Western Michigan University Collections

The Regional History Collections at the Zhang Legacy Collections Center contains thousands of images, mainly from southwestern Michigan dating from the mid-19th century to the current day. This digital collection is only a small portion of what is in the physical collection but it will continue to grow for all to enjoy. Photographs are one of the most popular items in any historical collection whether it be at a museum, library or archive. Small or large, sepia or black and white, individual or group, they tell the story of the communities in the area by looking at the people, events, businesses, schools, churches, houses and so many other subjects that shape who we are today.