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Adopt a Piece of History

Honor a loved one or commemorate a special event with a tribute through our Adopt a Piece of History program. Your gift will be acknowledged via a virtual bookplate. Digital bookplates are flexible and can bear the name of the individual being honored or remembered, as well as the name of the thoughtful donor. Your support strengthens our collections by helping with acquisitions, conservation, digitization and other priorities of the Clements Library.

Virtual Bookplates Gallery

This digital and commemorative program is a wonderful way to convey your personal commitment to the study of history and preservation of past knowledge and voices. Adoptions are an excellent way to commemorate an occasion, celebrate a milestone, or honor a great achievement.

Please explore the available tributes highlighted below!

Do you have something in particular in mind? We are always happy to help identify more historical materials needing support that are meaningful to yourself or a loved one.

If you’re a student interested in adopting an item for $50 or less, please reach out.

To discuss your ideas or if you have any other questions, please contact:

Anne Bennington-Helber, Associate Director of Development
[email protected] / 734-649-3370

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Marion Shipley Diary, Scrapbook, and Picture Book, 1906-1908

$225 | Manuscripts

This simple photograph of a family on their farm is complemented by an illustrated birch bark mat and golden frame stylized as tree branches. In the 19th century, birch bark was used in many forms of decorative folk art and objects.

Photograph of a family gathered at the fence of a farm pen, their backs are to the camera. Photographer and artist unknown. Circa 1900.

$225 | Graphics

Advertisement, printed in green, for Professor Dayton, a traveling spiritualist performer. During the 19th century, traveling spiritualists were popular attractions. These figures gave lectures, acted as mediums, and even claimed the ability to cure illnesses.

Dayton: in miracles of to-day. St. Louis : National Prtg. & Eng. Co. Circa 1900

$250 | Graphics

A home made invitation from a woman celebrating being single. Ms. Alice Esther Adams, born in Ohio in 1876, appears to have never married.

Hand made invitation with a photograph. On cover: “An invite.” Inside: “you are cordially invited to attend the union of Alice Esther Adams to Single Blessedness. Dec. 3, 1906.”

$250 | Graphics

The captivating and abundant photographs are credited only to “Sarony,” though the booklet was printed after Otto Sarony sold the studio and trademark in 1898, following his father’s death in 1896. It’s possible that none were actually taken by a Sarony, yet Otto’s noted interest in physical culture is evident, and the images convey a striking blend of vulnerability and performativity characteristic of many of his portraits.

Natural Health Exercises: A Complete System for Home Use, easily and quickly taken without apparatus, health, strength and long life may be secured by its use. New York: The Natural Health Exercise Co., 1900.

$250 | Books

Famed freethinker and materialist, the "atheist watchmaker" Otto Wettstein (1838-1928) sent this energetic letter to Dr. Joseph Burrell Treat, requesting his input on religious matters and reporting on recent news of spiritualists. He condemned the sophistry of Asaph Bemis Child and cynically related an anecdote about spiritual medium Emma Bullene. "What are these 'Spiritual' Professors coming to?" Wettstein writes.

Otto Wettstein ALS to [Joseph Burrell] Treat, March 19, 1865; Rochelle, [Illinois]. 4 pages.

$250 | Manuscripts

"Mephitis Americana, Desm. Common American Skunk." (v. 1, no. 9, plate 42) from John James Audubon, The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America, New York: 1845-1848. 3 vol.s, 150 hand-colored plates.

“Common American Skunk” from John James Audubon, “The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America.” 1845-1848.

$300 | Books, Graphics

"Felis Concolor, Linn. Cougar (female, and young)." (v. 2, no. 20, plate 97) from John James Audubon, The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America, New York: 1845-1848. 3 vol.s, 150 hand-colored plates.

“Cougar and young” from John James Audubon, “The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America.” 1845-1848.

$300 | Books, Graphics

"Neotoma Floridana, Say et Ord. Florida Rat." (v. 1, no. 1, plate 4) from John James Audubon, The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America, New York: 1845-1848. 3 vol.s, 150 hand-colored plates.

“Florida Rat” from John James Audubon, “The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America.” 1845-1848.

$300 | Books, Graphics