Community Research

In Black communities, for various reasons, history is often passed down verbally. Events of the past end up taking the shape of legends. The stories of prominent people go undocumented, and sometimes forgotten. Our Community Research Team works to verify, document and archive this oral history - - digging into crates, newspapers and historical records to reveal and protect important information about Black Lorain.

If you enjoy doing research, join us.

Click the photos below to learn more.

Current Projects

On-Erie Beach

A Black-Owned beach in Lorain was a hot spot for parties, political events and holidays in the 1920s & 1930s

Lorain's First Black Police Officer

In 1920, decades before Officer David Wrice was honored as Lorain's first Black officer, there was George Haynes.

Upcoming Projects

Catherine Ferguson

Lorain folklore celebrates "Auntie" Ferguson and her relationship with steel industry tycoons in the late 1800s.

Fulton Homes

Fulton Homes is a little-known story about Black homeownership and cooperative economics .

The Elks Farm

The Black Elks Lodge is believed to have brought more big name artists to Lorain than all other venues combined.