Support the Collections

 University Archives & Historical Collections (UAHC) is responsible for preserving the rich heritage and legacy of Michigan State University. This could not be accomplished without the generous financial support of alumni, friends, and donors as well as their donations of materials of historical value.  We accept both monetary donations and donations of collections.

Interested in donating materials to our collections?

Your history is our country’s history. Letters from relatives, a grandparent’s diary, old family photographs, and other materials collected over the years provide unique information about your life and the history of your family.  When you donate personal or family papers to an archive, your family history becomes a permanent part of the community’s—and the nation’s—collective memory.

“Never forget that the reputation of this College depends to a large extend on the records and reputations of its alumni.  For that reason, Michigan State will always be interested in you and what you do.”
John Hannah, 1949

Retiring faculty or staff should use our Guidelines for Retiring Faculty and Staff On Donating Materials (pdf) as a resource for donating your papers to the MSU Archives. We value your contributions to MSU's heritage.

Materials from Student Organizations are also sought and we are particularly interested in documenting diversity that affirms and supports an inclusive university environment by expanding the MSU Archives collecting focus to reflect the breadth and diversity of the MSU community. We welcome donations of materials from all student organizations. Please see our  collection flyer (pdf) and instruction sheet (pdf).

We are also interested in the personal records of alumni of their experience at MSU.

If you wish to donate materials, or other in-kind materials, please contact Sarah Roberts, acquisitions archivist of the University Archives at rober472@msu.edu or (517) 355-2330. 

Interested in providing financial support for our collections?

Your financial contribution can help the University Archives and Historical Collections continue to provide access to these unique materials and build the collection in a meaningful way. For more information about giving opportunities or gift recognition opportunities, please contact the Libraries Development Office at LIB.giving@msu.edu or 517-884-6649.