Exploring Local Black History Through Libraries and Historical Societies

Massachusetts and the rest of New England have a long and complex Black history: free Black communities, abolitionists, churches, businesses, soldiers, writers, activists and ordinary families who shaped towns and cities over centuries. Some of these stories are well known. Many more are waiting in town records, old newspapers, church histories, maps and family memories. Juneteenth season is a meaningful time to start exploring the Black history of your own community. Your local library and historical society are the best places to begin.

Why Local History Matters

National history can feel distant. Local history brings it home. Learning who lived on your street a century ago, which buildings were gathering places, or how residents organized for change helps people see that history happened right here, among neighbors. It also honors people whose contributions were overlooked or left out of official accounts.

Start at the Library

Public libraries are often the doorway to local history. Ask a librarian about:

• Local history collections: Many libraries keep books, pamphlets, town reports and photographs about their community.
• Newspaper archives: Old local newspapers, sometimes on microfilm or in digital databases available with a library card.
• Genealogy resources: Databases and guides that can help trace families and residents over time.
• Maps and directories: Historical maps and city directories show who lived where and what businesses existed.
• Programs: Libraries frequently host talks, walking tours and exhibits about local history, especially around Juneteenth and February’s Black History Month.

Librarians are skilled researchers. A simple question like “I’d like to learn about Black history in our town; where should I start?” can lead to a wealth of material.

Visit a Historical Society or Museum

Many New England towns have a historical society, often run by staff and volunteers who care deeply about local stories. They may hold:

• Letters, diaries and business records
• Photographs and objects
• Records from churches, schools and community organizations
• Oral history recordings
• Research files on local families and buildings

Call or email before visiting. Some societies have limited hours or need appointments to access archives. Ask what they have on Black residents and communities, and whether there are gaps they are hoping to fill.

Research Tips for Beginners

1. Start with a question. “Who were the Black families living in our neighborhood in 1900?” or “Which local churches were founded by Black congregations?”
2. Look for names. Names lead you through census records, directories, newspapers and church records.
3. Take careful notes. Write down where every piece of information came from.
4. Cross-check facts. Historical records sometimes contain errors or biased descriptions. Look for multiple sources.
5. Read with context. Older records may use outdated or offensive terms. Note them carefully and discuss them in context rather than repeating them casually.
6. Be patient. Black history was often under-recorded. Absence of records does not mean absence of people.

Respectful Research Practices

When researching real people and communities, especially those who faced discrimination, keep these principles in mind:

• Center the community. Connect with local Black residents, churches and organizations. They may hold knowledge that is not in any archive.
• Ask before sharing family stories. If descendants are living, ask permission before publishing details about their families.
• Credit sources. Acknowledge the librarians, historians and community members who helped.
• Avoid speculation. Say what the records show, and be clear about what is unknown.
• Tell full stories. Include achievement, joy, work and community life, not only hardship.

Project Ideas for Neighbors and Families

• Family research afternoon: Gather at the library with a librarian’s help to explore local records together.
• Walking route: Map sites in your neighborhood connected to Black history, then walk it with family or friends.
• Oral history recordings: With permission and care, record elders sharing memories of the neighborhood.
• Library display: Work with your library to create a small display of local history materials.
• Kids’ research project: Help children find one local person from history to learn about and share with the family.

Volunteering With Local History Organizations

Historical societies and archives often welcome volunteers. Possible roles include:

• Transcribing handwritten documents
• Scanning and labeling photographs
• Helping at events and exhibits
• Researching specific topics
• Recording oral histories, after training

Volunteers who bring new perspectives can help organizations recognize and fill gaps in their collections, including Black history that has been overlooked.

Sharing What You Learn

Once you have learned something meaningful, consider sharing it:

• Write a short piece for a neighborhood newsletter.
• Give a brief talk at a community gathering.
• Share sources with your library or historical society so others can build on your work.
• Talk with children and teens about what you found.

Always include sources, and invite corrections or additions from people with firsthand knowledge.

Using Online Archives Wisely

Many historical records are now available online through library databases and digitized collections. A few tips:

• Use your library card to access databases that may otherwise require paid subscriptions.
• Try different spellings of names, since records were often written by hand and transcribed later.
• Save or bookmark sources so you can find them again.
• When something seems surprising, look for a second source before sharing it.

A Getting-Started Checklist

• Get or renew your library card.
• Ask a librarian about local history resources.
• Contact your town’s historical society.
• Choose one research question.
• Keep a notebook of sources.
• Connect with community members who carry local knowledge.

History lives in the places we walk every day. Exploring the Black history of your own town is a way to honor the people who came before, and to understand the community you share today.