Library and Archive Collections

The Ethel Ray Nance and Elena Albert Library and Archives

Library

The Society maintains a small, non-circulating library of books, journals, pamphlets and audio-visual materials written by and/or about African Americans, African American history, culture, art, life and contributions to society. It contains: many first and unique editions and rare books: African and United States history: reference materials; political, war effort and anti-racist pamphlets; print copies of unique journals, magazines, newspapers; fiction, poetry, other non-fiction, and a variety of audio-visual materials.

The library is accessible during Society operating hours, or by appointment.

Archive

The archive contains unique items and collections of historical and cultural significance to African Americans dating from the mid-1800s to present. Since 1955, art, family memorabilia, documents, manuscripts, photos, etc., have been collected and added to the archive, including papers and keepsakes of Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett, prominent publisher and politician, the Reverend Dr. Howard Thurman, noted theologian and co-founder of the first interracial church, and his wife, Sue Bailey Thurman, historian and Society supporter, and James Herndon, co-founder of the Society and Civil Rights lawyer and activist. The archive contains documents related to the early years of several San Francisco African American institutions, and documents the whole trajectory of the Society. Most of the collection was gifted to the Society by African Americans seeking to have the African American story told in a Black voice. The archive has served as a primary resource for graduate students and researchers, including Dr. Albert Broussard and Paul Miller, who have written definitive books about San Francisco African American history. (See Black History page)

The archive is accessible to researchers by appointment and on a case-case basis.

Donations

Donations to the Library and Archive are welcome. Potential donations will be assessed against current library acquisition goals and policies; the Society reserves the right to refuse any donation. Donations are considered tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

*****Archive Project*****

Since 2017, Society members and friends volunteer in the archives. Our goal is to inventory each item in our collection (pamphlets, photos, fine art, African traditional arts and crafts, family memorabilia, and documents, etc.) We have itemized over 3700 separate items or groups of items, each described included in a database. We are now conducting research to document many of these items, collections and people of interest. The community has also assisted us in giving feedback on the Society’s Praisesinger newsletter articles describing on recent acquisitions and other finds in the archives. Much, much, more work is needed.

If you want to help with the archive inventory project, please contact us through the Society’s email or voicemail.

Phone: 415-282-6172 email:info@sfaahcs.org