications, Chapters, Related Organizations, and Other Materials. The records of the Housewives' League of Detroit are a subseries of the Chapters series. Because the local Detroit chapter and the national body frequently shared and overlapped in leadership, it is often difficult to determine whether the hand-written minutes kept were for the national or local organization, so researchers should consider examining records on both levels for complete information.

Collection

Chrystal G. Tibbs papers, circa 1890-2015 (majority within 1960-2013)

9.2 linear feet — 1 oversize box — 1 oversize folder — 7.6 GB (online)

Online
The Chrystal G. Tibbs Papers comprise over a half-century of documents pertaining to Tibbs's membership in various chapters of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and to the history of the sorority at large. Founded at Howard University in 1908, A.K.A. was the first sorority established by African-American women and currently has approximately 250,000 members. The collection's four series contain papers pertaining to Tibbs's personal participation in sorority activities (including those related to her tenure in various administrative posts), materials from several Michigan chapters, sorority publications, and audiovisual materials. In addition, the collection contains work done by Tibbs and family members to document the Powell, Webster, and Winchester family history.

The Chrystal G. Tibbs Papers comprise materials accumulated through Tibbs's participation in Alpha Kappa Alpha conferences, chapter meetings, and special interest groups at the local, state, regional, and national level over a span of fifty years. The activities of Michigan-based chapters are particularly well represented. Materials also include personal and professional documentation directly related to Tibbs and her immediate family. The collection is divided into four series: Personal Papers, Professional Career, Powell Family Papers, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Collection

Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island, Mich.) records, circa 1855-2017 (majority within 1946-2012)

27.5 linear feet (in 29 boxes) — 2 oversize folders — 94.4 GB (online)

Online
The Grand Hotel records comprise documents, photographs, audio and videographic material collected about the hotel by its management. The strength of the collection is in its documentation of the guest experience at the hotel, and the evolution of amenities offered by the hotel during the mid-to-late 20th century. A small number of items also provide a glimpse of the hotel's earliest days as a summer resort.

The Grand Hotel records are arranged in six series: Printed Material, Miscellaneous, Press Clippings and Publications, Photographic Material, Audio Material, and Videographic Material.

Collection

Beth Israel Congregation Jewish Life in Ann Arbor Oral History Project records, 2013

0.2 linear feet — 7.48 GB (online)

Online
Ann Arbor Congregation founded in 1916. In anticipation of its 100th anniversary in 2016, Beth Israel initiated an oral history project to help tell the story of Jewish life in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Recordings were conducted in April 2013 by StoryCorps, a national non-profit organization dedicated to recording and collecting stories of everyday people. Includes digital recordings of interviews, transcripts, and digital photographs of participants.

The Beth Israel oral history project records consist of 18 interviews of congregation members that were facilitated and recorded by StoryCorps, a national non-profit organization dedicated to recording and collecting stories of everyday people. The interview participants were of a range of ages and experiences with subject matter centered on their experience of Jewish life in Ann Arbor. Common themes ranged from their life stories, their participation in Ann Arbor Jewish life, how they became involved in Jewish communal life, discussions of their Jewish identity, and any anti-Semitism they encountered.

Collection

Center for the History of Medicine (University of Michigan) Oral History Interviews, 2002-2007, 2011

2 linear feet — 18 GB (online)

Online
Center was established as the Historical Center for the Health Sciences. Records include interviews of emeritus University of Michigan Medical School faculty members conducted by the Center for the History of Medicine. Transcripts and audio recordings of interviews discussing their backgrounds, education, careers, and tenure at the University of Michigan.

An oral history project undertaken by the University of Michigan Center for the History of Medicine, the project focused on interviewing retired or emeritus faculty members in order to preserve their institutional knowledge of the Medical Center and the university.

Between the years 2002 and 2004, the center's assistant director for programs, Christine Bass, conducted four interviews. From 2004 to 2007, Enid Galler, proprietor of Voice Treasures, took over the interviewing process and conducted fourteen additional oral histories. All interviews include discussions of the faculty member's early life, education, and career accomplishments.

The interviews are available as digital materials online and were recorded on audio cassettes. In addition to these audio formats, there are one or more folders corresponding to each interview, which contain a typed transcript of the interview, a copy of the faculty member's curriculum vitae and in some cases, additional biographical information. The interviews conducted by Enid Galler include an index (with people, organizations, and subjects) and a detailed subject list. Mary Beth Reilly conducted later interviews.

Transcripts are arranged alphabetically by last name, with all audio cassettes in Box 2.

Collection

Arts of Citizenship Program (University of Michigan) records, 1997-2007

2.75 linear feet — 1.2 GB (online) — 5 digital audiovisual files

Online
The Arts of Citizenship Program at the University of Michigan fostered the role of the arts and humanities through collaborative cultural partnerships and community projects in the Ann Arbor and Detroit area. The program aimed to enrich public life and to enlarge the university's educational mission. These records contains notes, correspondence, publicity, audiovisual materials, presentations, and other material documenting the administration, public programming, and community partnerships undertaken by the Arts of Citizenship program. Also included is a website capture taken July 18, 2005.

The Arts of Citizenship (AOC) Program documentation consists of notes, correspondence, publicity, audiovisual materials (audiocassettes, digital materials, videotapes), and other material documenting the daily administrative activities, public programming, outreach, research, and community partnerships. The record group is divided into three series: Administration, Project Files, and Website. These series represent the original order of materials as received upon accession. The researcher should note that the records do not provide an in-depth portrayal of AOC, but rather information about the operation, functions, and details on specific projects undertaken by the program.

Collection

Austin McCoy papers, 1994-2018 (majority within 2013-2018)

1 linear foot — 8.76 GB (online)

Online
University of Michigan alumnus who was a prominent campus activist and leader on issues of racial, economic, and social injustice during his doctoral studies with the Department of History. McCoy was involved in many activist organizations and campaigns including United Coalition for Racial Justice (UCRJ), the Coalition Against White Supremacy and the Ann Arbor to Ferguson protests. This collection includes correspondence, sound recordings, meeting minutes and notes, topical files, photographs, event programs, and flyers.

The Austin McCoy papers (1 linear feet, 8.76 GB) focus on McCoy's activism and leadership as a doctoral student at the University of Michigan. The collection features three series:

The Biographical Information series contains five sound recordings including a four-part oral history interview McCoy completed in 2015. The series also features McCoy's Student of the Year interview with The Michigan Daily in 2015. The sound recordings discuss McCoy's background, scholarship, inspirations and organizing career.

The Correspondence series contains digital copies of email correspondence from McCoy's University of Michigan and personal email accounts. The series also includes data from McCoy's twitter account and photographs downloaded from his Facebook account.

The Activism series contains notes, meeting minutes, flyers, photographs, topical files, news articles, and other writings. Specific organizing events featured in the collection include the Being Black at the University of Michigan (#BBUM) social media campaign, the Ann Arbor to Ferguson protests, and protests against racism on the University of Michigan campus.

Collection

History and Traditions of the University Committee (University of Michigan) records, 1991-2010

6 linear feet (in 7 boxes)

Online
The University of Michigan committee appointed by president James Duderstadt to facilitate the preservation, promotion, and appreciation of the history and traditions. Material includes oral history interviews with university presidents and their wives, administrative and academic officers, regents and faculty members, as well as administrative records.

