Welcome & Information
Welcome to the Archive of Black History and Culture at the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, located in the Local History and Genealogy Division. This community-curated archive documents the lives and contributions of Black residents in the Greater Rochester area—past, present, and future.
Created to address gaps left by historically white-led institutions, the archive works to ensure inclusive historical representation. We collaborate with community partners to preserve materials and make them accessible, empowering Black residents to shape how their history is told.
This webpage is your hub for archive-related content. For questions or feedback, please visit our Contact Us page.
History & Background
The Archive of Black History and Culture was originally established in 2020, after a combination of factors revealed deep gaps in our existing special collections material.
This recognition led to the archive’s exclusive focus on the Black community, the first of its kind in Rochester. Advisory teams were formed to guide development, made up of community members and RPL staff of color. Members received training in culturally responsive archival practices, including Michelle Caswell’s anti-white supremacy framework and guidance from Steven Fullwood of the Nomadic Archivist Project.
The Internal Advisory Team reviewed over 300 finding aids for harmful language and helped establish the Community Advisory Board in 2023. The board created the archive’s mission, vision, and strategic plan, and developed partnerships, conducted outreach, and produced a guide to local Black history collections in collaboration with the Rochester Regional Library Council.
Today, the archive holds collections from notable local figures such as Charles Price (Rochester’s first Black police officer), Buddy Granston as well as the historic About…Time magazine.
Achievements & Milestones
- Preserved significant historical assets through community partnerships
- Repaired gaps in the historical record to reflect an inclusive narrative
- Reviewed 300+ finding aids for discriminatory language
- Created a centralized online guide to Black history collections
- Developed mission, vision, and strategic plan
- Raised over $36,000 through grants and community fundraising
Looking Ahead
Our goals for the next phase of this project are:
- Acquire and make accessible new collections
- Expand outreach, education, and programming efforts
- Ensure the archive’s long-term sustainability
- Recruit members for the Community Advisory Committee
Mission Statement
To establish and maintain an innovative community-curated archive of local Black History & Culture within the Rochester Public Library. To work collaboratively with community stakeholders to identify, collect, preserve, and disseminate resources that document the past, present, and future of Black people in the Greater Rochester region.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to maintain and ensure inclusive archival records of the Black experience in the Greater Rochester region. Our centralized resource for Black History and Culture will repair the historical narrative, educate, empower, and deepen intergenerational community learning.
- Black History Exhibit A guide to Black history collections held by academic institutions throughout the City of Rochester and Monroe County. This project was funded by the Rochester Area Community Foundation in collaboration with the Archive of Black History and Culture.
- 1964 Rochester Riot Photographs | New York Heritage This collection contains black-and-white photographs relating to the Rochester Race Riots of 1964 located in a scrapbook within the holdings of the Rochester Public Library.
- Charles Price Photograph Collection | New York Heritage This collection consists of photographs and ephemera documenting the career of Captain Charles Price from the Clarissa Street Legacy Collection.
- Sharon Turner Photograph Collection | New York Heritage This collection consists of photographs of the Clarissa Street Reunion event from the Clarissa Street Legacy Collection.
Internships
The Archive of Black History and Culture and the Local History & Genealogy Division of the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County offer unpaid internships for both undergraduate and graduate students, with the potential for academic credit. Interns receive orientation and training, then work semi-independently under the supervision of the division supervisor, project manager, or other staff. A consistent schedule and attendance are required; additional requirements may be set by the student’s academic program.
Community Advisory Committee
The Archive of Black History and Culture is currently recruiting for its Community Advisory Committee (ABHC Recruitment.pdf), dedicated to advancing its mission to preserve and promote Rochester’s Black history. The committee supports the archive’s long-term goals through four subcommittees: Outreach, Events & Programs, Grants & Funding, and Archives & Special Collections. Members are assigned based on their interests and expertise. See the attached charge letter for full details.
Committee Responsibilities:
- Engage community stakeholders
- Collect and improve access to historical materials
- Promote the archive through marketing and outreach
- Boost community engagement via events and programming
Minutes & Notes
Agendas
Project Manager
Antoine A. McDonald
(585) 428-8364
antoine.mcdonald@libraryweb.org
