Collections
Because the Michigan Women's Historical Center and Hall of Fame has a large collection of artifacts, not all on are display at any one time. Rotating exhibits include numerous pieces from the Center's collection, as well as loaned artifacts from individuals, organizations, and other museums.

The Center's collection policy states: "The museum's primary focus is on material which was specifically made by, used by, or related to Michigan women's history, past and present. The purpose of the collections shall be to educate the public through exhibitions, lectures, and special events and to provide artifacts, information, and information referral for research. The collections include, but are not limited to, memorabilia, artifacts, and archival material relating specifically to the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame honorees."

The collection includes over 420 artifacts and is steadily growing. About 50 percent are directly related to the Hall of Fame honorees, usually the gift of the honoree or her descendants. The collection also has items pertaining to Michigan women's history, including 11 paintings and portraits as well as women's suffrage postcards. Visitors are also very interested in our collection of stamps from all over the world that feature women. This includes, for example, a 1928 "Battle of Monmouth" issue, which is really a 1922-23 2¢ stamp with "Molly Pitcher" overprinted. This was the U.S. Postal Service's response to the suffragists requesting a stamp with a woman on it.

There are over 300 volumes in the Women's Historical Center library; of these, approximately half are either by or about Michigan women and 25 books relate to women's fashion/costumes. The Center also has finder's aids and women's history collection information from other libraries and archives to assist in information referral. A vertical file, which is catalogued by title, author, and subject, is also a part of the resources and measures 24 feet.

The photographic collection features portraits of Michigan women, significant events in the women's movement, and photos of events at the Center. About 40 percent are of honorees. Currently, there are 400 portrait negatives and 360 slides which are cataloged.

The Center's video collection includes about 100 videotapes in addition to the Living Histories project. This oral history project consists of half-hour videotapes of Michigan Women's Hall of Fame honorees. The following women are featured:
Fran Harris a prominent broadcaster in Michigan
Mamie Geraldine Bledsoe, civil rights activist;
Jane Kay, retired vice president of Detroit Edison;
Olga Madar, founder of the Coalition of Labor Union Women;
Dorothy Haener, co-founder of the National Organization of Women;
Mildred Jeffrey, retired UAW staff person and founder of the National Women's Political Caucus;
Marjorie Peebles Meyers, the first woman and first African-American to serve as Ford Motor Company's chief physician.

If you would like to donate an item to the collection, please contact the Center at 517-484-1880.