Thanks to a generous donation from Laura R. (Withee) Bliss, Marshall District Library has opened the MDL History Center, a room in the library for conducting family research, seeking local history information, and starting their own digitization projects. This center contains materials from the Marshall area and surrounding communities.
What does the History Center include?
- Printed historical materials such as County directories, plat maps, cemetery guides, and family histories
- Digital microfilm reader
- Book binding station
- Family history computer station
- Media conversion station with the ability to digitize VHS, cassettes, slides, film and photos
- Overhead book scanner to create high-quality scans of printed materials
- High-quality photocopier/scanner
- Seating and tables for research
- Compact shelving and map case in local history storage area
When can I use the MDL History Center?
During the library’s open hours, the MDL History Center is available for researchers to use for their projects. Please stop at the Help Desk to let library staff know you would like to access the room.
In order to use the media conversion station, please make an appointment with our Technology Department at 269-781-7821 ext. 2700.
If you would like one-on-one research assistance from a librarian, please contact Chelsea Heisler at 269-781-7821 ext. 2300 to make an appointment.
What are the library’s future plans for local history services?
In addition to helping individuals research their own family history, Marshall District Library encourages residents and local organizations to use our digitization equipment to increase access to local historical materials. We aim to work with organizations and individuals to make these items accessible through the library’s website with permission from the owners. We are also working to digitize local newspapers from other rural areas in Calhoun County that have ties to the Marshall area.
Who was Laura R. (Withee) Bliss?
According to Laura’s family, her love of reading and libraries started early due to encouragement from her mother, Eleanor M. (Rushford) Withee, a former Marshall Public Library employee in the 1930s, and her father, Alton B. Withee. She was a faithful supporter and patron of Marshall District Library all her life. Upon retirement as a purchasing manager at Denso in Battle Creek, Laura devoted much of her free time to her lifelong passion: conducting genealogical research on behalf of her family and friends.
Marshall District Library received a generous donation from Laura R. (Withee) Bliss, who passed away in 2023. We are grateful that she provided the funding through the Laura R. Bliss Trust for the development and enhancement of the MDL History Center, which will be enjoyed for generations to come. The Laura R. Bliss Trust will also provide funding for future local history projects such as the digitization of rural newspapers.