The Building that Could Have Been

Labor History Archives Building design, 1964

This blog post is part of a series celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Reuther Library's building.

“We have, at the present time, one large round table which will, at best, handle four researchers,” writes Dr. Philip Mason, founder of the archives at Wayne State University, as he describes the capacity for scholars in Purdy-Kresge to President William Rea Keast.  read more »

On Display: Michigan Labor Actions case exhibit

Michigan Labor Actions case display, 2025

Michigan Labor Actions case exhibit
February 10, 2025 – July 3, 2025

Come by the library and explore our latest case exhibit, Michigan Labor Actions. This display features photographs, ephemera, and artifacts from our collections that highlight key collective actions in Michigan’s labor history. Events showcased include the Copper Country Strike (1913), Studebaker Strike (1913), Ford Hunger March (1932), Flint Sit-Down Strike (1937), UFW Grape Boycotts (1970s), D.R.U.M. Wildcat Strikes (1970s), P.A.T.C.O. Strike (1981), and the Detroit Newspaper Strike (1995–1997).  read more »

The Archives at 50: Remembering our Dedication Day, May 23, 1975

(47163) Exterior of the Walter P. Reuther Library, 1975

This blog post is part of a series celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Reuther Library's building.


May 23, 2025, marks the 50th anniversary of the Walter P. Reuther Library building – home to the largest labor archives in North America and the Wayne State University Archives.  read more »

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