The black archives history research foundation of south florida will expand public accessibility to its collections by adopting a new web-based collections management software and implementing a…

The Black Archives History Research Foundation of South Florida was awarded a $719,535 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the Museum Grants for African American History and Culture program to expand public access to its collections through digitization and virtual research services. Specifically, the Foundation will purchase archival supplies and a large format scanner to digitize its periodical collection, notably the Miami Times collection of South Florida's oldest and largest Black newspaper. The project will also engage undergraduate and graduate interns from local universities to assist with digitization work and gain skills in document handling and digital archives practices. Additionally, the Foundation will establish a new virtual research service for remote public interaction with archival staff on research inquiries. The period of performance for this award is from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023.

The black archives history research foundation of south florida will expand public accessibility to its collections by adopting a new web-based collections management software and implementing a digitization project. The archives will purchase archival supplies and an oversized flatbed scanner to digitize its periodical collection, highlighted by the miami times collection, south florida's oldest and largest black newspaper. The project will engage undergraduate and graduate students from local universities as paid interns to assist staff members with the project, providing them with skills in document handling and digitization while building and expanding their work experience in the museum field. The archives will also establish a new virtual research service to be utilized by the public to interact with archival staff for real-time research.