The University of Michigan's heritage project website.

In honor of the school's upcoming bicentennial, University of Michigan is taking a look back at the tapestry of tradition its students and scholars have woven.

Through a new heritage project website U-M is using images and articles to convey the people and experiences of the last 196 years. U-M will celebrate the school's bicentennial in 2017.

The university has populated the site with 10 feature stories and expects to add between 10 and 12 additional articles each year leading up to the bicentennial celebration.

One of the first stories centers on Ruth Bacon Buchanan, a former receptionist at the Museum of Natural History. During World War II, Buchanan corresponded with more than 2,200 former students and others with U-M ties fighting the war. According to Kim Clarke, project directer, Buchanan wrote nearly 18,000 letters and mailed 21,000 cards.

"We really want to share dramatic and personal stories that make up the Michigan story — one people will come to know and share," Clarke said in a release.

Check out the website.

Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.