Is Your Yearbook a Missing Piece of Michigan History?

Do you have an old yearbook gathering dust on your bookshelf or tucked away in the attic? That forgotten piece of history could be exactly what the Library of Michigan needs. The library is calling on Michiganders to help expand its yearbook collection, and it’s a perfect opportunity to turn personal memorabilia into a lasting contribution to the state’s history.

Yearbooks are more than just snapshots of awkward haircuts and senior superlatives—they’re time capsules that capture the essence of a community in a specific moment. From candid student photos to advertisements from long-gone local businesses, they provide a rich and unique perspective on life in Michigan’s schools and neighborhoods.

By donating your yearbook, you’re helping to preserve these stories for future generations and contributing to a resource that benefits researchers, genealogists, and history enthusiasts alike.

The Library of Michigan’s collection is impressive, but some could use your help to fill in the missing gaps. Your yearbook could fill one of those voids, ensuring that your school, your town, and your class are represented in this important archive. It’s a simple way to make a difference, and every contribution helps build a more complete picture of Michigan’s educational and cultural history.

Donating is easy, and it’s an opportunity to give new life to something you may have forgotten about. Whether you graduated five years ago or fifty- your yearbook could become part of a permanent record of Michigan’s past. So, before you toss it or let it sit another year on a shelf, consider making a donation.