MISSOURI STATE ARCHIVES
Guide to African American History
Reference and Manuscripts Collections on Microfilm
The collections of reference materials and manuscripts maintained by the Missouri State Archives, both original and on microfilm, contain a variety of information to supplement genealogical and historical research. Most of the records are acquired from individuals or societies for the purpose of preserving the records on microfilm.
George Washington Carver (1864-1943) Papers
On microfilm, this collection include over 3000 items such as incoming and outgoing correspondence and printed bulletins and reports.
Urban League of St. Louis, Inc., 1910-1985
After 39 African Americans were killed in the 1917 race riots in East St. Louis, the Urban League of St. Louis, Inc., was established in 1918. A branch of the national Urban League, its original purpose was to assist migrating blacks from the rural deep South adjust to urban life. These records on microfilm include administrative papers, correspondence, Board of Directors meetings, annual meetings, and other information about the St. Louis Urban League.
Kansas City Urban League, 1920-1998
Established in 1919, the League's mission is to enable African Americans to secure economic self-reliance, parity, and civil rights. This collection on microfilm contains administrative records (1920-1995), including annual meeting documents; publications (1930-1996), including scrapbooks, surveys, reports; newspaper clippings (1932-1998), from the The Call and the Kansas City Star; and photographs (1932-1997).
A printed finding aid is available for this collection.
Lincoln University "Clarion," 1944-1993
At the close of the Civil War, members of the 62nd United States Colored Infantry determined to establish a school in Missouri for freed blacks. They contributed $5000 to this effort, supplemented by $1400 from the 65th United States Colored Infantry. Lincoln University was incorporated in 1866; after the 1954 Brown decision, the school welcomed students from all races and backgrounds. This microfilm collection contains the school newspaper with information about school activities and more.