The Unsinkable Sarah E. Ray

In 1945, Sarah Elizabeth Ray was denied passage on a ferry on the Detroit River because she was Black. She fought the injustice, and her case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. For decades, Sarah’s trailblazing civil rights role was nearly forgotten, as was her work later in life as a community activist. But thanks to the work of historians, researchers, archivists, and members of her family, her legacy is being preserved.

The Copper Line

After copper miners went on strike in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in July 1913, violence wasn’t far behind. Newspapers, journals, and bulletins on both sides of the conflict flooded their pages with stories of harm, each blaming the other. Documents at the Bentley reveal multiple sides of a terrible conflict, and investigations at the highest levels of government to uncover what really happened.

The Mystery of the Unidentified Painting

The questions surrounding a Bentley painting from the Philippines reveal the truth about problematic and harmful content in the archive. The Bentley is part of a new effort to examine Philippine materials across campus and take the necessary steps to repair damage to Filipino communities and people. The story of a small painting is really a story about archives writ large, and who has had the power to create collections for centuries.

Flying Saucers and Swamp Gas

A rash of UFO sightings across Michigan in the mid-1960s launched investigations by the highest levels of the U.S. government. What was happening in the skies? Collections at the Bentley document several aspects of these widespread close encounters. Was it spaceships or swamp gas? The answer may depend on whose papers you peruse.

A Michigan Murder

More than 70 years ago, the sensational murder of State Senator Warren G. Hooper shook Michigan to its core, revealing a web of corrupt politicians, dubious lawyers, deadly Purple Gang members, shady prison wardens, and more. One of the biggest unsolved murders in the state’s history starts on a frigid day in 1945, and ends in rows of boxes at the Bentley, where there might still be a clue just waiting to be found.

Filling in the Silences

Incarcerated individuals are some of the last people to have their stories and experiences archived. The Bentley is working to change that by partnering with U-M researchers on a new initiative that will preserve some of least-heard voices in Michigan.