We are currently adding our Finding Aids to our online database to make them more searchable. What is a Finding Aid? A Finding Aid is a document created to describe an archival collection. These documents describe the history of the collection and the arrangement of material to help the researcher navigate the contents of the collection. Think of it as a Google search of our papers, photographs, business records, and family collections.
DIGITAL ARCHIVE
Enter our digital archive to see a selection of materials that help tell the story of our community’s past. From business ledgers to photographs this website is an ever-growing resource available 24/7.
MATERIALS
City Directories
Geography & Maps
Michigan History
- Michigan Geological & Biological Survey, 1869-1956
- Michigan Pioneer Collection, 1874-1915
- Michigan History Magazine, 1919-current
- History of Northern Michigan, 1912, Volume I-III.
- Michigan Vertical File
Regional History
- Alpena, Dates of Events 1840-1914 compiled by John C. Viall
- Centennial History of Alpena County, Michigan by David D. Oliver, 1903
- Physical books held in-house
Indigenous History
- What is now known as Alpena County, has had a long history of indigenous migration and settlement. When David D. Olver and the other white surveyors first came to the region they met with one of the leaders known as Chief Mich-e-ke-wis (b. Unknown d.1853). Oliver believed Mich-eke-was to be nearly 100 years old and led a group of around 25 people. For many years prior to Oliver’s first visit, other white businesspeople attempted to try their luck only to be chased away by the local people, who were reported as being pro-British. While written records are few and far between some of the earliest known mentionings of indigenous peoples in the area date back to Minavavana’s speech in 1763.
- To learn more about the long history of indigenous use and settlement of the area check out the below resources and reach out to our staff!
- Complete History of the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians” by Andrew J. Blackbird (1897) – Physical book available by request