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Center was established as the Historical Center for the Health Sciences. Records include interviews of emeritus University of Michigan Medical School faculty members conducted by the Center for the History of Medicine. Transcripts and audio recordings of interviews discussing their backgrounds, education, careers, and tenure at the University of Michigan.

An oral history project undertaken by the University of Michigan Center for the History of Medicine, the project focused on interviewing retired or emeritus faculty members in order to preserve their institutional knowledge of the Medical Center and the university.

Between the years 2002 and 2004, the center's assistant director for programs, Christine Bass, conducted four interviews. From 2004 to 2007, Enid Galler, proprietor of Voice Treasures, took over the interviewing process and conducted fourteen additional oral histories. All interviews include discussions of the faculty member's early life, education, and career accomplishments.

The interviews are available as digital materials online and were recorded on audio cassettes. In addition to these audio formats, there are one or more folders corresponding to each interview, which contain a typed transcript of the interview, a copy of the faculty member's curriculum vitae and in some cases, additional biographical information. The interviews conducted by Enid Galler include an index (with people, organizations, and subjects) and a detailed subject list. Mary Beth Reilly conducted later interviews.

Transcripts are arranged alphabetically by last name, with all audio cassettes in Box 2.

Collected historical information, including record of faculty research, 1890-1970, history of the department, and faculty bibliography; and correspondence and memoranda of chairmen, Walter J. Nungester and Frederick C. Neidhardt; also administrative files concerning faculty activities, fellowships, research projects, and student affairs.

The bulk of the papers are from 1959-1970, years during which Dr. Nungester was chairman of the department. The papers have been arranged into three series; materials relating to the history and development of the department, correspondence and memoranda, and administrative files.

Materials relating to the development of the department include a history written by Dr. Novy, a biographical sketch of Dr. Novy, and summaries of data relating to faculty, students, course offerings, seminars, research and publications.

Correspondence and memoranda cover the years 1959-1971. Dr. Nungester's correspondence relates to the administration of the department and research in microbiology. Dr. Neidhardt's correspondence deals mainly with the transition period between his appointment as chairman and the actual beginning date of his tenure.

In the administrative files, the researcher will find copies of the alumni newsletter, annual reports, completed questionnaires, and financial records. There are also materials relating to faculty, students, research, outside speakers, and distinguished visitors to the department.