The bulk of the History and Traditions Committee records consists of interviews (recordings and transcripts) with University of Michigan presidents, wives of presidents, regents, and administrators. Also included materials pertaining to the University of Michigan history, and administrative records.

Collection

Stephen M. Ross School of Business (University of Michigan) oral history interviews, 1990-1992, 2005, 1999

1.5 linear feet — 55 audiocassettes — 1.41 GB

Online
Oral histories of University of Michigan Business School faculty members, conducted by Enid Galler 1976, 1990-1992, 1999, and 2005 discussing their background, education, careers, and the business school and university.

The Ross School of Business (University of Michigan) oral history interviews are comprised of typed transcripts and sound recordings, primarily audiocassette tapes of seventeen interviews with retired faculty members recorded during an oral history project undertaken by the School's Alumni and Development Office. The interviews were conducted by Enid H. Galler between 1990 and 1992, 1999, 2005, and one earlier interview identified as being from 1976. The typed transcripts include subject indexes. There are discrepancies between the dates on the transcripts and the dates on the tapes - different dates also appear on the cover sheets of the transcripts and the transcripts themselves. The transcripts and sound recordings are arranged alphabetically by the subject's last name. For consistency, the transcript dates are taken from the cover sheets, and the sound recording dates are taken from the dates on the audio item, except in one case where an item is undated. The date for this interview is taken from the date on the transcript.

Interviews typically include information on the subject's background, education, and family, and commentary on his or her career and overall involvement with the university. The interviews also contain a great deal of information on the administration of, and issues within the School, as well as on the operation of the university as a whole.

Collection

Barbara Aziz broadcasts collection, 1988-2014

868 digital audio files (online) — 0.1 linear feet

Online
Dr. Barbara Nimri Aziz is an Arab American author, anthropologist, and journalist. She founded Radio Tahrir, which broadcasted regularly from circa 1990-2013 over New York City's WBAI Radio. Radio Tahrir was the first radio program in the United States to focus on a wide range of topics pertaining to different Arab and Muslim communities across the world. The materials in this collection are dated from 1988-2014 and include broadcast episodes and episode segments as well as commentaries, documentaries, interviews, news reports, and literary recitations.

The Barbara Aziz broadcasts collection (868 digital audio files (online) and 0.1 linear feet) document Dr. Barbara Nimri Aziz's journalistic career, particularly as it pertained to WBAI Radio's Radio Tahrir, Behind the News, and TalkBack programs. Collection material is dated from 1988-2014 and includes broadcast episodes and episode segments, commentaries, documentaries, interviews, news reports, and recitations.

There is some overlap between the Radio Tahrir and related material series as well as the Interviews and related material series. Researchers are encouraged to consult both series for relevant material.

Collection

Institute for the Humanities (University of Michigan) records, 1988-2001

5 linear feet (in 11 boxes) — 8.6 GB (online)

Online
The Institute for the Humanities, founded in 1987, was developed in response to a recognized need for renewed dialogue across disciplines. Originally oriented around the humanities and the arts, the center soon evolved into a widely recognized venue for international scholarship. The records are largely comprised of video and sound cassettes documenting a diverse range of events.

There are two series in the Institute for the Humanities record group: Administrative Records and Audio-Visual Material. The records, largely comprised of videotapes and cassette tapes, provide dynamic evidence of the steady growth and refinement of an initiative that greatly enriched teaching and scholarship in the humanities at the University of Michigan.

Collection

Christopher Alston papers, 1988-1990

0.1 linear feet — 5 digital audio files

Online

Photographs and sound recordings of Alston remarks at the dedication of the Robert Hayden Lounge in the University of Michigan Center for Afroamerican and African Studies in 1988. The Center was renamed the Department Afroamerican and African Studies in 2011. A 1988 discussion between Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Alston, William McAdoo, and member of the Bentley Historical Library staff about African American historical material housed at the Bentley. Interview conducted by William McAdoo (1990, includes transcript) relating to the Inventory of Negro Manuscripts project at the Bentley Historical Library.

Collection

Craig Covey papers, 1987-2010

1 linear foot — 19.11 GB (online)

Online
Gay rights activist of Ferndale, Mich. Files relating to his involvement with AIDS prevention and gay rights; include minutes of the board and other materials of the Midwest AIDS Prevention Project, 1988-2001; files accumulated from his work with the Michigan Organization for Human Rights; and miscellanea relating to his campaigns for Ferndale City Council in 1995, 1999, 2003, for mayor in 2007, and for Oakland County Commissioner in 2010.

The Craig Covey collection is arranged into two series: Topical Files and Audio-Visual Materials. The topical files are especially important for their documentation of his work in various education and prevention study programs. These include the Midwest AIDS Prevention Project (MAPP for short) and the Michigan AIDS High Risk Education program. Also of important are files documenting his participation in the political and civic life of Ferndale, both within the gay community and as a member of the city council and as Mayor. There is documentation of his campaign for office and his participation in a gay and lesbian neighborhood association, Friends and Neighbors of Ferndale (FANS for short). The Audio-Visual series is comprised mainly of video recordings relating to gay pride ceremonies and activities.

Collection

David L. Camp papers, 1984-2014 (majority within 1990-2014)

25.25 linear feet (in 29 boxes) — 98.1 GB — 1 oversize volume — 1 oversize folder — 1 archived website

Online
Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, 1991-2014, and served on the House Ways and Means Committee, National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, and Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction. Collection primarily documents Dave Camp's political career including campaign materials such as surveys, speeches, photographs, and audiovisual materials. Congressional papers comprise Camp's legislative and committee work on welfare reform, healthcare, and economic policy; administrative and press files maintained by Camp's office include schedules, issue briefing books, legislative planning documents, correspondence, photographs, and audiovisual materials.

The collection documents Dave Camp's personal life and political career including his 12 terms in the United States House of Representatives (1991-2014). The papers include a scrapbook detailing Camp's early political career; personal correspondence; campaign materials such as surveys, debate notes, campaign ads, and interview clips; written, annotated, and recorded speeches; and photographs with constituents and at various district events.

The bulk of the collection covers Camp's congressional papers comprised of office files such as schedules, reports, issue briefing books, correspondence, legislative planning documents, year-end accomplishments, and photographs; legislative and committee files including bills sponsored or co-sponsored by Congressman Camp, floor statements, and other legislative materials documenting late 20th and early 21st century American economic and health policy; and press files including press releases, press clips, op-ed articles, and recorded media appearances on national and local Michigan radio and television.

The collection includes 425 pieces of audiovisual material, described in the Container Listing at the item level.

Collection

American Citizens for Justice records, 1983-2013, 2017, undated

22.8 linear feet (in 24 boxes) — 7 digital audiovisual files — 3 oversize folders

Online
The American Citizens for Justice, (or the Asian American Center for Justice), is a Detroit-based Asian American civil rights group founded in reaction to the fatal beating of Vincent Chin, a Chinese-American man. The ACJ later evolved into an organization advocating for the rights of Asian-Americans in general. Records consist of meeting minutes, financial reports, correspondence, publications and grants, Vincent Chin related information, legal case files, health project files, as well as topical files and audiovisual material.

