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Michigan History Magazine

Read Michigan's award-winning popular history magazine.

Michigan History Magazine

March/April 2024 Cover of Michigan History Magazine

Inside you will find…

  • Feature stories about Michigan's fascinating past
  • Histories of communities, institutions, and businesses
  • Individuals and groups that have left impressions upon our state
  • Sites to explore and Michigan history-related news
  • And so much more!

Michigan History magazine is published six times a year and offered either as an individual subscription or as part of an HSM membership.

Already a subscriber?

Renew easily online and keep the history coming! Access our renewal process below.

While you're here...

We offer digital access to Michigan History magazine here on our website as a benefit of subscribing. Don't miss out on the latest issue—check it out today!

Michigan History Magazine - Two past issue covers.

Inside Our Current Issue

March/April 2024 Cover of Michigan History Magazine

Feature Articles

  • A Hand in TV History: Burr Tillstrom’s Kukla, Fran, and Ollie
  • Saving Ships, Saving Fish: The Hammond Bay Station
  • Keeping it Cool: Michigan’s Refrigerator Capital
  • Building a Better Car: The Road to Saving Chrysler
  • Water Colors: Artists’ Perspective of Detroit
  • Beyond the Wire: Japanese Americans at the Sandburgs’
  • Mackinac’s Magnificent Mayor: Margaret Doud

Special Sections

  • Profiles: Franklin Byron Shafer
  • Remember the Time: A 1952 Trip to Caberfae
  • Milestones: West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce
  • And much more!

Refer a friend to Michigan History

Are you a current subscriber to Michigan History? If so, don't miss out on our loyalty offer! Open to all current subscribers, we have a continuously running referral program. For every individual you refer to our magazine, we'll gift you an extra issue to your current subscription. 

To refer someone, all you will need is to share the name on your subscription account with your friends and family and encourage them to put your name in the referral code area on the general magazine subscription form. We'll take care of the rest!

Invite a friend and get an extra issue for you!

Can I purchase back issues?

Yes! We offer single-issues purchases of Michigan History magazine from 2010-present in our online store

If you'd prefer to order over the phone or have questions, give us a call at (517) 324-1828 or email us at hsm@hsmichigan.org

Can I get a single article scanned?

We can provide article scans for issues prior to 2010, but scans may not be posted online or shared. Historical Society of Michigan members receive a limited number of free scans. Scans for nonmembers who are magazine subscribers are $10 per scan. Scans for nonmembers are $20 per article. To inquire about scans, please email us at hsm@hsmichigan.org.

Do you have printable gift cards for gift subscriptions?

Yes! If you've purchased a gift subscription for someone, you can download a printable gift card here

Do you have an option for international subscriptions?

Yes! For all international inquiries, please email us at hsm@hsmichigan.org or call (517) 324-1828. 

I have a subscription. Can I upgrade to an HSM membership?

Yes you can! All Michigan History magazine subscribers can upgrade to an HSM membership and continue to receive Michigan History magazine in addition to the following benefits: 

To upgrade your subscription to a membership, call us at (800) 692-1828

What are the advertising opportunities for Michigan History?

Michigan History magazine welcomes third-party ads in its publication. There are rates for both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. 

Explore all advertising opportunities on Advertising page

Accessing Michigan History through the Michigan Electronic Library (MeL)

Text-only access to Michigan History articles published since 1998 is available through The Michigan Electronic Library (MeL). This service is for Michigan residents only and requires a driver’s license number. Access MeL copies of Michigan History here.

Chronicle, Michigan History, and The Michigan Historical Review

Get the most out of Michigan's history

There's more to our publications that Michigan History magazine--did you know that we publish Chronicle magazine too? With a Historical Society of Michigan membership, you can receive our popular Michigan History magazine AND our quarterly Chronicle. Plus, you'll receive multiple extra benefits including weekly access to free History Hounds lectures, discounts on workshops and conferences, and much more. 

Questions? 

We'd love to help! Reach out to our general HSM staff at hsm@hsmichigan.org or by calling (517) 324-1828 for subscription-related questions.