The Michigan State University Libraries Stephen O. Murray and Keelung Hong Special Collections has won the 2025 State History Award for Institutions.
The prestigious award was presented in September by the Historical Society of Michigan at the Michigan History Conference in Alpena. The Historical Society of Michigan is the state’s official historical society and oldest cultural organization. The State History Award is presented annually to “individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the appreciation, collection, preservation and/or promotion of state and local history” according to the Historical Society of Michigan website.
MSU Libraries Director of Development Caitlyn Perry Dial and Rare Books Cataloger Tad Boehmer received the award on behalf of the Libraries.
“Being there in person to recognize the impact of these collections, so rich in Michigan’s history and so vital to researchers across the state and beyond, was truly meaningful,” said Dial. “The recent renovation has elevated Special Collections into a premier destination for historical scholarship, and this award is a testament to the dedication of the team who ensures these resources remain accessible and relevant for generations to come.”
Leslie McRoberts, head of Murray and Hong Special Collections and University Archives, said the award recognizes the collections’ mission of preserving the past to inform the future.
“This award not only recognizes the value of preserving our shared past, but it also provides a space to rediscover ideas, theories and worldviews that laid the foundation of modern thought. While these stories will remain accessible for future generations, this award affirms the importance of books and archival collections as living resources for discovery,” McRoberts said.
The MSU Press also garnered recognition at the event. “A Place in Common: Rethinking the History of Early Detroit,” edited by Karen L. Marrero and Andrew K. Sturtevant, received a 2025 State History Award in the category of Books: University and Commercial Press. The book “fills a large gap in examining the city’s early history” in its exploration of Detroit from the start of the 18th century into the 1800s, including the roles of Indigenous, European and Black founders in the city’s origins.
Dean of MSU Libraries Neil Romanosky commended the work of the two MSU Libraries units in garnering the distinguished award.
“I am extremely pleased and proud to have both the Murray and Hong Special Collections and the MSU Press be recognized with a State History Award. The stewardship of Leslie and her team in caring for the more than 500,000 materials in Special Collections, including some of the most valuable resources on campus, is inimitable, while the leadership of MSU Press Director Elizabeth Demers has been instrumental in publishing new and important work highlighting our regional history and beyond with books like ‘A Place in Common,’” Romanosky said.
