This project was completed with funding and support from Dr. Shirley Moody-Turner in conjunction with the Anna Julia Cooper Society; a Digital Humanities Grant from the Center for Humanities and Information at Penn State University; and Adrena Ifill and DoubleBack Productions.
Manuscripts
Manuscripts, Prints and Photographs, Oral History, and Music
With holdings totaling more than 18,000 linear feet, the Manuscript Division provides extensive documentation of African American life and history. Currently more than 250 collections are available for research. These collections include the correspondence, photographs, diaries, scrapbooks, writings and memorabilia of such notables as Alain Locke, E. Franklin Frazier, Frederick Douglass, Mary Church Terrell, Anna J. Cooper, Angelina Grimke, Lois Mailou Jones, Dr. Benjamin Mays and Amiri Baraka.
Thank you for your interest in visiting the Moorland Spingarn Manuscripts Collection. For inquiries, please send an email to msrcmanuscripts@howard.edu so we can better assist you with your needs.
MANUSCRIPTS FAQs
Am I required to make an appointment for in person research?
Yes. This will ensure staff can properly prepare for your arrival so you can get the best out of your research experience.
What are your hours for in person research in the MSRC Reading Room?
The Reading Room will be open Monday-Friday, 9am- 4pm, for researchers to access our collection.
How can I schedule an in-person appointment?
You can schedule an appointment by visiting our website and using the online booking system. Please select “Schedule Appointment” below to get started.
What information do I need to provide when scheduling an in-person appointment?
You will need to provide your name, affiliations, a copy of your completed Research Request Form, and any relevant details requested by the scheduling system.
Can I cancel or reschedule my in-person appointment?
Yes, you can cancel or reschedule your appointment through our online booking system. Please make changes at least 24 hours before the scheduled time.
What if I need to schedule an urgent in-person appointment?
Due to the nature of Manuscript Division materials and limited staff, you must schedule an appointment via our booking system. However, forward your name, contact information and details of your appointment request, via email to richard.montgomery1@howard.edu. In the event that someone cancels for the day(s)/time(s) that you need, you will be contacted.
Are there any fees associated with scheduling appointments?
Scheduling a research appointment in our Reading Room is free. However, requesting copies of our collections will incur a charge. Please see our pricing structure for details.
How far in advance can I schedule an in-person appointment?
You will need to schedule appointments two weeks in advance. Check the scheduling system or contact our office for more information.
Do you offer virtual appointments?
No, the Manuscript Division does not provide virtual appointments. You must schedule an in-person appointment or secure a research assistant. Please see our Research Services Fee Schedule on the About page for details.
What do I do if I encounter technical issues while scheduling online?
If you experience technical difficulties, please reach out to our support team for assistance. Provide details about the issue so that we can help you troubleshoot.
Can I schedule appointments for multiple people in one session?
Appointment timeslots are reservations for individual patrons only. If there are other members in your party, each person will need to request a timeslot within the same session. Note: We do not allow more than one researcher to view a box at a time.
