Michigan State University

University Archives

Welcome!

University Archives & Historical Collections of Michigan State University is a place of discovery. More than 160 years of MSU history can be explored, including original letters and diaries, photographs, and oral histories. Our collections span the entirety of MSU’s history and also contain historical materials not related to MSU. Some of our collection highlights include materials that document the physical campus and grounds, early student life, the lumber industry, and the Civil War.

Research Appointments

Public access to the University Archives & Historical Collections is provided in Conrad Hall, Room 101, by appointment only. Appointments must be scheduled at least three (3) business days in advance: this reflects the time required to page materials and schedule staff. Appointment times are limited to hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM ET. For assistance, please contact UAHC via email at archives@msu.edu or telephone at (517) 355-2330.

UAHC Update - Appointments Available

Public access to the University Archives & Historical Collections is provided in Conrad Hall, Room 101, by appointment only. Appointments must be scheduled at least three (3) business days in advance: this reflects the time required to page materials and schedule staff. Appointment times are limited to hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM ET. For assistance, please contact UAHC via email at archives@msu.edu or telephone at (517) 355-2330.

University Archives Tweets

University Archives reading room
Click on the image above to see a video tour of the MSU University Archives.

University Archives & Historical Collections
Michigan State University
Conrad Hall
943 Conrad Road, Rm. 101
East Lansing, MI 48824-1327
Tel.: (517) 355-2330
E-mail: archives@msu.edu
Web: archives.msu.edu

MSU Panorama with interviews at Beal Botanical Garden, circa 1970s

Dorothy Doane and Mike Doyle from the student report forum MSU Panorama report from Beal-Garfield Botanical Garden on the campus of Michigan State University. A reporter from "Panorama" interviews students along the edge of the Red Cedar River, Doyle provides statistics on the usage of the MSU Libraries, and Doane interviews Jane Smith and student volunteer Mary Carr about the MSU Volunteer Bureau.

Tales from the Archives

Book cover image

Tales from the Archives

Gathered from its blogs, exhibits, and websites, the MSU Archives has compiled its first book of archival tales. Learn about events, traditions, and people that helped shape MSU into the place it is today!

Available for purchase at shop.msu.edu for $15.

 

Documenting COVID-19 Experiences at Michigan State University

Photo of The Rock at MSU with "we're all in this together!" painted on it.

Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections is documenting the experiences of MSU students, staff, faculty, and other members of the campus community during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.  We invite you to share your stories, photos, videos, and other documentation.  Please use the Google form to submit your items, and consult the UAHC website for more information on what kind of materials to submit and how to submit them.  

Photo:  Rock at MSU on 4/9/2020. Taken by Ed Busch.

Tales from the Archives vol. 2: Sacred Spaces

Tales from the Archives vol 2 book cover

Gathered from its blogs, exhibits, and websites, the Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections has compiled its second book of archival tales.  Learn about the buildings and grounds, and the faculty, staff, and trustees that helped shape Michigan State University into the place it is today!

Available for purchase at shop.msu.edu for $15.