J.M. Longyear Research Library

Any questions that you have regarding Marquette County history can be answered using the resources in the Longyear Library.

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John M. Longyear, one of the first explorers to survey in the Upper Peninsula, made his home in Marquette in 1873. History was his passion and he amassed a large personal library of early maps, books and photographs of this region. In 1925, through a bequest of Helen Longyear Paul, daughter of J.M. Longyear, the Museum acquired his private collection of books, maps, photographs and manuscripts. This became the nucleus of the J.M. Longyear Research Library.

Since that time, the library has grown to more than 16,000 titles, including rare books and primary source materials by early surveyors, pioneer settlers, businesses leaders and community developers. The J.M. Longyear Research Library is considered one of the finest private historical research libraries in Michigan specializing in the history of the Lake Superior region.

The library and archives collection includes rare books, manuscripts, scrapbooks, newspapers, current event files, magazines, diaries, correspondence, business ledgers, personal papers, genealogy sources and much more. The map collection holds more than 1,000 items, from 19th Century hand-drawn maps to the latest atlas of Marquette County. Other graphic materials, such as architectural drawings, charts, plat books and over 10,000 photographic images help reflect life in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Patrons may use any of the materials at the library and receive one-on-one assistance. Research services by staff members are also available upon request via email, letter or telephone.

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