The American Citizens for Justice record group details the administrative functions as well as the activities and goals of the organization. Records consist of meeting minutes, financial reports, correspondence, publications and grants, Vincent Chin related information, legal case files, health project files, as well as topical files.

Researchers should be aware that there is significant overlap between the Roland Hwang Files and the other series in this collection, and so should consult all appropriate groupings as needed.

Collection

Hanes Walton papers, 1983-2012 (majority within 1992-2011)

977.45 MB (online) — 13.4 linear feet

Online
Papers documenting the professional life and advocacy of Hanes Walton, an eminent professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Michigan. Collection includes correspondence, book reviews, dissertations produced under his guidance, materials demonstrating Walton's participation in university minority advocacy committees and publications, course syllabi and exams, oral histories and statistics gathered in the course of Walton's research, and files pertaining to his role as a supporter of historically black colleges and universities in the United States. Select files in this collection are in digital formats.

Materials in the Hanes Walton papers will be of particular interest to those seeking to understand one of the nation's preeminent African American political scientists as academician, teacher, and advocate; the collection's contents also illuminate broader questions of minority education, political participation by African Americans, and the process of scholarly publication in the United States. Although Walton enjoyed a career of more than forty years at four collegiate institutions, the coverage provided by his collection begins in the late 1980s and addresses his time at Savannah State College and the University of Michigan. Materials include drafts of works and reviews, research material, and correspondence. Also, video recordings of tributes to Walton by his University of Michigan colleagues, as well as of the 2015 memorial lecture in his name.

Collection

Dan Sicko Papers, 1983-2008 (majority within 1993-2003)

2.5 linear feet — 66 digital audio files

Online
The Dan Sicko Papers comprise the written work and research undertaken by Sicko on the topic of Detroit techno music and its significance for the broader techno genre. The collection's four series contain materials pertaining to Sicko's book Techno Rebels: The Renegades of Electronic Funk, articles written over the course of Sicko's career as a freelance music journalist, popular and scholarly articles written by others, industry-specific and general interest periodicals, and sound recordings of interviews with Detroit-based techno artists, producers, and distributors.

The Dan Sicko Papers comprise over two decades of Sicko's writings and research materials pertaining to the history of Detroit techno music and its role in the electronic music industry. The collection is divided into four series: Writings, Research Materials, Periodicals, and Sound Recordings.

Collection

Indian American Student Association (University of Michigan) records, 1983-2006

0.25 linear feet — 7.37 GB (online)

Online
The Indian American Student Association (IASA) of the University of Michigan serves to promote various aspects of Indian culture and heritage through an assortment of events that raise political, social, and cultural awareness. Administrative records, publicity items, event flyers, newspaper clipping, as well as audiovisual recordings of events.

The collection consists of the IASA constitution, board member listings, flyers, annual event programs, clippings from the Michigan Daily, a sound recording of music from and a video recording of the 1998 culture show interspersed with skits from members of the IASA.

Collection

Program in Conflict Management Alternatives (University of Michigan) records, 1983-1996

3.5 linear feet — 1.2 MB (online)

Online
Interdisciplinary program created to study the theory of dispute resolution at the interpersonal, organizational, and societal levels. Records include grant proposals, annual reports, minutes of administrative planning meetings, memos, correspondence, publication drafts, and copies of the organizational newsletter. Also includes minutes, planning memos, reports, audiotapes and transcripts from seminars, conferences and workshops. Contains questionnaires completed by members of grassroots environmental organizations in 1989.

The PCMA records include grant proposals, annual reports, minutes of administrative planning meetings, memos, correspondence, publication drafts, and copies of the organizational newsletter. Also included are minutes, planning memos, reports, audiotapes and transcripts from seminars, conferences and workshops as well as a set of questionnaires completed by members of grassroots environmental organizations in 1989.

The records are divided into three series: Administrative Files, 1983-1996, Seminars and Conferences, 1986-1993, and STP Schools/MacArthur Project, 1989-1993. Each series in this record group contains audio cassette recordings from various workshops, colloquia, and conferences. For convenience, the tapes have been placed in one central location in the final box of this record group.

Collection

James J. Blanchard Papers, 1982-2002

356 linear feet — 9 oversize volumes — 3.66 GB (online) — 50 digital audio files

Online
Blanchard was Democratic governor of Michigan from 1983 to 1991. The collection is arranged mainly by unit or functional responsibility within the governor's office. These series are chief of staff/executive assistants, correspondence office, government relations, issues development, legal department, operators, personnel, press office, Upper Peninsula office, Washington office, Lansing residence, and political and campaign files. The files document the Blanchard administration's efforts in areas of education, job creation, the state's economy, environmental protection, and the rebuilding of Michigan's infrastructure.

James J. Blanchard, as Governor of Michigan, was the chief executive of the state. He was vested with the power to execute the laws of the state and to issue executive orders. He supervised the nineteen departments of the executive branch, ran the executive office of the governor, and appointed members to state boards and commissions. The governor submitted messages to the state legislature and recommended measures considered necessary or desirable; in short, Blanchard set a legislative agenda. A key element of this agenda were the annual state budgets submitted to the legislature, recommending revenues to meet proposed expenditures. Although Blanchard had the power to grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons, he exercised this power with care. Blanchard also was empowered to seek extraditions and issue warrants on fugitives from justice. Finally, as governor, Blanchard was the commander-in-chief of the state's armed forces. In addition to these roles defined by law, custom, and practice, Blanchard used the governorship as a platform from which to champion Michigan.

In the course of completing the many tasks inhering in the office of governor, Blanchard and his executive office created and reviewed a welter of written documents. These records and papers provide an important source documenting the executive actions for the years of Blanchard's tenure, 1983-1990. Many are in the departmental files at the State Archives. This collection of papers at the Bentley Library constitutes that portion of executive documentation which Blanchard, upon leaving office, decreed personal in accordance with the traditional practice of recent governors of Michigan.

The materials came from geographically distinct offices (Lansing, Detroit, Upper Peninsula, and Washington), reflected the efforts of staff ranging from policy analysts to Blanchard himself, and were preserved in varying degrees of completeness. Among these records and papers retained are: correspondence, budgets, memoranda, reports, briefing books, minutes and agenda, press releases and public statements, legal briefs and decisions, legislative bills and analyses, clippings, photographs, audiotapes, and videotapes. These materials were especially strong in documenting the Blanchard administration's investment in human capital and education, efforts to promote economic development and create jobs, interest in rebuilding Michigan's infrastructure while preserving and restoring its environmental beauty, and generally reflecting its commitment to act to promote the commonweal. The collection sheds some light on affirmative action, citizens' protection, criminal justice, the Michigan Youth Corps, and attitudes of Michigan residents as reflected in letters to the governor. The collection is weak in its coverage of Blanchard's private life and his activities related to the Democratic party.

