The Midland County Historical Society has experienced numerous significant events in 2005, including the grand opening of the Dorothy Dow Arbury Midland County History Gallery, a new series of exhibits in the Rotating Gallery, and expanded programming and fundraising efforts. One of the most important accomplishments, though, occurred in May, when the MCHS’s Research Library opened to the general public.

In previous years, inquiries regarding a wide array of Midland County history questions were handled one at a time as schedules and time allowed, and only staff had access to the thousands of letters, photographs, maps, legal documents, and other archival material located in the MCHS Historical Collections for research purposes. However, during the initial planning stages for our new building in the mid-1990s, the need for a specialized research library was recognized and supported. The tremendous amount of archival material acquired by the MCHS during the past 50+ years has a specialized and controlled space for its preservation, storage, and use for MCHS staff and members, as well as the general public. Additionally, the research Library contains hundreds of books spanning a wide array of history-related topics, including local history, academic history, antiques and collectables, and genealogy, as well as books pertaining to the museum profession.

Having the proper space for long-term archival storage and professional procedures for processing and use within, allows for other archival preservation possibilities. During recent years, we have taken in several important archival collections from local service groups and organizations, including the Womens’ Study Club, the Midland Jaycees, and others. These groups have contributed to the growth of Midland County in diverse ways. We are pleased to preserve their record for future research purposes.

The transition from simply having archival material to having a professionally organized and operated Research Library is a quantum leap for both the MCHS and the Midland County area. Such growth and development has only been made possible by the dedicated support---past, present, and continuing---of a large core of dedicated volunteers at various levels of the MCHS, who significantly assist the staff on a regular basis. If you are interested in helping with the Archives project, or have items you think we might like to include in our growing collections, please contact the MCHS at 631-5930, ext. 1310. Or, if you have a question regarding, genealogy, local history, early information regarding your vintage home, or any other local history topic, please visit the research Library during its public hours: Tuesdays, 1-8pm, and Thursdays, 1-5pm.

One of the most important duties stated in the MCHS Mission Statement is our ongoing responsibility to make information regarding our local and regional history and heritage available to the public, and the MCHS Research Library does exactly that. Please feel free to stop by and learn more of your local history.

Gary F. Skory
MCHS Director

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