WMU Zhang Legacy Collections Center

10/12/2026

Minimalist tour of newly-installed exhibit case preparing for Julie Chen's guest lecture on November 5 at 5 pm at the WMU Richmond Center for Visual Arts in collaboration with the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center. Each location will have an exhibit up and available by October 21.

10/05/2026

There is something special about working with something that has a direct connection to what you are learning. Students from History 3160 explored civil war diaries from the Regional History Collections today. The diaries have been digitized, so the class will also work with online versions to puzzle out the handwriting, but this is an experience they will not forget.

09/30/2026

It's starting to look like fall. And, as usual, we are well-served by the landscaping crew at WMU.

09/18/2026

Thanks Lynn, for all you do for our community!

We want to give a special shoutout to start the school year!

Have you enjoyed learning about KPS's history over the past year in our "Throwback Thursday" posts?

It's thanks to Lynn Houghton with the WMU Zhang Legacy Collections Center. She researched and shared weekly photos and information. We learned so much, ranging from a KPS school named after Peter Pan, to a look at the buildings we still know today in decades past.

Thank you Lynn, for your dedication and enthusiasm for sharing this history!

09/18/2026

Our students think through interesting problems, like how to protect odd and fragile items in our collection. This artist’s book will be on display at the Richmond Center starting Oct. 20.

09/16/2026

Our local cultural historical institutions are so strong in Kalamazoo! Congratulations Ladies’ Library Association!

09/11/2026

If you have Bayeaux Tapestry fever like we do, but can't get to London (and no one can get tickets, we hear), do the next best thing and visit our 3/4 size facsimile here at the Zhang Legacy Collections Center!

Photo of a brown frame around an image of soldiers on horseback from the Bayeaux Tapestry.

09/04/2026

All library locations will have adjusted hours for Labor Day weekend and be closed on Monday, Sept. 7.

View hours: wmich.edu/library/hours

09/02/2026

We're excited about the first day of class, but we are busy all year long with consultations with researchers.

07/21/2026

Nothing makes us prouder than a 5-star shout out for our team. Thank you for trusting us with your questions, and thank you, Lynn, for being such a valuable resource to our community! 🙌

Review:
"I wrote the regional history curator, Lynn Houghton, at the Zhang Legacy Collections Center with a request about researching the history of my neighborhood and house in Kalamazoo. Wow, I was blown away by her in-depth response and insights regarding the neighborhood and the families that lived in our house and others nearby. Many thanks Lynn for your assistance. The Zhang Legacy Collections Center is an outstanding resource for Kalamazoo and Michigan."