Library: Archives & Special Collections: Complete Collection Listing

Information About the Collections

The collections listed below are available in a number of formats and list the complete collections for the Monroe Fordham Regional History Center. For a more in depth break down by subject, please visit our Subject Guide that lists both the MFC and Archives & Special Collections holdings.

A blue icon next to the collection indicates that part or all of the collection is available online.

Churches/Religious (34)

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church [1914-1988]
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Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church Papers [c. 1900-1970] (closed) The congregation first met in January 1904 and was known as the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Bethany Church. A place of worship was found and services began in August 1904 at the German Evangelical Church on Michigan Avenue near Main Street. With the congregation growing, they purchased at lot in 1906 and built a church of their own at Ferry Avenue and Twenty-Seventh Street. A part-time pastor served the congregation until June 1929 when Reverend Joshua E. Nelson accepted the position as full-time pastor. With no room physically to expand the church at the present location, the congregation bought a larger piece of property at Hyde Park Blvd. at Porter Road. The church was “physically” moved to this new location in July 1941. Then, in 1948, the church changed its name to Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church. As the congregation grew in new members, the original church was becoming too small. In the fall of 1957, construction began on a larger church. Designed by local architect Charles F. Obenback, the new church was ready for its first service on November 8, 1959. After a period of sharing a pastor with Zion Lutheran Church located on Michigan Avenue, Bethany Lutheran closed and merged with Zion Lutheran in 1984. The church location of Bethany Lutheran on Hyde Park is now occupied by Word of Life Ministries.
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Bethel A.M.E. [1926-1989] Historic Bethel A.M.E. Church is the oldest Black institution in the City of Buffalo. Organized in 1831, the Church has a proud history beginning with its original site being a station on the Underground Railroad to producing numerous leaders in all aspects of life in the City of Buffalo. Bethel is a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest and largest of African American Methodist denominations, and is a connectional Church.
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Buffalo African American Funeral and Obituary Collection [1948-2007] A collection of funeral service programs, occasionally with accompanying newspaper obituary. Programs include: photographs of the deceased with date of birth and death, a poem and/or Bible passage, names of the pall-bearers, a ‘thank you’ section, location of the funeral, an obituary, date and time of the service, and location of the interred. Volume #2 – (2007) roll 3 of 3 contains Hall/Ralston family genealogy materials. This includes: Hall/Ralston family reunion, photographs, census information, descendants of William Rolston, Samuel Hall, Joseph Smith, William L. Smith, and Charles H. Williams.
Christ United Methodist Church [1949-1988] Christ United Methodist Church is located at 350 Saratoga Road in Amherst, NY. The church was founded in 1945 by Pastor Glenn Alty Crafts who was a former Navy Chaplain during WWII. Crafts served as senior minister until 1965 when he was appointed to Grace Methodist Church in Rochester, NY. From humble beginnings, the church grew exponentially within the 1950’s as Buffalo’s suburban community expanded; the congregation expanding by ten times within ten years. In 1962, after years of planning, the church incorporated a new sanctuary and bell tower. The bell was cast by Buckeye Bell Foundry in Cincinnati, OH in 1867. The sanctuary was a designed space for mothers of young children allowing them to listen to the sermon while simultaneously care-giving. Together, the sanctuary and bell cost a substantial $368,585. 1964 saw the church expand its services to include three on Sunday; the 5 P.M. mass being the first of its kind in the area. On 4/13/1966, the churches Women’s Society for Christian Service hosted an original satire, “Drive out the Devil.” The successful event included 200 members of the church. In addition to the church sponsoring Hungarian and Czechoslovakian refugee families, they also hosted Swedish exchange students and donated a bell to a church in Kocki, Japan. Although now there are only two Sunday services, the church still plays an important role in the community. As of 2017, in addition to a place of worship, the church serves as a venue for achieving personal growth. For example, Christ United holds meetings for ‘food addicts in recovery.’ Moreover, the church incorporates various programs into their mission that include: the annual ‘Make a Difference Day,” SPCA Collections, and Electronic Recycling Drives. In addition, the church’s lower east wing now serves as a Cooperative Preschool, “Amherst Nursery School.” Originating in 1938 as a study group by mothers of preschool children and one teacher, it would become Western New York’s first cooperative nursery school. The NYS accredited school currently consists of five classrooms, a large playroom, a music room, an outdoor playground and an office.
