The Directors' Topical Files (1.5 linear feet) are alphabetically arranged and contain a wide range of subjects relating to the museum. Researchers interested in a general overview of the museum should consult material in the three folders "Histories of the Museum." In addition, brief biographical sketches and obituaries of some past directors and curators may be found in the folders "Biographical Information." The state of the museum at specific points in time can also be gleaned from the folders of occasional "Reports" of directors and curators from 1907 to 1974. These particular reports are not duplicates of reports found in the yearly bound volumes of The President's Report which should also be consulted for reports of the Museum of Zoology. Two important events in the museums history are documented in the following folders: "Name change of museum, 1913" and "Administrative reorganization, 1954-1956."
Those interested in early twentieth-century expeditions organized by the museum should consult "Expeditions" and folders for specific expeditions within this folder group. In general, these folders contain information on the planning of expeditions, some correspondence during these trips, and newspaper accounts. However, few detailed reports on the results of any expeditions are included.
Architectural historians and others interested in the construction of the 1928 museum buildings will find only a few blueprints and limited correspondence in the "Museum Building" folders. However, more detailed reports and correspondence exist in these folders regarding the 1963 addition to the museum building. For additional information on the design of the museum building, researchers should consult the Alexander Ruthven collection which is also in the Bentley Library.
Over the years, various properties were acquired by the university for the purpose of teaching and research in the natural sciences. Those interested in the acquisition of and research conducted at these Michigan sites should consult the following folders: "George Reserve (Pinkney)"; "Missaukee Preserve (Lake City)"; and "Sharon Hollow Woods (Washtenaw County)." Information on other properties, such as Stinchfield Woods (Ann Arbor) and Mud Lake Bog (Washtenaw County) may be found in the folders "University Committee on Lands."
Finally, a thirty-four page handwritten description of the National Museum Building in Washington, D.C. at the time of inauguration in 1881 (author unknown) is a document of special historical interest. This manuscript includes commentary on the proper arrangement of a natural history museum in the nineteenth century as well as description of the building. It may be found in the folder "National Museum Building."