Black Cultural Archives
About
This mapping project provides an ongoing visualization of current archival collections focused on the diversity of Black cultural and historical contributions across the United States and beyond. The purpose of this map is to provide a directory of collections that center and focus on the lives, experiences, histories, and cultures of Black people. The main objective of this project is to increase visibility and awareness of these collections’ existence, aggregating the information into an interactive and updatable open-access resource for public discoverability and discourse. This map fills a significant gap in knowledge about Black people's cultural, social, economic, and political contributions.
Methodology
From June 2023 to May 2024, Dr. Wells conducted extensive research to locate archives, libraries, museums, and other archival collections and repositories, such as those held by community organizations, that keep and hold records and materials documenting Black histories and cultures. The collected information was categorized by archival structure type (for example: institutional, community, museum, or library collections and archives). Dr. Wells reviewed archive websites, finding aids, and catalogs reviewed, and consulted with archivists and historians. A visual directory was created in the form of an interactive map for open access and public use, including links to finding aids and websites and the inclusion of multimedia from the archives and collections (where available).
Invitation to Participate and Contribute!
Contributions to this directory are welcome! Dr. Wells regularly reviews submissions for entry. Complete the form below to submit archival collections not shown on the map (click here if the form isn’t loading properly on the screen):
Future Development
The map catalyzes a larger, more comprehensive, and interconnected directory of Black cultures and histories within archives and collections. It provides a preliminary understanding of the scope of Black culture-specific archival collections. Few maps have been created that connect the disparate archival collections of Black people across the globe. Dr. Wells’ aim is to continue entering archival collections within the directory and mobilize intellectual progress towards a comprehensive understanding of Black people and cultures–past, present, and future.
To learn more about the future development of this project and collaborate with Dr. Wells: