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CONTACT
For research inquiries, please contact the Archivist at Collections@SloanLongway.org or (810) 237-3421. Emails are encouraged.
About the Archives
In addition to an extensive museum collection of nearly 50,000 objects including more than 130 historic vehicles, the Sloan Museum also houses robust archives. The archival collection includes more than 800 linear feet of personal papers and records from Flint and Genesee County dating back to the early 19th century and more than 1,200 linear feet of automotive records from Buick Motor Company. Of particular interest is the 35,000-image photograph collection, representing the history of Flint and Genesee County from its earliest residents through the present.
In addition to a 3,000-reel film collection from WJRT-TV12, Sloan Museum also houses the archive for the Flint Journal, including more than 1,200 linear feet of newspaper clipping files and more than 600 linear feet of photographs, as well as complete editions of the paper on microfilm from 1878-2011.
The archive is one of the hidden gems of the Sloan Museum. The Museum's goals are to preserve and steward this extensive collection, to provide stronger access for patrons, and to develop new and innovative methods of caring for the collection.
Automotive Research
An invaluable resource for automotive collectors, restorers, and historical vehicle enthusiasts, Flint and Genesee County's rich automotive heritage is represented well in the Sloan Museum stored archives. The archives include automotive research materials spanning Buick Motor Company's history from 1902 through 1999, company literature, manuals, press packets and photographs. Limited Chevrolet and Durant Motors materials are also available.
Automotive Research
Local History Research
We are proud to maintain a large variety of materials pertaining to the people and culture of Flint and Genesee County. Business records, school posters, photos of Saginaw Street—we have something for every interest!
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Vehicle Exhibits at the Sloan Museum of Discovery
Durant Gallery at Sloan Museum of Discovery
Sloan has a collection of 100+ rare and historical vehicles that help tell the rich automotive and manufacturing history of Genesee County and Michigan. The Durant Gallery (sponsored by General Motors and named after GM's founder, "Billy" Durant), opened in July 2022 inside the Sloan Museum of Discovery. The 11,000 square foot gallery will display 15-20 of the vehicles on a rotating basis as part of the fascinating history of Flint that's still being told.
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Sloan Museum's Vehicle Collection
Sloan Museum's Vehicle Collection totals 100+ cars, trucks and carriages, which are acquired through donations and occasional purchases. The preservation and restoration of these historical vehicles are made possible by the Sloan Museum Auto Fair, our largest annual fundraiser. 16 of these vehicles are currently on display in the Durant Gallery exhibition hall at Sloan Museum of Discovery.
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