“The Library’s African American Narrative project aims to provide greater accessibility to pre-1865 African American history and genealogy found in the rich primary sources in its holdings. Traditional description, indexing, transcription, and digitization are major parts of this effort. However, and perhaps more importantly, this project seeks to encourage conversation and engagement around the records, providing opportunities for a more grassroots and diverse narrative of the history of Virginia’s African American people.”

• Search the Narrative

• Join the Narrative

• About the Narrative

For African American Research in Virginia, also see Tip Sheet: Finding African American Names in Legislative Petitions