Church of the Redeemer Episcopal [1915-1988] (closed) Back in 1909, the record of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church directed the organizations of the Episcopal mission in the Pine Avenue 25th Street area of Niagara Falls, NY. Organized to serve the English immigrants who were coming from Canada to worship here, the mission was the beginning of the church known to city residents as the Church of the Redeemer Episcopal, at 820 Hyde Park Blvd.
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Delaware Avenue Baptist Church [1882-2008] The Delaware Avenue Baptist Church began as Olivet Chapel, a Sunday School organized in 1874 to serve residents in the North Street area. During this time, the congregation had acquired a small brick carpenter’s shop on Delaware Avenue near North Street to use as a school. Rev. Hotchkiss, pastor of the Washington Street Baptist Church, preached the first sermon in the chapel on September 13, 1874. After two years of regular services, the church decided to expand the chapel. With plans for construction in June of 1882, members decided it was time to establish an official congregation. On December 1, 1882, the Olivet Baptist Church was formed with seventy-six members. On February 15, 1883, the chapel’s construction was completed. The chapel had seating for 400 on the main floor and 100 in the rear gallery. On March 4, 1883, the congregation held its first formal communion services and became known as the Delaware Avenue Baptist Church.
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Edison Street Baptist Church [1905-1987] Founded by Immigrants from the village of Pescasseroli, in Abruzzi, Italy, the Edison Street Baptist Church’s first Chapel was dedicated on 9/13/1896. Similar to other American Protestant churches, the house of worship was ‘plain & simple.’ Escaping religious persecution and social conditions in post-feudalism Italy, these first immigrants founded the country’s first Italian Baptist Church, which subsequently played a unique role within the growing Buffalo community. Ariel Bellondi was named the church’s first pastor, followed by Angelo Peruzzi (who is considered the church’s patriarch.) During the years 1912-1923, Pastor Giovannni Castellini oversaw many changes within/out the church. These changes included: digging a basement that served Sunday school classes, the addition of a new bell, the formation of the Women’s Union, and an increase in membership. In 1927, an Athletic Association was formed that included basketball, boxing, and wrestling. Initially, morning services were given in Italian, followed by an English version. On 4/18/1934, the First Italian Baptist Church formally changed its name to the Edison Street Baptist Church. That same year it became necessary for the First Italian Baptist Church to incorporate under New York State.
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Epiphany Episcopal Church of Niagara Falls (closed)
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First Baptist Church of Niagara Falls First Baptist Church is one of the oldest and most active churches in Niagara Falls. They can trace their beginnings to 1843 to a lot on First Street proposed by Augustus Porter, for the express purpose of a church. First Baptist continued to see growth in the late 1800's, even despite a "dormant" period between 1874-1885 in which many members left for other congregations. After this time, a new spark of activity began in at the church. The church continued to grow and with the bigger presence of nearby railroads, it was determined to seek a new location for First Baptist. The old church was used until 1901, at that time they moved to their current location at the corner of Main and Fourth in downtown Niagara Falls. Soon, additions were made to the church, including Sunday school rooms and a gymnasium. Though the area of downtown Niagara Falls has drastically changed many times over the years, First Baptist continues to be an anchor for the community.
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First Congregational United Church of Christ First Congregational is one of Niagara Fall’s oldest and most historic churches. For over 150 years, First Congregational has been an important house of worship and community center in the city of Niagara Falls. The history of the church begins in 1853 when a number of people met to discuss the establishment of formal religious worship met in an old brick school house located on Ontario Ave (now 11th).
