Exhibitions

We make history accessible. The Clarke Historical Library's two galleries are used to display and interpret the Library’s historical and unique collections.

Current Exhibitions

Abundant Waters: Our Most Precious Resource

In Michigan, you are never more than six miles from a lake, stream, or waterway. The state’s geographical outline is defined by the largest freshwater system in the world—The Great Lakes. Beyond the “big” water, Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes, 76,000 miles of rivers, 6.5 million acres of wetlands, and more than 3,200 miles of freshwater coastline. The abundance of freshwater is an aspect of our lives that most of us for granted. Although most have a general awareness of the water around us—many would even proclaim a deep love for the Great Lakes State’s water—how often do we truly contemplate our relationships with this precious resource? The Clarke Historical Library’s exhibit explores the many ways that abundant freshwater defines Michigan.

Explore Abundant Waters online

Clarke Historical Library is a ARP Grant Recipient

This exhibition is supported by the “American Rescue Plan: Humanities Grants for Libraries” initiative of the American Library Association (ALA). This initiative is made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. View the full list of selected libr aries on the ALA website.

Traveling Exhibitions

Some exhibits that have been prepared by the Clarke Historical Library staff are available for loan. Traveling exhibits are available on the following topics:

Native Treaties - Shared Rights
Ernest Hemingway's Years in Michigan
The History of Michigan Newspapers
The History of Photography
Nineteenth Century Native American Images Created by J.O. Lewis
Flint
Newspapers in Michigan

The exhibits may be borrowed without direct cost. The borrower is responsible for transportation of the exhibit from Mt. Pleasant to the exhibit site, as well as for returning the material when the loan is completed, insurance of the items while on loan, and, in the case of original material, ensuring proper preservation standards and appropriate security precautions are in place.

For additional information about borrowing an exhibit, please call 989-774-3352.