Bentley Historical Library

Flashback to U-M's first Medical School building. When this building opened in 1850, there were just five professors in the Medical School, and the sound of a hand-held bell marked the start of class each day. (You can actually spot U-M's bell ringer in this photo, in front of the steps.)

This early Medical School building no longer exists, except in photos like this one! Today, you can find the Randall Physics Laboratory in the same spot where it once stood.

You can find photos like this one in the U-M Photograph Vertical Files at the Bentley, which anyone is welcome to view in our reading room!