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First Presbyterian Church of Niagara Falls The First Presbyterian Church of Niagara Falls was founded in 1824 by 5 citizens under the leadership of Rev. David Smith. First meetings of the church were held in a log school house located on Prospect Street. The present stone building was constructed in 1841 on First Street at the cost of $8,000 including the cost of the lot. The original Board of Trustees of the "First Presbyterian Society of Niagara" included some of the area's most prominent citizens and founders of Niagara Falls. In addition to the original five organizers were Augustus Porter, Samuel DeVeaux, Ira Cook and Ziba Gay. Judge Porter was the first permanent white settler of the area, and along with his brother General Peter Porter, owned Goat Island and all the lands in the area. The famous Native American, Chief Red Jacket and General Lafayette were frequent visitors to the Porter household. Later members of First Presbyterian have been instrumental in founding several of the other churches in Niagara Falls. In 1970 the church was scheduled to be demolished as part of the city's Urban Renewal program. Fortunately, the congregation's fight to save the building was successful and this magnificent facility still proudly stands as the symbol of Niagara's oldest church.
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First Shiloh Baptist Church [1914-1985] First Shiloh Baptist Church was established in the Ellicott district, known as the Fifth Ward, Ellicott District on October 1, 1916.
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Niagara Falls Records exist of early Universalist and Unitarian churches in Niagara County. But the present First Unitarian Universalist Church of Niagara came into existence through the efforts of J. Allen Johnson, late of Niagara Falls, NY, and his associates. On Dec. 30, 1913, on the letterhead of the Ontario Power Company, Mr. Johnson requests fellow engineer John W. Beckman to accompany the Rev. Richard W. Boynton of the First Unitarian Church of Buffalo to the Niagara Falls Odd Fellows Hall where Boynton was to preach on Jan. 4, 1914. A list of those possibly interested in a “liberal religion” had been compiled, and post cards were mailed advising them of the service. This group met more or less regularly the next few years, moving around the city from the Christian Science Reading Room, the Odd Fellows Hall, Temple Beth El, to the Painters and Decorators Union Hall over the Gray & Trigg Monument shop at 910 Main St.
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Friendship Missionary Baptist Church [1922-2018] The Church was originally organized as an unincorporated Baptist religious organization sometime during the year of 1913. The church held services in the homes of its members. Little was preserved of the history of the church during this period of its initial organization until its reorganization in 1915. As of 2020, Friendship is under the leadership of Pastor Edward Jackson, Jr.. Friendship celebrated 100 years of service August 23, 2015.
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Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church and Cemetery Beginning at the end of the 19th century, Polish immigrants began settling into Niagara Falls, NY. Inspired to have a worship-site in their own language, local parishioners secured funds for the purchase of a property in the city’s East side. On May 27, 1902 the newly formed Roman Catholic Church was dedicated by Bishop Quigley. As membership increased, a larger house of worship became necessary. Constructed by the Braas Brothers Company Building Contractors, the church celebrated its first mass in the newly erected building in 1906. Holy Trinity Church features Romanesque Revival influences, and incorporates a school (subsequently closing in 1974) rectory, convent, and garage. In 1964, Pastor Praczkajlo was able to pay off the church’s mortgage. Holy Trinity Church became listed on Holy Trinity R. C. Society was formed on October 27, 1901 by 21 founding fathers, who were inspired to provide a worship site for their families in their native language - Polish. Rev. Peter Pitass, Assistant at St. Stanislaus Parish in Buffalo agreed to the proposal of organizing a new parish. The meeting was held at the hall of Jacob Pasek at Falls and 13th Streets.
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Hopewell Baptist Church [1979-2017] The Hopewell Baptist Church was organized in the home of the late Rev. John F. D. Lyles in January 1956 at 474 Genesee Street, Buffalo, New York. Attending ministers were the late Rev. J. B. Williamson, the late Rev. John Washington, the late Rev. James Lee, and the late Rev. Crockett. The church was organized with eight members and the last of the eight, Mother Gladys Bonner was called this year from labor to rest on September 18, 2012. Due to constant growth the church moved from Genesee Street to Riley and Masten Ave., to Jefferson and Woodlawn Ave., to Verplank and East Utica Ave., to 1098 Michigan Ave. In 1972 the Hopewell Baptist Church purchased and moved to 1307 Fillmore Ave. The organizer and founder, Rev. John F. D. Lyles served faithful as pastor until his death on December 8, 1987. In June 1988, the Rev. Dennis Lee, Jr. became pastor and continues to serve.
