Discover the rich history of metropolitan Detroit and its deep maritime roots with the Detroit Historical Society’s extensive collections. Whether you're a college student, researcher, or part of a nonprofit agency, you'll find a treasure trove of materials that bring the city's past to life.
Dive into historical documents, rare photographs, and unique artifacts at our Collections Resource Center or explore maritime history at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum Archives. Can’t visit in person? Our expert staff can conduct research on your behalf, ensuring you have access to the stories that shaped Detroit.
In-person research
Scheduling a Research Appointment
Appointments must be scheduled at least two weeks before your intended visit.
Research Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (special arrangements available for an additional fee).
For out-of-town researchers, we will do our best to accommodate your needs, but additional fees may apply. A collections associate will assist you, but expertise in your specific research area is not guaranteed.
Note: Due to the sensitivity of our materials, children are not allowed in the archives.
Fees are determined based on the scope of the requested research and will be communicated in advance. Additional costs may apply for copying, digital images, or special materials.
Artifact Loans
The Detroit Historical Society considers loan requests from qualified institutions. Loan fees are determined by several factors, including the nature of the presenting organization and whether the artifact will be on public display.
Borrowing institutions are responsible for insuring the artifact at its full insurance value for the duration of the loan. They must also ensure proper security and environmental conditions for the item while it is in their care. A Standard Facility Report may be requested to verify the institution’s ability to meet these requirements.
For more information or to inquire about specific loan terms, please contact us.
Loan Requests: Submit at least 30 days in advance.
FINDING AIDS
Finding aids are research tools that help users understand and navigate archival collections. At the Detroit Historical Society, our finding aids provide detailed descriptions of our collections—including historical documents, photographs, personal papers, and organizational records—offering context about the materials, their origin, and how they are organized.
DETROIT ANNIVERSARIES COLLECTION
This collection includes letters, envelopes, pictures, photos, and other documents that were placed in a century box/time capsule at the Detroit City Hall on December 31, 1900. The letters were written by various citizens of the city in order to give some insights about present conditions and to offer some thoughts about the future for citizens of upcoming generations. The time capsule was opened at 11:20 pm on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2000, at Orchestra Hall by Mayor Dennis Archer as part of the 300th anniversary celebration (1701-2001) of the founding of the city.
J. LAWSON MILLER COLLECTION
This collection contains a large variety of architectural drawings and renderings that were done by J. Lawson Miller and/or his senior business partner, Samuel C. Falkinburg. The drawings were done in ink and pencil on both linen and vellum paper. Architectural renderings were done in ink and watercolor. Typical projects included architectural designs for residential houses, garages, factory buildings, stores, flats, apartment buildings, and hotels that were located primarily in Detroit or Grosse Pointe. A small number of projects were located in downriver communities and outstate locations. Two outstate locations included a factory design project in Hillsdale, Michigan, and a house design project in Bay City, Michigan. Many of the linen and vellum drawings also have accompanying blueprints and typewritten specifications.
MCLOUTH STEEL CORPORATION COLLECTION
This collection contains mostly photographs showing two major expansion projects at the McLouth Steel Corporation. The first, completed between 1953 and 1954 was the expansion of the Detroit facility to include a stainless steel production line. The section major project included removing the No. 1 pickling line and replacing it with the new No. 11 continuous annealing and pickling (CAP) line. This project was completed between 1974 and 1975. The collection also contains other miscellaneous photographs of production lines and machinery at the facility. Finally, there are several annual reports spanning the 1950s through the mid-1970s, correspondence, a marketing brochure, four oversized photos, and a J&L Specialty Products Corporation materials sample board.
TOBY DAVID COLLECTION
This collection contains mostly photographs as well as some papers and ephemera of Toby David during his career in radio and television spanning from 1935 to 1964.
Traveling Exhibitions
Experience captivating, budget-friendly exhibitions designed to engage and inspire audiences at museums, libraries, historic sites, and beyond.
Rooted in the rich history of Detroit and Michigan, these compelling stories transcend borders, sparking connections and conversations nationwide.
