The meek-eaton black archives research center and museum (meba) at florida a & m university will optimize collection management, expand digital access, and continue the professional development of…

The Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center and Museum (MEBA) at Florida A&M University received a $1.0M project grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the Museum Grants for African American History and Culture program (CFDA 45.309). The award, obligated on October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2028, supports MEBA's efforts to optimize collection management and expand digital access to its archival holdings. Key deliverables include the development of comprehensive metadata, structured finding aids, and searchable databases that will make collections more accessible to researchers, students, and the general public.

The project will establish a sustainable, high-quality digitization workflow for physical artifacts, photographs, and multimedia items while improving intellectual control of collections through a structured, accessible record system. Additionally, MEBA will invest in professional development activities designed to cultivate a pipeline of museum professionals equipped with critical archival management and digital curation skills. These capacity-building and workforce development initiatives align with the program's core objectives to strengthen African American cultural institutions and support the growth of museum professionals at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The meek-eaton black archives research center and museum (meba) at florida a & m university will optimize collection management, expand digital access, and continue the professional development of meba's team. Project outcomes include making collections more accessible to researchers, students, and the public through enhanced digital resources, including comprehensive metadata, structured finding aids, and easily searchable databases; establishing a sustainable, high-quality digitization workflow for physical artifacts, photographs, and multimedia items; and improving intellectual control of collections by creating a structured, accessible record system. Through hands-on training and professional development, meba will cultivate a pipeline of museum professionals with critical archival management and digital curation skills.