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Hyde Park Presbyterian Church (closed) Hyde Park Presbyterian Church was born from an idea of the Sessions at Stamford Ontario United Presbyterian Church in the late 1920’s. The Sessions determined that Hyde Park in Niagara Falls, NY was a suitable area to establish a Bible School. Miss Ida Lewis was appointed as the Bible School missionary in May 1929 and meetings were held in a home at 2818 Michigan Avenue in Niagara Falls (this home would later become the manse for the church). The adjoining lots were also purchased at the time. In January 1931, Walter Bicketon was appointed as the Sunday School missionary to continue the work began by Miss Lewis. The Reverend George B. Hassey was appointed minister to the Sunday School in January 1933 and by March of that same year, Hyde Park Presbyterian Church was constituted and organized. The church was incorporated in January 1943 as The Hyde Park United Presbyterian Church of Niagara Falls, NY. In August of that year ground was broken for the building of the church.
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Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church [1967-2017]
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Michigan Street Baptist Church [1850-1960]
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North Ridge United Methodist Church The first person to introduce Methodism to the North Ridge area was Olive Beach. In 1816, she walked through the woods toward the shores of Lake Ontario in search of Brother Ash, a local Pastor who could possibly serve the area. Brother Ash agreed to hold bi-monthly services at the home of her parents, Aaron and Rachel Beach, early pioneers in Western New York. The congregation was officially incorporated in 1824. Pastor Shephardson was sent by the Genesee Conference to succeed Brother Ash. The area became the Lewiston Circuit served by the renowned “Circuit Riders.” The Church building is on land donated by an early pioneer in this area, Reuben Wilson, and his children. Construction of the church began in 1846; the architecture is Greek Revival featuring historically distinctive cobblestone masonry. The cobbles are mostly from Lake Ontario.
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Pierce Avenue Presbyterian (closed) Pierce Avenue Presbyterian Church emerged in 1893 from the First Presbyterian Church located at the corner of Falls Street and Mechanic Street (now Prospect Street). The first service was held in the autumn of 1892 in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Connell at the corner of Pine Avenue and Stedman Street (now Nineteenth Street). The first service was such a success that a second meeting was held at the home of Arthur E. Morgan at 20 Stedman Street. Meetings continued to be held in private houses as chairs were carried from home to home to home in the neighborhood as the number of those attending services increased. Later that year, Jacob F. Schoellkopf, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, donated a lot at what was considered the corner of Pierce Avenue and Stedman Street. Soon a chapel was erected and opened for services in the middle of April 1893.
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Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church [1965-2015] On a Thursday evening, in the Spring of 1934, a small group of men and women left the fellowship of the Friendship Baptist Church which was pastored by the late Rev. Twilus Davis. The following Wednesday, Willie Gibson called a meeting at the home of Bm. Cleveland Allen at 222 Jefferson Avenue. A group of approximately thirty men and women met to discuss the idea of forming a Mission Group. The blessing of the Lord seemed to rest on the hearts of these troubled souls. The group continued to meet during the summer months of 1934 for the purpose of raising funds, solidarity and spiritual development. In August of that same year, the name Pilgrim Baptist Church, as submitted by Rosa Poole, would become the name of their future church. An organizing committee was formed shortly thereafter. Rev. B. C. McCarly, the pastor of St. John's Baptist Church, was sought by the early members to provide guidance in establishing the church. The missionary group selected various members to join and obtain letters for the purpose of organizing the church. At the Western New Your Baptist District Association meeting Rev. B. C. McCarly submitted the recommendation for organization of the Pilgrim Baptist Church. The recommendation was then perfected by Rev. Phillips and carried. On September 19, 1934, at Jefferson Avenue, a "reality" was realized when the church elected its first officers: the late Rev. R. D. Harris was acting pastor, Mr. O. C. Madkins: Chairman of the Deacon Board, Mr. Willie Gibson: Chairman of the Trustee Board, Mr. Zenobia Alexander: Church Clerk, Mrs. Frances Moore: Financial Secretary, and Mr. James Ingram: Poor Saint Treasurer. -taken from the 1994 Church History publication created as part of the 60th anniversary celebration.
