Library Contact :
Rosemary Michelin
(906) 226-3571
rmichelin@sbcglobal.net
Library Info :
The J.M. Longyear Research Library is located in the upper level of the Marquette County History Museum at 213 N. Front Street in Marquette, Michigan. Since 1918, the MCHM has been a privately supported nonprofit organization open to the public.
Please review this page to see what services we offer, what our collection consists of, and a description of our policies. When you visit our library, plan on touring the museum as well!
In 1925, John M. Longyear's private collection of books, maps and manuscripts became the nucleus of the J.M. Longyear Research Library. Since that time, the library has grown to more than 15,000 titles and is considered one of the finest research libraries in Michigan specializing in the history of the Lake Superior region. |
HOURS:
| Mon - Fri: |
10:00 - noon |
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1:00 - 5:00 |
| Saturday: |
11:00 - 4:00 |
| Sat hours only during Summer
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For your convenience, the library and museum are open on the third Thursday of every month until 9:00 PM. |
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BOOKS:
Rare books from the 18th century, as well as recent publications about the history of the Upper Peninsula, reflect the diversity of our book collection. The library houses an excellent collection of Great Lakes Native American history, the ethnic, social and economic history of the region, and books on the histories of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Canada. |
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MAPS:
The map collection holds more than 1,000 items, from hand-drawn maps from the 19th century to the latest atlas of Marquette County. Other geographic materials, such as architectural drawings, charts and plat books, can also be found here.
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ARCHIVES:
The library is well known for its collection of William Austin Burt Papers. The archives also have the Breitung-Kaufman Papers, the Longyear Business Papers, the Pendill-Barbeau Papers, as well as records of local clubs, business records and collections of personal papers. |
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PHOTOGRAPHS:
With more than 100,000 images, the Longyear Library's historic photograph collection is one of the finest in the Upper great Lakes. Besides photographs, the collection includes postcards, stereographs, and photo albums. Most prevalent are photos of local businesses and buildings, mining and lumbering scenes, and all forms of transportation -- from snowshoes to sailing ships. |
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MANUSCRIPTS:
Diaries, correspondence and unpublished research reflecting life in the Upper Peninsula are found in the manuscript collection. Representative examples of the collection are: a four-volume history of 19th century Negaunee by Clarence Thoren, a history of the Marquette County highway system by K.I. Sawyer, and personal reminiscences of such area residents as Jopling, Harlow, Longyear and Markham. |
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SERIALS:
The Library subscribes to regional periodicals, such as Michigan History, Minnesota History and the Wisconsin Magazine of History. Local newspapers, including the Marquette Chronicle and the Mining Journal, are available on microfilm and in hard copy.
The serials collection also has complete sets of the Minnesota Historical Society Collections, the Wisconsin Historical Collections and the Michigan Pioneer and Historical Collections. Additionally, city directories and the annual reports of railroad and mining companies are part of the serial holdings. |
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OTHER SERVICES:
It is possible to have reprints of the Marquette County Historical Society photographs and images made. Please ask the librarian for details.
Please note that all reprints are copyright protected and may be subject to a use fee in addition to the standard reprinting costs.
The Museum Gift Shop also houses a large collection of books on local history, genealogical resources and gifts.
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Policies and Services
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No charge for elementary and secondary students
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Non-circulating collection
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Staff research service available for a fee
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Photocopying service
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One-on-one research service
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Research fee for nonmembers of the Society
Use of Library Materials
Researchers are requested to complete a Registration Form. Access to the collection is through the card catalog. A staff member will provide the materials requested.
Users are asked to handle the materials carefully and to use pencil when taking notes. Typewriters, recorders or portable computers are allowed in the Research Reading Room.
Materials shall not be loaned for use off the premises of the Society. Interlibrary loan services are available via photocopies.
Fees
Duplication
All copying of library materials will be done by a staff member. Entire collections, MCHM files and extensive personal papers cannot be copied. Certain other materials may be withheld from copying at the discretion of the Society, i.e. materials restricted by gift or deposit provisions or materials likely to be physically damaged by duplication.
In order to preserve the collection, photographs or maps cannot be copied. Ask about our photo reproduction services. Researchers cannot photograph, digitize or scan any materials in the collection. The supplying of copies or permission to copy are granted as aids to research only and do not imply the right to publish.
Publication
The researcher is responsible for securing permission to publish materials in the Society's collection and to adhere to laws on literary property rights and copyright.
The user is warned that literary property rights are not conveyed with a copy. Literary property rights derive from the principle of common law that the writer of an unpublished letter or document has the sole right to publish its contents unless he/she expressly gives up the right. The right descends to his/her legal heirs regardless of the physical ownership of the document. Securing permission to publish from the writer or his/her heirs is the responsibility of the user. The user is also cautioned that material reproduced in a copy may be protected by copyright. The user assumes all responsibility of infringements thereof.
Publications based in whole or part on Society materials should be reported to the Society with credit given in the publication to the Society.
Copies of such publications should be furnished to the Society for inclusion in the Longyear Research Library as this enhances the usefulness of the Library to Society members and the general public.
Special Features
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Sanborn Maps - microfilm and bound copies of Marquette County communities
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Photograph collection - filed by street address, city scenes, birdseye views, people
- Mining Journal index cards - residences listed by city and street
- Marquette County and City Directories - 1874 to present
- U.S. Federal census - 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920
- Centennial booklets and published histories of Marquette communities
- Marquette residences pamphlet files
- Manuscript, "National Register of historic Places - Arch and Ridge Street Historic District"
- Blueprints of selected homes
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