Colorado

Archival Research and Special Collections in the Black West

Here are institutions and archival resources in Colorado where Africana history, culture, and archival research are documented and made available for scholars, students, genealogists, and the public:

#ArchivesBlackEducation, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, Denver Public Library
Black American West Museum & Heritage Center
Black History & Heritage, History Colorado
Black History is Colorado History, Colorado Virtual Library, Colorado State Library
Colorado Springs Black History, Colorado College Special Collections
Denver's African American Heritage, Visit Denver
History Colorado Center
The HistoryMakers (Oral Histories featuring Black Coloradans)
The Paul W. Stewart African American History Collection, The University of Northern Colorado University Libraries
Newspapers & Community Press as Archival Sources:

Tips for Archival Research

Start with online finding aids — many archives have searchable guides you can review before visiting.
Contact archivists ahead of time — they can help identify relevant collections and materials.
Explore digital collections first — some historical photos, oral histories, and exhibits may be available online.
Leverage community institutions — university archives and regional historical societies often collaborate with local historians.