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Ripley Memorial United Methodist Church [1868-1998] (closed) Over the past me hundred and twenty-eight years, congregations have changed; the world has transformed. From 1870 to 1960, the Ripley Church grew to 250 families. As the City of Buffalo grew, so did the appeal of Ripley Memorial. Peoples resettling from areas outside of the city, found a cultural, economic, and religious sanctuary within the neighborhood limits of Ripley. In the 1960's, most United Methodist Churches in Buffalo city neighborhoods were readily affected by the rapid growth of suburban communities. Consequently, United Methodist fellowships like Ripley Memorial were challenged by the Methodist migration. In spite of that fact, members of Ripley Memorial experimented with diverse methods and ministries to conquer the disturbing pressures of the empty pews- sometimes successful, most times not! The ones who are still here today are the truly dedicated. Many have commuted many miles over the past thirty years in hopes of saving Ripley. They have remained courageous until the end. Through self- examination and study, Ripley developed a powerful hand in the missionary duties. This type of outreach has enabled the congregation to keep faith in their missionary spirit, and to accept what is happening today.
St. John Baptist Church The St. John Baptist Church is located at 184 Goodell Street at the corner of Michigan Avenue in downtown Buffalo, New York. The Church and its developments sit in the pinnacle of the Buffalo Medical Corridor which houses Western New York's major medical facilities. Our 45 acre campus which houses our 1200-seat sanctuary and administrative offices, corporations, housing units, and parking facilities, is a unique addition to the City of Buffalo's industrial landscape.
St. John's Evangelical Church Cemetery Records [c. 1900-1998] (closed) St. John's was organized by 21 people in 1847 as United Evangelical St. John's Congregation in Black Rock, a German speaking congregation. For the first five years, members met in homes, a school and a Baptist church. The congregation's first church building was completed in 1852 and extensively remodeled in the late 1870s. Soon afterward, lightning struck it, destroying the steeple and the pipe organ. The damage was repaired within a year, but by 1889 the congregation needed a larger church. So the congregation demolished the old church and built a new one -- the present one -- on the same site. The congregation was reorganized on March 9, 1900, by 35 charter members as St. John's Reformed Church of South Buffalo. For several decades, services were conducted in German. In 1904, the congregation joined the Evangelical Synod of North America and became St. John's Evangelical Church. When the Evangelical Synod of North America merged with the Reformed Church in 1934, the Black Rock church became St. John's Evangelical and Reformed Church.
St. Joseph Cemetery of Niagara Falls Rev. Austin Billerio, the third pastor of St. Joseph Church established St. Joseph Cemetery in May of 1920. Twelve thousand dollars was raised to purchase the initial tract of 11 acres. Today, the cemetery has grown to 17 acres of land. The cemetery constructed it's four mausoleums in 1982 and completed the most recent in November of 2007. There are approximately 13,000 graves, 1,968 crypts and niches for above ground burial.
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St. Louis Roman Catholic Church [c.1850-2007] St. Louis parish was founded on January 5th, 1829 through the beneficence of Louis Stephen LeCouteulx de Caumont, a French nobleman, the first resident Catholic of Buffalo and agent of the Holland Land Company. In his New Year’s Gift to Bishop Jean Dubois of New York, LeCouteulx deeded land for the erection of a church, cemetery, school and priest house for all Catholics. In 1831, Rev. John Nicolas Mertz, a missionary priest, arrived in the village of Buffalo, becoming the areas first resident priest. Fr. Mertz immediately set about organizing a school and the construction of a church. The new log church, hewn from logs in the nearby forests was named ” Lamb of God” after the depiction of the Lamb of God on a tabernacle door that Fr. Mertz brought with him from Europe. In 1836, St. John Neumann joined Fr. Mertz in ministering to the growing number of German speaking Catholics who had settled in the outlying villages surrounding Buffalo.