Researchers should note that Blanchard's executive office was not a rule-bound operation, restricted by strict adherence to hierarchical functions. There was considerable sharing of responsibilities, especially at the higher levels of the administration. One finds that roles filled by a chief of staff sometimes devolved to an executive assistant or to a staff member in the Legal or Government Relations Office. Work on large recurring projects, like the budget or the state of the state address, involved participation at many levels cutting across offices. Day to day functions, like responding to issue-oriented constituent correspondence, often entailed action by the chief of staff, counsel, or a policy analyst from the Washington Office, in addition to the expected responses from the Issues and Correspondence Offices. These sorts of overlap are noted when appropriate in the finding aid.

The Chief of Staff had the primary responsibility for seeing to the efficient functioning of the executive office of the Governor. In fulfilling this responsibility, the Chief of Staff interacted with nearly every department in the executive branch of state government and with each unit within the executive office. The Chief of Staff served as a sort of gatekeeper for the Governor, apprising him of significant issues, informing him of how best to respond, and judging how effectively the response meets the issue. During Blanchard's two terms in office, he was served by four Chiefs of Staff: F. Thomas Lewand, Phillip Jourdan, Rick Cole, and Steve Weiss. Records are extant from each chief except Rick Cole; these range from the thin but rich records of Lewand to the more fulsome materials of Jourdan and Weiss.

The efforts of the Chief of Staff to facilitate frictionless functioning of state governance were augmented by able deputies, competent staff, and a cadre of Executive Assistants. Chief among these assistants were Nancy Austin-Schwartz, Bill Liebold, Carolyn Sparks, and Ron Thayer. Given that the Blanchard administration was democratic and decidedly non-hierarchical, these Executive Assistants often filled roles similar to the Chiefs of Staff. At these highest levels of administration, decisions were made and actions taken without much regard to hierarchy or job description strictures. In this free market of ideas and ability, whoever had the best idea or was best able to handle a situation attended to it. Sometimes this was the chief, sometimes one of the assistants, but just as often things were handled by other members of the executive office staff or by someone from an executive department.

The Correspondence Office was that division within the Executive Office which received, routed, and responded to constituent correspondence. In handling this task, staff in the Correspondence Office worked closely with the Issues Development Office, with head of executive branch departments, and with the Office Operations Division. Mail received by the unit was directed to specialists in Issues Development, to the appropriate state department, to the Governor's personal attention, or handled with a standard response. Given the volume of mail directed to the Governor's attention (at times reaching thousands of pieces per week) and its issues-oriented nature, one should not be surprised to find that most mail sparked a standard response. The bulk of the materials saved reflects the office's efforts to individually address constituent concerns in a timely fashion. This work originally was the domain of an autonomous Communications Unit, fell to the correspondence unit within the Operations Division for a time, until finally it was established as a separate office. Donna Kaufman oversaw this unit from 1983 until 1988 when Patrick Casey took charge.

The Government Relations Office was the unit which tracked the Governor's legislative agenda and the executive branch's reaction to bills coming out of the legislature. The Government Relations Office served as the Governor's interface with the Michigan House and Senate. In fulfilling this mission, the office had to rely upon the advice and consent of many within the executive office, specifically the Legal Division and the Issues Office (especially the intergovernmental relations unit). This reliance on diverse input was evident in Blanchard's first term as the Legal/ Legislative/Government Relations functions were all met by a single office, headed by Conrad Mallet, Jr. There exists little to document Mallet's tenure as head of this office, aside from transition files and enrolled house and senate bills. During Blanchard's second term the legislative functions fell to separate government relations, legal, and issues offices which then maintained a close working relationship. Stan Fedewa, and later, William Kandler, directed the work of the Government Relations Office at this time. The efforts of both of these men are well reflected in the extant materials.

The Issues Development Office was charged with delineating, articulating and disseminating the official Blanchard position on the topics of the day. These functions, central to the administration, insured that the issues office would be integral to the executive office. This is manifest in the myriad array of units heavily reliant on the Issues Development Office for their own operations; the Chief of Staff, Executive Assistants, Correspondence, Government Relations, Legal, and Press Offices all were in daily contact with Issues. Within the Issues Development Office, responsibilities were divided among analysts according to issue: agriculture, education, environment, human services, local government, and urban affairs. These analysts reported to the office manager, who in turn reported to the Deputy Chief of Staff, who checked that positions were consistent with the policy goals of the administration.

The Issues Development Office eventually came to house the papers of the Local Government Advisor. Connie Shorter was the senior staff member responsible for local government affairs and she moved with the unit from its original home in the Policy Department, through the Government Relations Office, back to Issues. The office also served as aegis for special projects ranging from the Cabinet Council on Human Investment, to Citizens' Protection, to the Public Investment Task Force. The issues office itself underwent numerous name changes over the years, beginning as the Policy Office, then to Planning and Program Development, before settling on Issues Development in 1987. In whatever guise, under whatever name, this office remained poised to build Blanchard's stance on any issue.

The Legal Division dealt with the many legal problems arising out of running a state government. These include, but are not limited to, issues related to administrative rules, bonds, local charters, corrections, crime, pardons, extraditions, legislation, and protection of civil rights. This rather broad array of issues eventually proved too disparate to be capably handled by the relatively small legal staff, so some duties were shunted to the Government Relations and Issues Offices. As with the government relations materials above, there are no materials from Conrad Mallet, Jr.'s tenure. Materials relating to administrative and emergency rules, bonds, local charters, pardons, and extraditions have not been retained with this collection; they are retained by the State Archives. What has been retained from the Legal Division are the papers of Mike Hodge, Legal Advisor and Special Counsel to the Governor from 1987 to 1990. Hodge's papers superbly document the legal concerns facing Blanchard during his second term.

The Operations Division's primary function within the Blanchard administration was scheduling the Governor's out-of-office events. This entailed handling the thousands of invitations for the Governor to appear, deciding which of these events merited Blanchard's presence, making local arrangements with the advance team, briefing Blanchard on the hot-button issues, and serving as liaison between local contacts and the executive office. Jill Pennington capably directed the scheduling unit for both of Blanchard's terms as governor. During one of the periodic reorganizations of the executive office, the Operations Division oversaw the correspondence unit and a speakers bureau. Both of these proved to be outside the scope of the scheduling mission and were dealt out of operations' hand in the next office restructuring. The division remained committed to placing a prepared Blanchard before congenial forums.

The Personnel Division was charged with filling all appointive positions in the executive and judicial branches of state government. These positions include all executive posts on boards, commissions, task forces and the executive office, as well as all court posts ranging from courts of appeals, to district courts, to the State Supreme Court. The Personnel Division was initially headed up by Ron Thayer. Shelby Solomon next ran the office. The papers related to personnel division during the tenure of both of these men was not forwarded with the Blanchard collection. All that remains are the papers of Gregory Morris, director of the division from 1987 to 1990. The materials Morris retained dealt exclusively with Blanchard's judicial appointments from 1983 to 1990. This narrow, but very important, stratum of information remains the only evidence on how and who Blanchard chose to extend his program.

The Press Office presented the public face for the Blanchard administration. This office coordinated press conferences, released policy statements and copies of Blanchard's speeches, arranged photo opportunities, mediated with local and state media, and generally put the best possible spin on the administration. The Press Office was the single point of fixity in the field of flux that was the Blanchard executive office. This office fell under the eye of only two directors, Rick Cole and Tom Scott, during the two gubernatorial terms. Scott was with the office almost from the outset and is largely responsible for the retention of much of the materials. He treated the Press Office as the archives of the executive office, saving newspaper clippings, press releases, speeches, audiotapes, videotapes, and photographs which document the public life of Blanchard. These materials provide the most comprehensive picture of Blanchard as politician, statesman, governor.

