Blogs

Reuther Library Closed: December 24th-January 4th

The Reuther Library’s Reading Room will be closed starting Wednesday, December 24th for the winter holiday break. We will reopen Monday, January 5th.

As always, feel free to submit a request via Ask An Archivist and we will answer as soon as we return. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Reading Room Closure: November 26-28, 2025

(2948) Parades, J.L. Hudson Department Store, Thanksgiving, Detroit

The Reuther Library’s Reading Room will be closed November 26th-28th, 2025 for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will be back to serve your research needs on Monday, December 1st.

As always, feel free to submit a request via Ask an Archivist and we will answer as soon as we return. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Guest Post: Connor Chapman on Ronald Raven Award, 2025

Connor Chapman received a 2025 Ronald Raven Annual Award, a scholarship providing a tuition stipend and a 135-hour internship in the Wayne State University Archives. At the end of his internship, Connor wrote this summary of his experience.

Raven Award Intern Blog Post

In a way, I feel like the Indiana Jones of the archives. The great Dr. Jones is famed for his roguish demeanor, devilishly good looks, and penchant for historical preservation and is known for jumping into action and delving into ancient ruins to find riches in both gold and history. Meanwhile, I, brandishing, if I dare, similar charm and drive, instead prefer to dive into boxes filled to bursting with peoples’ life’s work.  read more »

Stories from the Collections: The last portraits of Jimmy Hoffa

"Last Pictures of Jimmy Hoffa," proof sheet, 1975

On the morning of July 30, 1975, Tony Spina, the Chief Photographer for the Detroit Free Press, had no idea that a routine assignment would connect him to one of the defining mysteries of the late 20th century: the disappearance of former Teamsters president Jimmy Hoffa.  read more »

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