About Discover

Each collection features a unique aspect of Michigan’s history.  Click the “About” link next to each collection to see blog entries related to the collection and featured collection items.  Click the “View Collection” link to see all items in the collection.

Featured Items

  • Photo for Civil War Manuscripts Civil War Manuscripts

    The Civil War Manuscripts collection consists of letters and diaries from the Civil War period (1861-1865).  The letters and diaries document Michigan soldiers' experiences while serving the Union in various units.  Most of the collection consists of personal narratives with a few official records concerning the war and later pensions.

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  • Photo for Civil War Service Records Civil War Service Records

    The records document the history of Michigan soldiers in the form of muster rolls, letters, lists of dead, monthly returns and other materials sent to the state Adjutant General during the war.  Funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.

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  • Photo for Death Records, 1897-1920 Death Records, 1897-1920

    This Library of Michigan collection of Michigan death certificates features nearly 1 million records.  This statewide collection offers researchers critical information in tracking Michigan ancestors during this time period.  Information includes the decedent's birth date and place, parents' names and birthplace, cemetery name and location, and much more.

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  • Photo for Civil War Photographs Civil War Photographs

    The Archives of Michigan has close to 1,400 Civil War photographs in its collections. The majority of the images are carte de visite's of soldiers taking during their time of service during Civil War (1861-1865). Also included are reproductions of sheet music, broadsides and some group photographs all dating from the 1860s. Information includes soldier's name and description of service.

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