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University of Michigan unit established in 1911 to advance culture in the state, assist local communities with technical knowledge, and acquaint faculty with local conditions through course offerings and lectures by university faculty and staff at sites around the state. Records include annual reports of extension activity from 1911 to 1980, director's files, committee minutes, special reports and surveys, and records of lectures and courses given.

The records of the Extension Service document the university's efforts to extend its educational efforts beyond the campus. The records include annual reports of extension activity from 1911 to 1980, committee minutes, special reports and surveys, and records of lectures and courses given throughout the state. Topics include adult education, continuing education, work in several Michigan communities, and files relating to civil defense and disaster training, firemanship training, World War II management and science training programs, and gerontology. Documentation includes files of directors William Henderson, Charles A. Fisher, Everett J. Soop, and Alfred W. Storey. Of note are records of Charles Follo relating to extension work in the Upper Peninsula.

Naturalist, professor of zoology and paleontology at the University of Michigan. Autobiography and biographical material; correspondence, diaries and travelogues, and writings concerning in part his collecting expeditions for the University Museum to South America, China, the Philippines, and other parts of the Far East; also papers reflecting his thoughts on science, religion, philosophy and evolution; and photographs.

The papers of Joseph Beal Steere consist of four feet of manuscript and visual material, one oversize volume, and one oversize folder covering the years 1861-1941. The collection is organized into seven series: Autobiography/Biography, Professional and Published Correspondence, Diaries and Travelogues, Writings, Photographs, and Correspondence with family and friends (1861-1926).

Vice-president and secretary of the University of Michigan; correspondence; research materials for his biographies of university presidents; files relating to activities on the Ann Arbor City Council; course notes from classes at the University of Michigan; and photographs.

The Shirley Wheeler Smith papers include a combination of personal and professional materials. Much of Smith's career with the U-M is documented in the official records of the University, most notably in the records of the Secretary's Office and the papers of the presidents under whom he served (Angell, Hutchins, Burton, Little, and Ruthven). Even so, these papers contain much material relating to the business affairs of the U-M. The extensive correspondence files (with partial index) demonstrate wide influence in all phases of University operations as he corresponded with presidents, faculty, members of the board of regents, and other university personnel. Also documented in the collection is Smith's activities with the city of Ann Arbor and with other community organizations.

The collection has been arranged into the following series: Correspondence; Research for writings; Topical files; Ann Arbor City Council; Papers (by date); Personal and miscellaneous; and Photographs.