In recognition of Black History Month, the LSU Libraries’ Special Collections’ next Afternoon in the Archives will feature a sampling of publications, documents, and photographs that span over 200 years of African American history. The event, to be held 3:30-5:00 on Tuesday, February 24, in Hill Memorial Library, is free and open to the public.

Documents representing enslaved and free people of color of the colonial and antebellum periods in Louisiana, African Americans who served during the Civil War, Reconstruction era laborers and political leaders, black business owners of the late 19th century, and civil rights activists will be on display. Antislavery writings, African-American literature, sheet music, and early black education periodicals will round out the items on view.

Afternoon in the Archives is an informal series of showcases designed to offer the opportunity to explore various facets of history and culture and to help the campus community and general public learn more about Special Collections’ exciting historical resources. All are invited to stop in for a few minutes or stay for an hour. Library staff will be available to talk about the collections and how they can be part of teaching, learning, and research activities.

For more information, contact curator of manuscripts Tara Laver at tzachar@lsu.edu or 578-6546.