University of Michigan Heritage Project

“Of Splendid Ability”

Mary Henrietta Graham was the first Black woman admitted to Michigan.

Mary Henrietta Graham was known as Mollie.

She will be the first colored lady that enters the institution.

– Ann Arbor Courier, 1876

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“These Young Americans”

^“When Japanese Americans were willing to wash dishes and stock shelves, the University opened its doors. When they applied as students, the doors closed.^”
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When Japanese Americans were willing to wash dishes and stock shelves, the University opened its doors. When they applied as students, the doors closed.
Invitation to a Nazi

^“Should he be allowed to use a University facility to shout his diatribe?^”
– U-M student Lloyd Graff

George Lincoln Rockwell’s appearance at Michigan became a classic battle in microcosm over the proper role of the First Amendment on a college campus.
The Campus that Never Was

^“Truly a magnificent design.^”
– John D. Pierce, state superintendent of education

In 1838, a brilliant architect designed a campus for Michigan. It was never built.

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