St. Luke A.M.E. Zion [c. 1940-2006] Saint Luke A.M.E. Zion Church, currently known as Durham Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, is a non-profit organization and place of worship in metro Buffalo, New York. It was constructed in 1920 and is the oldest surviving church associated with the Buffalo A.M.E. congregations. The African Methodist Episcopal Zion church was founded in New York City in 1800. In 1820, six of the early AMEZ churches elected James Varick as an ordained elder and in 1822 he became the first bishop of the AMEZ church which was also a triumph against racism within the Body of Christ.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church [1824-2004] The church, located in Jamestown, New York, originated at around 1824. For the first ten years services were held at the Prendergast Academy Building, at the corner of Main and Fifth Streets. As the religious community grew, the need for an established parish became apparent. In the spring of 1834, that parish had been successfully formed and incorporated into the Diocese of Western New York. In 1854 the church got its first Rector, Rev. Levi W. Norton. Two years later a new church was consecrated a block away. Throughout its later years the church would work to improve, not the local community, but also a small country in Central America known as Belize. The church community rendered financial support to Belize.
St. Paul Lutheran Church of Niagara Falls The Monroe Fordham Regional History Center maintains a collection of the ledgers, and registers of St Paul. St Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church records were scanned into digital format by the work of the MFRHC and is available for the public's use. Collection items include pamphlets; programs; and ledgers spanning 1896-2008.
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St. Paul Methodist Church (closed) St. Paul Methodist was a church with a long history that stretched from the mid-nineteenth century up to its closing in 2006. The Monroe Fordham Regional History Center digitized a number of ledgers and other documents of the church which were being stored at their regional office. St. Paul Methodist closed in 2006. The space is currently occupied by The Potter's House Christian Community Church.
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St. Peter's Episcopal Church The origins of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church date back to 1823. It was during this year that the first Episcopal clergyman arrived in Niagara Falls, a place that had no official church services. It was this man, Rev. Hopkins from New Jersey, who began holding services in the town. However, Hopkins left during late 1823. The village of Niagara Falls did not have frequent service again until 1829. During 1828, three church denominations came together, the Episcopalians, Methodists, and Presbyterians, to build one place of worship that they would share in proportion to their respective contributions. General Whitney donated the land for a chapel in 1828. The land that Whitney donated was located on what is now First Street. It was also during this time that Samuel DeVeaux became involved with the church organization. He was elected to head the building drive for the new chapel. As the chapel was being constructed in January 1829, the parish was incorporated as the “Christ Church” with the elected Wardens Samuel DeVeaux and Samuel Hooker. The first official service in the chapel was held in the summer of 1829 and was conducted by Bishop John Henry Hobart. Through the late 1830s, the parish began to diminish so much so that by 1839, the family of Samuel DeVeaux was the only family tied to regular services. However, in the 1840s, the population of Niagara Falls began to grow and there was an increased demand for regular church services. As the parish grew, DeVeaux began to garner support for a new Episcopal Church. It was during this time that the estate of General Peter Porter notified DeVeaux that they would be willing to donate property for the new church located between Falls and Niagara Streets.
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St. Philips Episcopal Church [bulk 1940-1978] St. Philip's is a predominantly African-American congregation and is the only parish in the Diocese of Western New York that can be so described. The congregation is a working class to middle class/professional and draws members from all over Buffalo and the immediate suburbs. During the 1920’s to 1940’s, people who had emigrated from the West Indies dominated the congregation, but today the congregation is predominantly native born African-American. There is still a West Indian flavor present, which makes St. Philip's a unique and interesting congregation.
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Niagara Falls One of the most beautiful and imposing houses of worship in Niagara Falls is the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church on Michigan Avenue at 10th Street. This church is not only one of the largest and most prolific in the city of the thundering Falls of Niagara but also one of the oldest. The congregation celebrated its golden jubilee in 1907. The founder of the congregation was Pastor Johannes Althaus, who came to Niagara Falls in 1854 and held German services every second Sunday in the public schoolhouse at the corner of what is now 11th Street and Ontario Avenue. In 1856 the first steps to establish a church were taken and in the same year the building of the church began. One of the members, Mr. Christian Fink, undertook to build the church for $999.99. One man donated the lumber and another the stone. Full of courage and trust in God all members helped and in the autumn the little church was completed. All knew it was a primitive structure but the congregation was happy with their ownership of a house of worship. As the congregation grew it became necessary to build a larger church. The church property at Michigan and 10th Street includes several community rooms, a gym and church offices as well as the massive church which is decorated with intricate hand carvings. Membership at Zion Lutheran had dwindled to about 150 members from over 1,000 when the church was thriving in the 1950s. Zion Lutheran has also absorbed the former Bethany Lutheran Church located on Hyde Park and members from the First Presbyterian Church in Lewiston.
