Bentley Historical Library facts for kids
The Bentley Historical Library is a special place at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It's like a giant memory box for the university and the entire state of Michigan. This important library was started in 1935 by the leaders of the University of Michigan.
Its main job is to collect and keep important records about the University of Michigan's history. It also gathers stories and items about the history of Michigan state. This includes information about its people, different groups, and clubs.
The library is named after Alvin M. Bentley. He was a former leader of the university. He also served as a U.S. Congressman, which means he helped make laws for the country. His wife, Arvella D. Bentley, gave a lot of money to help build and run the library.
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What is the Bentley Historical Library?
The Bentley Historical Library is the official archive for the University of Michigan. Think of it as a super-organized treasure chest of history. It holds millions of items that tell the story of the university and the state.
Why are historical libraries important?
Historical libraries like the Bentley help us understand the past. They keep records safe for future generations. This way, students, teachers, and anyone curious can learn about how things used to be. They help us learn from history.
What kind of items does the Bentley Library keep?
The library collects many different types of historical items. You can find old letters, diaries, and photographs. They also have official university documents and records from various groups. These items help paint a full picture of history.
Preserving Michigan's past
A big part of the library's work is to document the history of Michigan. This means they collect stories and records from people all over the state. They gather information about different organizations and clubs too. This helps preserve the unique history of Michigan.
Who was Alvin M. Bentley?
The library is named after Alvin Morell Bentley. He was a very important person in Michigan's history. He was born in 1918 and had a long career in public service. His contributions helped shape both the university and the state.
Bentley's connection to the University of Michigan
Alvin M. Bentley was a regent for the University of Michigan. Regents are like a board of directors for the university. They help make important decisions about how the university is run. His work as a regent showed his dedication to education.
Bentley's role as a U.S. Congressman
Besides his work with the university, Alvin M. Bentley was also a U.S. Congressman. This means he was elected to represent Michigan in the U.S. government. Congressmen help create laws for the entire country. He served in this role from 1953 to 1961.
How the library was named after him
Alvin M. Bentley passed away in 1969. His wife, Arvella D. Bentley, wanted to honor his memory. She gave a large gift of money to the University of Michigan. This generous gift helped to build and support the historical library. Because of her gift and his service, the library was named after him.
Visiting the Bentley Historical Library
The Bentley Historical Library is located on the North Campus of the University of Michigan. It is a modern building designed to keep historical items safe. While it's a research library, it's also a place where the public can learn.
What can you do at the library?
If you visit, you can explore many historical collections. Researchers use the library to study Michigan's past. Students might use it for school projects. It's a great place to discover interesting facts about history.
How to use the library's resources
The library has special reading rooms where you can look at old documents. Librarians and archivists are there to help you find what you need. They make sure that the old and fragile items are handled with care. This helps keep them safe for many years to come.
