Burton Historical Collection
Overview
The Burton Historical Collection (BHC) of the Detroit Public Library began as the private library of Clarence Monroe Burton, a prominent attorney and Detroit historiographer. Mr. Burton’s original intention was to assemble a collection on the history of Detroit. Realizing that Detroit’s history was inextricably connected to that of Michigan and the Old Northwest, Canada and New France, he assembled a collection that is one of the most important private historical collections in the country.
Explore Detroit history and your family roots at the Burton Historical Collection. Our holdings include books, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, photographs, family histories, church records, military records, obituaries, and land records.
Visit
Location
The Burton Historical Collection room is located on the first floor of the Main Library. View on Main Library Floor Map.
Contact
bhc@detroitpubliclibrary.org
(313) 481-1401
Hours
- Walk-In:
Tuesday - Saturday from 2pm - 6pm. - By Appointment Only:
Tuesday - Saturday at 10am and 12pm. Request an Appointment.
Sunday walk-in hours (1pm - 5pm) resume on 09/07/26.
Resources
Online Resources & Databases
Ancestry Library Edition
U.S. genealogical database that includes Census Records, Birth, Marriage and Death Records, City Directories, and Military Records.
In-library access only
Detroit Free Press
Covers the daily newspaper from Detroit, Michigan.
Library card needed for remote accessDetroit Free Press (1831-1999)
Historical newspapers from the Detroit Free Press
Library card needed for remote accessDigital Sanborn Maps
More than 660,000 digital maps charting the growth and development of over 12,000 American towns and cities, from 1867-1970.
In-library access onlyDigital Sanborn Maps - Remote Access
More than 660,000 digital maps charting the growth and development of over 12,000 American towns and cities, from 1867-1970.
Library card required
