Getting started, logging in, and more
Logging In & General Account Information
Whether you are an existing Historical Society of Michigan member or a brand-new user trying to access one of our programs for the first time, the first step for everyone is to create and login to their new online account—you will need this account for event registrations, digital access to HSM Member Benefits, and more.
We have detailed instructions for identifying if you need to connect to an existing account with us as a current member or subscriber, or if you need to start fresh and create a new account. Learn more in the instructions below.
How do I log in?
If you have an existing account:
You can log in to our website by clicking on "Log In" in the upper right hand corner of our website if you are using a desktop computer, laptop, or large tablet device. If you are using a smaller tablet or your phone on our website, the link is located in three-line Menu icon on the top right of your screen and is also titled "Log In."
From there, you will be directed to a page titled "Log In." Depending on your status as a Historical Society of Michigan member, Michigan History magazine subscriber, nonmember, or guest, you can select the proper login button to continue.
Once you have successfully logged in, you will be automatically redirected to your Dashboard.
If you do not have an existing account:
You will need to create an account either as a Historical Society of Michigan member, Michigan History magazine subscriber, or a Nonmember user.
For HSM members and Michigan History magazine subscribers, follow the steps for account creation located in this PDF.
Do I use Member Login or Nonmember Login?
This depends on your relationship to us here at the Historical Society of Michigan (HSM).
If you are a current or previous HSM member, you will use our Member Login.
If you area current or previous Michigan History magazine subscriber, you will use our Member Login.
If you have never been an HSM member or magazine subscriber, you will use our Nonmember Login.
If this is your first time interacting with HSM—be it for an event, a tour, or general interest in our activities—you will use our Nonmember Login.
I'm logged in, but I still can't see the content?
First things first: confirm you are logged in by looking at the "My Account" tab.
This is located in the upper right hand corner on a desktop, laptop, or large tablet computer; on your phone, this is located in the three-line Menu on the top right of your phone screen. If by clicking the My Account tab you are successfully taken to the Dashboard, then you are logged in. If you do not see the Dashboard, you should be seeing our Login page and can complete the steps to finalize your login process.
I am logged in, I can see the Dashboard. I still can't see the content?
This issue is most likely because you are trying to view a portion of our website that is gated for specific users. Common examples of this include our recorded History Hounds® lectures page, online access to Michigan History and Chronicle magazines, or other HSM member-specific content pages. Those pages are only available to people with a current membership or subscription with us.
Michigan History magazine subscribers can view online versions of Michigan History magazine, but they cannot view online versions of Chronicle or watch previously recorded History Hounds lectures.
If you attended a History Hounds lecture as a nonmember, you do not have the ability to watch that lecture later in the recorded content page or view other previously recorded lectures.
I am still having issues, and the answers above are not helpful to me.
Please contact our team today at hsm@hsmichigan.org or by calling (800) 692-1828 to speak with us. We'd love to help!
Accessing Digital Content
If you are a current Historical Society of Michigan member or subscriber, you have access to several benefits on our site. These benefits include digital access to Michigan History magazine, recorded History Hounds lectures, and other member-only content. When you are logged in to our site, you can access all of our benefits and digital content from your Dashboard. Learn more about how to access that content below.
How do I know if I can access digital content?
If you are a current HSM member, you have access to all of the following digital benefits:
- Michigan History magazine online
- Chronicle magazine online
- The Michigan Historical Review journal online
- Recorded History Hounds® lectures
- Your Member Dashboard
If you are a current Michigan History magazine subscriber, you have access to the following digital benefits:
- Michigan History magazine online
I am an HSM member/subscriber, but I can't see the digital content?
Your account may be expired
If you are an HSM member or Michigan History magazine subscriber and can't access either your membership benefits or the digital editions of Michigan History magazine, check to see if your membership or subscription is expired.
To see if your account has expired, visit your Dashboard and check the Membership Expires section at the top of the page near your name. You must be logged in to the site to view your Dashboard and check this information.
You might not have the right login or account information
If you are using a shared computer or live with someone else who also has an account on our website, it's possible you are logged in to an account with different permissions than your own. Check which account you are currently logged in as by visiting your Dashboard and seeing which name is displayed in the member information. If the name is not yours, logout and log back in with your own account credentials.
You might not have a membership or subscription
Our HSM memberships and Michigan History magazine subscriptions are separate from our guest accounts and other event-only registrations.
Making Changes to Account Auto-Renewal
Need More Help?
Reach out to our HSM staff today to help navigate our instructions and receive additional support for an element of our new website. Email us today at hsm@hsmichigan.org or give us a call at (517) 324-1828.