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Zhang Legacy Collections Center

The Zhang Legacy Collections Center is home to WMU Archives, Regional History Collections and Special Collections. Named for Charles Zhang and Lynn Chen-Zhang, the Center has more than 30,000 cubic feet of resources and books, making it the largest facility of its type in southwest Michigan and one of the largest in the state.

Most materials must be used at Zhang and cannot be checked out. If you would like your materials available upon arrival, contact us in advance.

For complex questions using archival and specialized collections, you may find you need to consult a variety of materials. Our curatorial staff can help guide that process. To schedule an appointment with us:

  1. Email arch-collect@wmich.edu.
  2. In the email, include your name, phone number and what materials you hope to work with during your visit.

Collections

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WMU Archives

Yearbooks, catalogs, photographs, publications, scrapbooks and issues of the Western Herald, all documenting the history of Western Michigan University.
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Regional History Collections

Letters, diaries, oral histories, photographs, public records, publications and much more about the history of southwest Michigan.
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Special Collections

More than 41,000 books and other unique items from pop-up children's books to centuries-old medieval manuscripts available for your research, creative and academic projects.

Parking

Visitors may park in the two free guest parking spaces (designated with signs) in Lot 108, north of the building. All other spaces require a WMU permit or a day pass. Purchase a day pass inside the building for $5 per day.

Driving directions

From I-94

Exit at Oakland Drive (#75). Continue north on Oakland Drive for 3 miles. As you cross Howard Street, we are the first drive on the left. Look for the sign–Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center.

From US-131

Exit at Stadium Drive (#36) going east. Continue on Stadium Drive to the Howard Street traffic light. Turn right at Howard. At the next light turn left on Oakland Drive. We are the first drive on the left. Look for the sign–Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center.

Questions about the Zhang?

Call us at (269) 387-8490.

Want to learn more about the Zhang?