The Upper Peninsula Office was one of the regional offices established by the executive office to better serve a specific clientele, in this case the residents of the upper peninsula. This office brought the services of state government to the more immediate attention of upper peninsula citizens. It answered constituent correspondence, served as liaison between county officials and the state, and briefed the Governor for his trips to the upper peninsula. In short the Upper Peninsula Office provided a scaled-down version of the outreach functions offered by the executive office. Tom Baldini, director of the office, filled his post so competently that he was viewed by the executive office and citizens as the "governor" of the upper peninsula.

The Washington Office served as a clearinghouse for information on federal proposals, congressional legislation, and national policy developments. It also lobbied for the interests of the state. In pursuing these ambitious, if amorphous, interests, the Washington Office employed a staff of five to ten people over the years of Blanchard's tenure. The staff of the office worked with Blanchard, the executive office, and Michigan agency directors to develop responses to federal activity, to initiate timely communication between federal and state officials, and to arrange and conduct meetings and conferences when appropriate. Aside from the director of the Washington Office, E. Douglas Frost, who focused on budgets, taxes, and overall policy planning, each of the staff members in the office was responsible for broadly defined issues. Rosemary Freeman, who preceded Frost as office director, served as deputy director and handled issues related to training, labor, and education. James Callow was the legislative analyst charged with keeping abreast of economic and trade issues. Maura Cullen was responsible for social services, health and human services, and child welfare. Peter Kyriacopolous was the last of three analysts (Charlie Moses and Jo Ellen D'Arcy preceded him) who handled concerns related to the environment and transportation.

Collection

Gene Fogel papers, 1981-2019

0.4 linear feet — 727.02 MB (online)

Online
News reporter at WJR radio station out of Detroit. Scripts and sound recordings from two influential news stories as well as general information about Fogel's reporting career.

The Gene Fogel papers contain sound recordings and transcripts from two news stories Fogel investigated as a news reporter for WJR 760 radio station out of Detroit, "Blind Justice" and "Bite Mark, Leaving the Wrong Impression.". The collection also includes information about Fogel's journalism career.

Collection

Community Action on Substance Abuse Records, 1981-2003

11 linear feet — 36 digital audio files

Online
Community Action on Substance Abuse (CASA) was an Ann Arbor-based, non-profit organization of volunteer parents, educators and service groups. CASA's mission was to educate adolescents in the community about the risks of using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and to encourage adolescents to live drug free. The records consist of CASA organizational materials – meeting minutes, annual reports and more – publicity and prevention materials, program information, Ann Arbor-area and national substance abuse resources, conference materials, local drug use surveys, fundraising materials, VHS and cassette tapes, and photographs and other items from Ann Arbor's Drug Free Schools drug prevention art contests.

The Community Action on Substance Abuse records consist of CASA organizational materials – meeting minutes, annual reports and more – publicity and prevention materials, program information, Ann Arbor-area and national substance abuse resources, conference materials, local drug use surveys, fundraising materials, VHS and cassette tapes, and photographs and other items from Ann Arbor's Drug Free Schools drug prevention art contests. The records have been arranged into thirteen series: CASA Organizational files, Publicity, Prevention Materials, CASA Programs -- Ann Arbor Schools, CASA Programs -- Ann Arbor Community, Area Treatment Resources, State and National Affiliations, Conferences, Drug Use Surveys, Fundraising, Sound Recordings, Visual Materials, and Ann Arbor Schools Drug Prevention Contest.

Collection

Billie Louise Edwards Papers, 1981-1993 (majority within 1987-1992)

1.5 linear feet — 17.4 GB (online)

Online
Billie Louise Edwards was a feminist, activist, lesbian, motorcyclist, co-parent, Metropolitan Community Church preacher, and clinical psychologist; she was also co-director of the University of Michigan Lesbian-Gay Male Programs Office (LGMPO) from 1987 to 1993. The Edwards papers include her educational materials and writings, training materials and correspondence from the LGMPO, audio cassettes from her ministry, and a photographic portrait.

The Billie Edwards papers document her work as a lesbian-gay rights activist and co-director of the University of Michigan's Lesbian-Gay Male Program Office and her work as a minister in Metropolitan Community Church in Oklahoma City. The papers are organized into five series: Miscellaneous Personal Papers, Writings, Research Material, LGMPO Training, and LGMPO Miscellaneous.

Collection

Eddie K. and Mary D. Edwards papers, 1980-2024, undated

0.5 linear feet — 51.49 GB (online) — 1 oversize folder

Online
Reverend Eddie K. Edwards (1936-2004) was a Christian preacher and community activist in Detroit, Michigan. In 1976, he founded the Joy of Jesus faith-based nonprofit organization in Detroit. This organization sought to help Detroit residents—primarily neighborhoods and families experiencing poverty—through a summer camp and other programs, like the Ravendale Area Revitalization Project (R.A.R.E.). He was married to Dr. Mary D. Edwards, who was involved in Joy of Jesus and who currently serves as an author, life coach, and minister. The collection includes ten digital recordings of interviews and television programs featuring Rev. Eddie K. Edwards, Joy of Jesus publications, biographical information about Rev. Edwards, as well as papers related to the ministry of his wife, Dr. Mary D. Edwards.

This collection documents the activism and ministry of Reverend Eddie K. Edwards and his wife, Dr. Mary D. Edwards. Manuscript materials are separated into two series documenting the work of both ministers.

Rev. Eddie Edwards' series contains Edwards's biographical information, letters received on the occasion of Rev. Edward's retirement, and memorial publications and articles. Of special interest is the 1996 publication "Re-Neighborhooding Revitalization Manual for the Re-Neighborhooding Detroit Program." The manual was based on the results of a survey conducted among the residents of a 38-block area of Ravendale community on the eastside of Detroit, near the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Also included are digital images of a Point of Light a ward, memorial for Rev. Edwards, and an "Others" Award from the Salvation Army.

Audio-visual materials include a documentary by broadcast journalist Mort Crim, an audio recording of an interview with Edwards by Evangelical radio host Al Kresta in "A Vision for our Detroit", a video recording of a sermon delivered by Edwards at the Second Chapel Hill Baptist Church in Detroit, a video recording of the first annual Friends of Joy of Jesus Banquet in 1991, an episode from the Christian Television Network (CTN Live!) featuring Edwards, a Detroit Public TV program entitled "A Neighborhood Redeemed", a Sue Marx film in which Edwards is presented the 1991 Winning Ways Award, and a few videos made by the church including an interview with Caroline Thomas and Bob Ivory, a "New Child Development Plan" as described by Edwards, and a program highlighting Joy of Jesus' plan for solving urban decay presented in "A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out".

Dr. Mary Edwards' series consists largely of her works published through Leaves of Gold consultancy, a publishing consultancy started by Dr. Edwards in 2007. Among those publications are her autobiography, meditations and ministry materials, and collections of prose and poetry tied to her Widows with Wisdom work. Her papers also include a collection of her writings that document the history of Joy of Jesus Ministries. Of special interest is the description of the 52-questions needs assessment survey that was prepared and conducted by Dr. Edwards. This project resulted in the 1996 "Re-Neighborhooding Revitalization Manual."

