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.
For Appointments
Thank you for your interest in visiting the Moorland Spingarn Manuscripts Collection. For future inquiries, please send a consultation request to msrcmanuscripts@howard.edu or call 202-806-4448 so we can better assist you with your needs.
MANUSCRIPTS FAQs
Can I study in the Reading Room as a student without an appointment?
Yes. The Reading Room will be open as a study space. An appointment is required to view research materials from our collection
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. Please see the "For Appointments" statement above to make a request.
Do I need to bring anything with me to my research appointment?
Yes. Please be prepared to show your confirmation email to our Reading Room check-in attendant upon arrival, and ensure you have a student or government ID to show security at the Founders Library main entrance.
What are your hours for in person research in the MSRC Reading Room?
The Reading Room will be open for two daily sessions, Monday-Friday, for researchers to access our collection. A morning session (9am-12pm) and an afternoon session (1pm-4pm). Any time block that falls within a session timeframe permits the patron access to the room during the entire session. For example, if you book for 10 am, you can arrive as early as 9am to conduct your research.
Where is the Reading Room?
The Reading Room is located in Founders Library on Howard University's main campus, 500 Howard Place NW,20059. When you enter Founders Library, the Reading Room is at the end of the hallway on the right.
Can I cancel or reschedule my in-person appointment?
Yes, you can cancel your appointment by using the cancellation link in your confirmation email and reschedule by cancelling and choosing another time available on the division calendars. Please cancel the appointment as soon as you know you cannot make it to make room for other patrons.
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 visit the division page you are requesting materials from for details.
Do you offer virtual appointments?
Yes, the Manuscript Division provides virtual appointments at this time. Email msrcmanuscripts@howard.edu for access to a virtual consultation.