Preserving African American History of the Niagara Frontier for Future Generations

Contact Information

Afro American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier

P.O. Box 63

Buffalo , New York 14207

The Afro-American Historical Association was founded in 1974  and is chartered by the New York State Department of Education.  The primary mission of the Association is to preserve historical sources that pertain to Afro-Americans in Western New York and to promote research and scholarship that has to do with the life and history of Afro-Americans in New York State .

The Association sponsors numerous programs in the pursuit of its mission: (1) Afro-American Local History Microfilming Project: The Association partners with Buffalo  State College to preserve, on microfilm, the historical records and related sources of organizations, and personal papers of individuals from the Western New York area.  Those microfilmed records and related sources are the major part of “The Buffalo Afro-American Collection.”  The records are housed in the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library and Center for Local Afro-American History and Research, and the Butler Library Archives at Buffalo State College.  The Association will work with community organizations and individuals in developing records management procedures that enhance preservation.  There is no charge for that service; (2) Afro-Americans in New York Life and History: An Interdisciplinary Journal.  Since 1977, the Association has published a scholarly journal, Afro-Americans in New York Life and History, in January and July.  The journal features articles that pertain to the life and history of Afro-Americans in New York State .  It also features book reviews; (3) Historically Speaking: The Association publishes a newsletter which features national and local news on Afro-American history and related topics; and (4) Community Education Programs: The Association sponsors numerous community programs to promote interest in, and knowledge of, local Afro-American history.  Programs include (a) the annual Carter Woodson Essay Contest for school aged children on a designated local history topic, (b) the annual Family History Dinner where members of the community have an opportunity to present papers on their family's history, (c) an annual workshop for churches and other community organizations on records management and records preservation, and numerous other public programs.

The Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier, Inc., is a community based not-for-profit corporation.  Its programs are funded entirely from membership and subscription fees.

To join the Association, please send the following information with your contribution to:

The Afro-American Historical Association, P.O. Box 63 , Buffalo NY 14207

    NAME:________________________________________________________________

    ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________________

    CITY: _______________________ STATE _______ZIP:__________________

    ____Golden ($100 or more)                                                       _____ Heritage ($50)

    ____Basic ($25)                                                                            _____ Student-grade&high school ($15)

    Contribution to Endowment Fund (list amount) ___________________

    NOTE: All memberships entitle the member to a one year subscription to Afro-Americans in New York Life and History.

Web Design: 

Pamela Fordham

Pfordham@roadrunner.com

Last Updated: March 3, 2013