Collection

Casa de Unidad records, 1980-2006

7 linear feet — 1 oversize folder — 196 MB (online)

Online
The records of the Casa de Unidad Cultural Arts and Media Center cover the organization's efforts to promote, develop, and celebrate Hispanic and Latino arts and traditions in Southwest Detroit. The record group consists primarily of correspondence, board minutes, grant proposals and reports, newsletters, event and program budgets, event flyers, educational workshop reports and audio material.

The records of Casa de Unidad cover the period between 1980 and 2006. The collection consists primarily of correspondence, board minutes, grant proposals and reports, newsletters, event and program budgets, event flyers, educational workshop reports and audio material. The majority of the material is in English, though a small number of flyers, newsletters, and audio recordings are in Spanish. The collection contains the following series: Administrative Material, Educational/Artistic Activities, Unity in the Community Festival, and Audio Material.

Collection

Mary Hathaway papers, 1980-2003

6 linear feet — 6 digital audiovisual files

Online
Prominent Ann Arbor, Mich. area peace and social justice activist; was involved in both church and community organizations concerned with topics as diverse as nuclear disarmament, homelessness in Ann Arbor, and the immigration rights of El Salvadorian refugees. The collection includes organizational and church files detailing her various activities.

The Mary Hathaway papers span from 1981-2003 and document Mrs. Hathaway's role as a social justice activist and church and community leader. The collection is divided into three series, Community Activism, 1981-2003, First Presbyterian 1981-1990, and Clippings, 1981-2003. Though community and church activities are represented separately in this collection the division is somewhat artificial; Mrs. Hathaway's civic and religious activities are deeply intertwined, all showing a deep and faith-based engagement with her community.

Collection

G. Mennen Williams and Nancy Quirk Williams oral history project, 1980-1982

3 linear feet — 52 digital audio files

Online
Oral history project of the Michigan Historical Collection to document politics and government during the gubernatorial administration of G. Mennen Williams; transcripts of interviews, sound cassettes, and administrative records of the project.

This is a collection of oral history tapes and interviews relating to the history of the gubernatorial administration of G. Mennen Williams. Interviews have been arranged alphabetically and include Paul Adams, Michael Berry, Geraldine N. Bledsoe, Ernest R. Boehm, Raymond Clevenger, John D. Dingell, Tom Downs, Alfred B. Fitt, Hicks and Martha Griffiths, Adelaide Hart, Jane B. Hart, Erma Henderson, Stella Lecznar, Wade H. McCree, Louis Mezzano, Victor G. Reuther, Horace Sheffield, Otis Smith, Paul W. Weber, Nancy (Quirk) Williams, Joseph L. Wisniewski, and Leonard Woodcock. Project files also include questionnaires (but not interviews) from other individuals associated with G. Mennen Williams.

Collection

Dominic Capeci Detroit Oral History Project collection, 1978-2019 (majority within 1978-2000)

27.64 GB (online)

Online
Professor of African American History at Missouri State University and expert on the Detroit race riot of 1943 and race relations in Detroit during World War II. Oral history interviews and autobiographical information about Capeci.

The Dominic Capeci Detroit Oral History Project collection (27.64 GB) features oral history interviews Capeci conducted about the Detroit race riot of 1943, the Detroit race riot of 1967, and Detroit during World War II. It also includes autobiographical information about Capeci's life and his career as professor of African American History.

Collection

Citizens for Alternatives to Chemical Contamination Records, 1978-1997, 2016

11.75 linear feet — 70 digital audio files

Online
Environmental group formed in 1978 by landowners in Clare County, Michigan in resistance to government plan to use pesticide to control gypsy moth population. The organization has since broadened its focus to include other environmental issues such as solid waste management, wetlands protection, the use of herbicides, concerns about toxic waste, and problems of pollution in Michigan. Series in this record group include organizational files, Eco Conferences, subject files, and related organizations. Organizational files includes minutes, newsletters, reports, correspondence, grant proposals, and other materials relating to the work of the organization. The Eco Conferences series documents annual conference bringing together speakers to lead talks and workshops. This series includes annual planning files and audiocassettes and videocassettes of the conferences. Subject files contains correspondence, reports, background information, and other information on environmental issues. Related organizations consists of files on other Michigan and local environmental groups.

The Citizens for Alternatives to Chemical Contamination record group provides an in-depth look at the life of a very active and influential Michigan environmental organization, for a period of nearly two decades -- from 1978 to 1997. While describing in particular the activities of one individual organization, the collection also lends itself to research about environmental issues and Michigan environmental organizations in general. The collection is arranged into four record series: Organizational Files, Eco Conferences, Subject Files, and Related Organizations.

Collection

Robby DeBoer Papers, 1977-2006 (majority within 1991-2006)

20 linear feet — 1 oversize folder — 16.6 GB (online)

Online
Two year custody battle over "Baby Girl Clausen" between Jan and Robby DeBoer of Ann Arbor, Michigan and her biological parents Cara Clausen and Daniel Schmidt of Blairstown, Iowa; and the national child advocacy group Hear My Voice. The collection consists of correspondence, news clippings, press releases, photographs, audio cassette tapes, digital materials, video tapes, and legal papers such as petitions, briefs, judicial orders, and amicus briefs.

The Robby DeBoer papers document the legal battle and media coverage surrounding the adoption of "Baby Girl Clausen," and also the organizational records of the national child advocacy group Hear My Voice. The collection consists of correspondence, news clippings, press releases, photographs, audio cassette tapes, digital materials, video tapes, and legal papers such as petitions, briefs, judicial orders, and amicus briefs. The collection has the following series: Biographical, Litigation, Hear My Voice, Publicity, Audio/Visual Materials, and General Correspondence.

Collection

Enid H. Galler interviews collection, 1976-2007 (majority within 1987-2007)

5 linear feet — 1.3 TB (online)

Online
Enid H. Galler, owner and founder of Voice Treasures, conducted and recorded oral histories of local Ann Arbor persons, primarily faculty members of the University of Michigan. This collection contains audiocassettes and digital materials of recordings, including interviews and talks, done by Galler as well as supplemental materials including transcripts.

The Galler papers date from 1987 through 2007. They are arranged by project and/ or school. Within each series, materials are arranged alphabetically by name of the interviewee. Materials for interviewees may include Interviews, Transcripts, and/or Supplemental materials. Interviews are the audio recordings of the interviews themselves, and may consist of several audiocassettes or digital materials. Transcript folders include typed transcripts of interviews and may also include an index of subjects discussed during the interview. Supplemental materials folders may contain correspondence, notes, interview questions, newspaper clippings, pictures, and other miscellaneous materials related to the interview.

Collection

News and Information Services (University of Michigan) Audiovisual Materials, 1975-2012 (majority within 1985-2005)

25 linear feet — 67.8 GB (online)

Online
The University of Michigan News and Information Services (NIS) acts as the University's media relations office, disseminating information about university programs, research, events, and faculty activities. This collection includes audiovisual recordings of press releases, news briefs distributed to television and radio stations, web-based podcasts and digital videos, and externally produced materials about the University and its activities. Additionally, researchers will find copies of University-produced media from the 1970s to the early 2000s in both audio and video formats.

