by Sam Huck | Jul 24, 2026 | Acquisitions, Collections, Manuscripts, News
The William L. Clements Library recently acquired an extraordinary archive of 192 original sermons written between 1765 and 1780 by Rev. Joseph Bowman. Held in a private collection, the existence of the papers were previously unknown. The 2,000 page hand-written collection forms a significant corpus of religious writing that coincides with the final years of the First Great Awakening and continues through the American Revolution.
by Clements Library | Jul 14, 2026 | Acquisitions, Collections, Library Work, Manuscripts
The Clements Library is thrilled to make another large batch of manuscript collections available for research. Included in this batch are colorful sample checks, documents penned by poet James Whitcomb Riley, and a fan diary recording celebrations of the 4th of July over the years!
by Mary Pedley | Jun 30, 2026 | Acquisitions, Collections, Maps
Who was Ferdinand Verbiest and why did he create a world map?
by Clements Library | Jun 24, 2026 | Acquisitions, Collections, Graphics, Library Work, Volunteers
The Graphics Division has published thirteen new finding aids documenting the lives of individuals and families from the 1840s to the 1990s.
by Clements Library | Jun 22, 2026 | Acquisitions, Collections, Graphics
By Graphics Assistant Sirianna Blanck and the Graphics Department, in honor of William J. Christen, who dedicated 14 years of his life to ensure that the life of Pauline Cushman would not be lost to or obscured by history and its myths. Newly arrived at the Clements,...
by Clements Library | Jun 17, 2026 | Acquisitions, Books, Clements Library Associates, Collections, Events, Giving, Graphics, Manuscripts, Maps
Last month, we hosted a “What’s In Your Attic?” open house-style events where members of our community brought their own paper treasures (letters, journals, photographs, prints, books, and maps) for discussion with Clements Curators and guest Americana collectors. A handful of our guests generously chose to donate materials to the Clements Library at this event, here are a few of those newly donated acquisitions!
by Clements Library | Jun 11, 2026 | Acquisitions, Collections, Library Work, Manuscripts
As always, the Manuscripts Division has been diligently processing unique collections to make them available for research. All are welcome to research at the Clements Library, so request an appointment if any of these collections are calling your name!
by Clements Library | May 19, 2026 | Acquisitions, Collections, Library Work, Manuscripts
The Manuscripts Division has processed ten new collections of handwritten materials, including the 1898-99 diary of a currently unidentified soldier serving with the 31st Michigan Infantry. Everyone is welcome to conduct research at the Clements, what will you...
by Clements Library | Apr 24, 2026 | Acquisitions, Collections, Library Work, Manuscripts
Eleven manuscript collections were made available for research this past month, including two collections graciously donated by Dan Casavant and one by Sue and Mike Jandernoa! Book Titles scrapbook, [ca. 1920s?] An unidentified compiler made this scrapbook, likely...
