Click HERE to browse our digitized Lorain Black History Collection,
then scroll below to see the types of items we need.
If you have something to donate to the collection, please contact us.
Photographs
Photos can be scanned and returned to the donor. We especially need pictures of churches, Black organizations, Black businesses and buildings that no longer exist.
This photo of Mr. Morton at the counter of his BBQ Restaurant on Elyria Ave was donated by his son.
Documents
Documents like event flyers, programs, old menus, journals, meeting minutes, etc. often contain info that is useful to researchers and important to preserve.
This program is from the April 1967 Bell Dedication Ceremony at Second Baptist Church
Clothing & Textiles
We also collect textiles, like quilts, sports uniforms, unique fashion from an era or period, or items that belonged to famous members of the Lorain community.
This uniform was donated by retired US Army Four Star General Johnnie E. Wilson
Other Items
All kinds of objects can illustrate what life was and is like for Black people in Lorain.
The Ballard Brothers have been creating music in the Lorain community for decades. Copies of their Signs of the Times album, which was recorded in 1981, were donated by Inez James and Barbara Ballard.