The University of Michigan News and Information Services Audiovisual Materials contains sound and visual materials produced by the University of Michigan to share with the media as well as materials relevant to the promotion and image of the University. News and Information Services also publishes materials featuring achievements by scholars, recordings of speeches by invited speakers, and media appearances by or about University officials, programs, and scholars.

Collection

Eclipse Jazz (University of Michigan) records, 1975-1987

2.5 linear feet — 31 GB (online)

Online
University of Michigan student organization founded to promote interest in jazz through concert and lecture series. Audio-tapes of lectures, photographs, posters, announcements of concerts, newsletters, grant files, and scattered correspondence.

The Eclipse Jazz records include photographs, sound records of the various lectures and concerts, posters and flyer notices of concerts, and miscellaneous administrative materials, such as grant applications, correspondence, and newsletters of their activities.

Collection

Women in Science and Engineering Program (University of Michigan) records, 1974-2023, undated

11.3 linear feet — 62.5 GB (online) — 1 archived website

Online
Established in 1980 as part of the Center for Continuing Education of Women (now CEW+), the Women in Science and Engineering Program (WISE) has sought to increase the number of women who major in and seek advanced degrees in mathematics, science and technical fields. WISE has offered internships, resource guides, programming, and the Warner-Lambert lecture series towards this goal. In addition to supporting women at the collegiate level, WISE offers a variety of K-12 programs for students of any gender identity, although they are primarily aimed at women and girls. Records include correspondence and reports; physical and digital materials related to programming efforts, including the Warner-Lambert lecture series and Girls in Science and Engineering summer camp; funding proposals; research papers and talks by WISE staff members; and clippings and documents related to the establishment of WISE. Planning files for the Girls and Science and Technology (GASAT) IV Conference 1987, digital transcripts and recordings from an oral history project that sought to preserve the history of University of Michigan alumnae in the sciences and engineering, and material related to Smartgirl.com as well as the Women in Engineering Office are also included.

The WISE records (11.3 linear feet and digital files (online)) reflect the changing approaches that WISE took to encourage and support women in the sciences and engineering, as well as the changing organizational structure of the program. Specific formats include correspondence, digital photographs and videos, grant applications and program proposals, oral histories, research studies and talks, publications, reports, web archives, and background material on women and sciences at the University of Michigan. Prominently represented in the collection are WISE's various programming efforts, the Women's History in Michigan Science and Engineering Oral History Project, and the Women in Engineering Office (WIE).

Collection

Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 9 (Detroit, Mich.) records, 1973-2011 (majority within 1980-1997)

7 linear feet — 8.4 GB (online)

Online
This collection includes material regarding the activities of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., Chapter 9 (Detroit, Mich.). Some members of this group have also been involved in the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) State of Michigan Council, as well as the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund and Vietnam Monument Commission so materials from these groups have also been included in this collection.

This collection has five series: Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. Chapter 9 (Detroit), Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, Vietnam Monument Commission, and Audio and visual material. Records in this collection include administrative documents, Vietnam Veterans of American national convention materials, and VVA chapter newsletters and publications.

Collection

Michigan Organization for Human Rights Records, 1973-1994

13 linear feet (in 14 boxes) — 1 oversize folder — 232.4 GB (online)

Online
A coalition of state and local human rights organizations, served as resource, lobbying and educational agent for organizations and individuals engaged in struggle to eliminate all forms of discrimination, gay and lesbian rights became an early focus of MOHR. Records document founding and administration of the organization and numerous, legislative lobbying efforts and other activities.

The records of the Michigan Organization for Human Rights, measuring 10 linear feet, were donated to the library by M.O.H.R. in four accessions: May 1983, February and September 1994, and September 1998. The audio materials span the time period 1973 to 1980, while the manuscript materials cover the period from 1977 through the disbanding of the organization in Spring, 1994. The records are arranged in eight series: Administrative, Correspondence, Topical, Clippings, the Robert Lundy Papers (two series), Visual Materials, and Audio Materials. The series provide documentation of the founding, growth, and topical interests of a grassroots political and social organization, including the stresses involving fundraising and personality conflicts that occurred as M.O.H.R. experienced rapid growth during the late-1970s and early-1980s.

The two Robert Lundy series (1970-1995, 4 linear feet) were donated to the library in several accessions over a period of years. There is some overlap as each series contains files on legislation, files relating to his work with M.O.H.R., and topical files on issues organizations and events with which he was active in his capacity as M.O.H.R.'s legislation officer.

Collection

John L. Kavanaugh papers, 1970-2011 (majority within 1990s-2000s)

4 linear feet (in 5 boxes) — 1.3 GB (online)

Online
Detroit social activist involved in GLBT organizations and activities. The collection consists of correspondence, essays and articles, e-mails, conference materials, organizational records, publications and articles on the subjects of GLBT history, gay civil rights, gay marriage, interracial and interfaith marriage, GLBT families, sexual and gender equality, violence against GLBT persons, religion and homosexuality, gay clergy, clergy with AIDS, and violence against GLBT persons. The collection also includes materials related to the development of public transportation in the Detroit Metropolitan area; election campaigns and vote suppression of ethnic minorities; and U.S. and international politics and economy.

The collection, spanning 40 years of John Kavanaugh's activism, documents both the history and challenges faced by the Michigan and national GLBT community, as well issues facing the area's racial and ethnic minorities. Of most value, the collection provides documentation regarding the position of various denominations on questions of homosexuality and gay and interracial marriage; racial and ethnic discrimination, and voters' suppression based on race and ethnicity. Kavanaugh's correspondence includes letters and hard copies of e-mails, many of them sent to individual clergy and to groups of citizens. His writings are sometimes represented in form of a self-published newsletter or e-newsletter (e.g. The bead reader and The missing lines). The collection contains a great number of non-mainstream publications, as well as articles and clippings from obscure and rare periodicals. The collection also includes a significant amount of material on the subject of public transit in Michigan, specifically, in the city of Detroit.

The collection is organized into five series: Issues; Black and White Men Together; Religion; Public Transit; and Digital materials.

Collection

Black Student Union (University of Michigan) records, 1969-2018 (majority within 1987-2008)

4.8 linear feet (in 6 boxes) — 256 MB (online)

Online
Student organization at the University of Michigan established in 1968 for students of African descent. The materials in the collection include minutes, correspondence, agendas, officer reports and topical files on issues including the Michigan Mandate and the 2000 Michigamua protest. The collection also contains photographs, audio/visual recordings, Twitter posts, and event flyers.

The Black Student Union (University of Michigan) records document the various activities of the Black Student Union at U-M. Materials in this collection include agendas, budgets, correspondence, event flyers, minutes, officer reports, photographs, topical files, Twitter posts, and audio/visual recordings.

