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Kalamazoo College Upjohn Library
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTIONS

Kalamazoo College Archives

Phone: 269-337-7151

Location: Third floor of Upjohn Library Commons, Room 329, 1200 Academy St., Kalamazoo, MI 49006

The College Archives serve as the repository for materials that trace the history of Kalamazoo College from its founding in 1833 through the present day. They also hold a collection of documents related to the history of Baptists in Michigan. Among the significant records and documents housed in the College Archives are: Personal papers of many individuals who have had close associations with the CollegeMinutes, correspondence, memoranda and other records and documents of the faculty, administration, and trustees; Personal publications of faculty, alumni, and friends of the College; Records of student organizations; Yearbooks dating from 1896, literary magazines, and other student publications; The College newspaper (Kalamazoo College Index), dating back to 1877, and name indexes to the Index for the years 1877 to 1931; The Daily Bulletin dating from 1947 to 49 and 1962 to the present, Who's New at Kalamazoo (a photographic yearbook of faculty and first-year students), and other student services publications; A large collection of scrapbooks prepared by alumni, friends, and College personnel, catalogues for subject access; Photographs; Miscellaneous mementos.

Although archival materials do not circulate, it is possible to photocopy many of the materials with the permission of a librarian. Book bags, purses, and briefcases should be checked with the attendant, and only pencils may be used for note taking.

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Local History Collection at the Kalamazoo Public Library

Phone: 269-553-7808; Fax: 269-342-0414; Email form

Location: Kalamazoo Public Library, 315 South Rose St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

The Clarence L. Miller Family Local History Room maintains an extensive collection of materials about all aspects of the history of Kalamazoo County including businesses, institutions, buildings, and biographical and genealogical information about county residents. To a lesser extent, we also collect information about Michigan, and the areas from which Kalamazoo drew its original settlers. In addition, KPL's Community Information Database (CID) combines indexing of local newspapers, magazines and historical materials with current information about county businesses, human service agencies, and non-profit organizations. The History Room is located on the second floor of the library. Our door is just to the right of the stained glass window. We are open the same hours as the main library. No library card is necessary to use our services. No History Room materials can be checked out, but photocopy machines are available. The staff will answer brief mail and telephone inquiries.

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Archives and Regional History at Western Michigan University

Phone: 269-387-8490, Fax: 269-387-8484; Email: arch_collect@wmich.edu

Location: Room 111, East Hall, East Campus, off Oakland Drive. Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5081.

In the Kalamazoo College Library Collection: Guide to the Western Michigan University Regional History Collections,
edited by Phyllis Burnham [et al.]. CD 3309 .K3 G84 1998, Reference.

The Regional History Collections is designated by the Michigan Historical Commission as a State Archives repository for the public records of twelve counties in southwest Michigan, including Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, St. Joseph and Van Buren. Various county, township, city and village materials including tax records, court records and minutes, as well as selected naturalization records, are on deposit through the State Archives. Some materials are located off-site and may require an appointment to access. Please verify the location of the materials prior to visiting the facility. In addition to repository records, the Regional History Collections contains manuscript materials, including letters, diaries, journals, photographs, minutes, and ephemeral materials reflecting the history and activities of the people, institutions, organizations, and businesses of southwest Michigan. Materials do not circulate. Photocopy and duplication services are available for most materials and staff will provide free information upon request. Copy cards may not be used at this site.

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Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Phone: (269) 373-7990; Phone: 1-(800)-772-3370; Phone: (269) 373-7989 Recorded Information Line; Email: veisenber@kvcc.edu

Location: 230 North Rose Street; Kalamazoo, MI 49007

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is a participatory museum of history, science and technology linking southwest Michigan to the world through collections, exhibitions, media and programs. Its purpose is to offer learning experiences that foster the understanding of significant issues shaping our regional community. While our scope is regional, we also explore topics and times remote from our own. The Museum seeks to develop cultural, historical and scientific literacy through innovative exhibits, special exhibitions, planetarium programs, educational programs and weekend family events. Exhibits incorporate the evidence of artifacts, oral histories, written documents and images to step back in time. Using the themes of Land, Community and Work, learn how people of the past lived, worked and united.

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Ladies Library Association

Phone: 344-3710

Location: 333 S. Park Street; Kalamazoo, MI 49007

The first women's club in Michigan, the Ladies Library Association of Kalamazoo, was founded by Lucinda Hinsdale Stone in1852. In 1878, the Ladies Library Association of Kalamazoo built the first clubhouse in the nation for a woman's organization. It was the first building to be built by and for a women's organization in the United States. The Ladies Library is also an example of Queen Anne style architecture.

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