Realizing that Detroit's history was inextricably connected to that of Michigan and the Old Northwest, and those histories to that of Canada and New France, he assembled a collection that was one of the most important private historical collections in the country. Over the course of 40 years, Mr. Burton systematically collected original documents and personal papers of prominent citizens of Detroit and Michigan. Mr. Burton donated his collection, including the building it was housed in, to the Detroit Public Library in 1915. The collection was moved to the new main library in 1921. All materials in the Burton Collection are reference and cannot leave the reading room.
Material is accessed through a number of card catalogs.
Only items that have been added to the collection since 1987 are in the library's online catalog . An overhead scanner can be used in some cases. A list of researchers is provided to those needing extensive research. The Burton Historical Collection is both a repository of records of the past and a workshop of historical activity in the present. Its emphasis is on the history of Detroit and Michigan from the time of settlement in the 17th century to the present.