Collection

Programs for Educational Opportunity (University of Michigan) records, 1969-2002 (majority within 1970-1986)

36.2 linear feet (in 40 boxes) — 1 oversize folder — 573 digital audio files

Online
A race desegregation assistance center based at the University of Michigan, the Program for Educational Opportunity (PEO) was established by funding through the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The program was expanded to encompass race, gender, and national origin equity in public schools in the Great Lakes region. The PEO ceased operation in 2011. Administrative files, topical files, workshop and task force material, handbooks, and material pertaining to desegregation and equality in public schools in Ann Arbor, Detroit, and elsewhere in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Materials include reports from school districts, histories of desegregation, and recordings of conferences/workshops (1970-1993) including speakers Charles D. Moody, Junious Williams, Edward H. Steinman, and other notable individuals.

The records for the Program for Educational Opportunity, 1969-2002, (36.2 linear feet) are divided into twenty-two series: Administrative, Correspondence, Committees and Task Forces, Conferences and Workshops, Handbooks, Reports, Desegregation, Project for Fair Administration of School Discipline (PFASD), Public Schools, Topical Files, Administrative, Conferences, Center for Sex Equality in Schools (CSES), Desegregation Assistance Center, PFASD, Public Schools, Topical Files, Programs, Reports, CSES, Topical Files, and Recordings of Conferences and Workshops. All folders within series are arranged alphabetically. Series titles repeat due to multiple transfers of material received at different times.

Researchers of desegregation efforts and the controversy of school discipline will find many valuable resources in the record group such as research reports, case studies, and conference materials. Also well documented is the Ann Arbor Area School District within the general Public Schools series which includes information on various programs within the district, records from the Board of Education, community surveys, and statistical data on staff and students. The Conferences and Workshops and Committees and Task Forces are also series that are particularly well documented; included are conference and workshop materials, reports, and in some cases, evaluations. The Recordings of Conferences and Workshops (1970-1993) includes 515 audiovisual recordings and covers topics such as human relations training, recruiting minority staff, combating racism and sexism in the curriculum, multi-cultural education, student rights and discipline, and the development of staff counseling skills.

Collection

John Richard Behee sound recordings, 1969-1974

29 audiocassettes — 1 folder

Online
Historian of University of Michigan athletics, most notably football. Sound cassettes of interviews with African American athletes regarding their experiences at the University of Michigan.

The collection consists of audio cassettes and digital files of interviews with African American athletes regarding their experiences at the University of Michigan. Included is the proposal Behee wrote for the oral history project. The interviews were part of the Behee's research for his book Hail to the Victors.

Collection

Center for Ethnic and Religious Studies (University of Michigan-Dearborn) records, 1968-2016 (majority within 1990-2016)

14.4 linear feet — 240 MB (online) — 1 oversize folder

Online
Founded in 2001 as the Center for Religion and Society at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, the Center houses and supports the interdisciplinary minor in Religious Studies, and advances research on religion and its relationship to American society. The Pluralism Project, developed by Claude Jacobs, focused on religion and religious communities in Detroit, Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, Michigan. The Center's records primarily document the Pluralism Project and the files of the director, Claude Jacobs. The collection also contains publications and printed material from religious communities across Michigan.

The Center for Ethnic and Religious Studies records primarily document the Pluralism Project collaboration between the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Harvard University. The records highlight communities within the southeast Michigan and the greater Detroit area in particular, as well as the Pluralism Project itself.

Claude Jacobs' Director's files document his time as Director of the Pluralism Project and professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

The collection also includes Michigan religious communities material includes inspirational/instructional texts, pamphlets, fliers, newsletters, community outreach, and various programs.

Collection

John Engler Papers, 1968-2003

435 linear feet — 1 oversize folder — 2.1 GB (online)

Online
Republican member of the Michigan state legislature (House and Senate, 1971-1990); governor of Michigan (1991-2003); active member of the Republican Governors' Association and the National Governors' Association. The Engler collection consists primarily of materials created and maintained by Governor Engler and his staff during the period when he was governor, 1991-2003. Other records include papers from his several terms in the Michigan House and the Michigan Senate. The collection includes papers files, photographs, sound recordings, videotapes, memorabilia, and some electronic files. The gubernatorial files are arranged mainly by unit or functional responsibility within the governor's office. These series are Executive Office, Communications Division, Legal Division, State Government Affairs, Legislative Affairs Division, Operations Division, External Affairs, Scheduling, Washington DC Office, and Office of the First Lady. Topics extensively documented include state welfare and school funding reform, reorganization of state boards and commissions, notably the restructuring of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and Republican party politics.

The John Engler papers are the most important source available for the study of Michigan's state government from 1991 to 2002. The collection is particularly strong on the topics of welfare and school funding reform, state government reorganization and the rising impact of the National Governors' Association in state and national politics. Engler's efforts to attract commerce to Michigan are also well-documented. The materials are arranged into two main subgroups: Pre-gubernatorial Papers and Gubernatorial Papers. The bulk of the material relates to Engler's gubernatorial career, therefore, the analysis that follows focuses primarily on this subgroup.

The materials in the "Gubernatorial Papers" subgroup are arranged according to the offices and subdivisions of the governor's office that created them. This means that the governor's speeches and press releases, for example, may be found within a grouping or "series" called "Communications Division," within the "Gubernatorial" subgroup, while legislative histories for various public acts may be found within the "Legislative Affairs" series.

While some kinds of documents were produced uniquely by one division, other kinds were produced in several divisions of the governor's office. The governor's correspondence, for example, was drafted and approved by several different staff members. Letters to important business and political leaders may be found within the "Executive Office" series, the "State Government Affairs" series, and the "Washington DC Office" series in particular. There no comprehensive chronological correspondence file.

In using the collection, the researcher should think functionally and ask who would have created the information sought. For example, the policy advisors in the State Government Affairs Division created individual topical files which gathered together correspondence and research materials to support briefing memoranda which they presented to the governor, while the speechwriters in the Communications Division often gathered different types of materials to help them shape the presentation of the same policies to the public.

Collection

Robert J. Shepard papers, 1968-1969

18 audiotapes (reel-to-reel tapes) — 2 volumes — 1 folder — 11.8 GB (online)

Online
Soldier with C-Company, 307th Engineering Platoon, 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, in Vietnam, includes recorded letters sent home while stationed in Vietnam, 1968-1969; and photographic snapshots of Shepard, other members of his company, and the areas in Vietnam where they were stationed.

The Robert Shepard collection includes recorded letters (18, 3-inch reel-to-reel tapes) sent home while stationed in Vietnam, 1968-1969; and photographic snapshots of Shepard, other members of his company, and the areas in Vietnam where they were stationed. The Photogaphs consist of two photo albums and two envelopes full of loose photographs as well as scans of the photo albums created by the donor.

The recordings consist of 18 audio letters sent to his family from Vietnam. These were sent through the army mail's "Voices from Home" program using 3M's "Living Letters" brand.

Collection

Douglas Ross Papers, 1967-2002

8 linear feet — 0.6 MB (online)

Online
Douglas Ross (1942- ) is a Michigan political figure. He has been active in many political organizations and the Democratic party and served as Michigan Director of Commerce and United States Assistant Secretary of Labor. He also ran, unsuccessfully, for governor of Michigan in 1998. Ross' main concerns are economic policy and education. He currently runs a charter school in Detroit, Michigan. The papers cover most of his career, especially as Michigan Senator and at the Department of Labor, and include his notes and articles, correspondence, publications, and videotapes.