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!

Inside Our Current Issue

Feature Articles
- Veterans of the Sea: Muskegon’s Floating Museums
- Bert Williams and the Detroit Theatre Scene
- Helmscenes: Illuminations from the Furniture City
- Women in the Wetlands: Biologist Elizabeth Browne Losey
- Old Mission Peninsula’s Top View: The Friedrich Observation Tower
- Dubious Delegates: Michigan Texans at the 1860 Republican Convention
- A Mission, a Meeting, and a Map: A 1669 Great Lakes Expedition
Special Sections
- Profiles: Augusta Sanborn Appleyard
- Remember the Time: A Photo Brings Back Memories of the Platte River
- Milestones: F.D. Hayes Electric Company
- 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!

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:
- Chronicle magazine
- FREE access to History Hounds® weekly lectures
- Participation in Michiganders on the Road® motorcoach tours
- Discounts on conferences and History Skills Workshops®
- And more
To upgrade your subscription to a membership, call us at (800) 692-1828.
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.

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.