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Newspapers, TV, and Journal Publications (12)

Afro-Americans in New York Life and History, Niagara Falls, NY, 1977-2015 Afro-Americans in New York Life and History is an interdisciplinary journal that is published two times per year (January and July) by the Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier, Inc. The journal began publication in 1977. Through the journal, the Association endeavors to encourage and publish research and scholarship pertaining to Afro-Americans in New York State. The journal publishes analytical, historical, and descriptive articles dealing with the life and history of Afro-Americans in New York State.
Black News, 1969-1975
Buffalo Challenger, Buffalo, NY, 1963-2006 In the sixties, Black America was at a civil/human rights crossroads. The sit-ins, demonstrations, pickets and marches against racism and segregation in the south and second class citizenship for Blacks across the country, were met with violence and hatred; with guns and fire hoses, and even death. It was against this backdrop that The Challenger was born in. Just a little over a decade after the Supreme Court Decision outlawing racial segregation in public schools, the very first edition of The Challenger hit the streets of Buffalo’s Black community on April 11, 1963. It was also the year that civil rights leader Medgar Evers was murdered; that the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama was bombed by White supremacists, killing four innocent children; and the year that Dr. Martin Luther King made his famous “I Have A Dream Speech” at the historic March on Washington.
Buffalo Criterion, Buffalo, NY, 1940-2006 The Buffalo Criterion is the oldest continuously published African American newspaper in Western New York. Founded in 1925 by Frank E. Merriweather, Sr. and his wife, Camilla Merriweather, the newspaper has been a major voice in recording the history of African Americans with a focus on Buffalo and the Western New York area.
Buffalo Irish Times, Buffalo, NY, 1992-2001 The Gaelic American Athletic Association (GAAA) publishes the Buffalo Irish Times (5 issues yearly) comprised of volunteer staff members dedicated to the Irish Community in the Buffalo area. The 'TIMES' gives the non-profit clubs an avenue to share schedules and event information, a forum for thoughts on Irish concerns, and highlights and activities of interest to the Irish–American Community.
Christian Recorder, Philadelphia, PA, 1854-1902 The Christian Recorder was first published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1854 under the editorship of the Rev. J.P. Campbell. This early edition was short-lived, however, and in 1861, under the editorship of Elisha Weaver, the New Series, Volume 1 began. Under this new leadership the Recorder was introduced into the South by distribution among the negro regiments in the Union army. Benjamin T. Tanner became editor in 1867, and was followed in that position in 1885 by the Rev. Benjamin F. Lee who served until 1892.
Colored American, New York, NY, 1837-1841 The Colored American was an African-American newspaper published in New York City from 1837 to 1842. Publishers included: Robert Sears, Samuel Cornish, Phillip Alexander Bell, Charles Bennett Ray, and James McCune Smith. Initially published under the name The Weekly Advocate, New York's Colored American was a weekly newspaper of four to six pages. It circulated in free black communities in the Northeastern United States.
The North Star, Frederick Douglass' Paper & Douglass Monthly, Rochester, NY, 1847-1855 Douglass published his slave experiences in 1845 entitled Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave: Written by Himself. Having publicly declared himself a fugitive slave, Douglass fled to the British Isles to continue his outspoken campaign against American slavery. After two years of lecturing in England, Scotland, and Ireland, Douglass’s freedom was purchased by abolitionist friends and he returned to the United States a free man. Upon his return to Rochester, NY in 1847, Douglass began his first newspaper, The North Star which later became Frederick Douglass’ Paper.
Freedom's Journal, New York, NY, 1827-1829 Freedom’s Journal was the first African American owned and operated newspaper in the United States. A weekly four column publication printed every Friday, Freedom’s Journal was founded by free born African Americans John Russwurm and Samuel Cornish on March 16, 1827 in New York City, New York. The newspaper contained both foreign and domestic news, editorials, biographies, births and deaths in the local African American community, and advertisements. Editorials deriding slavery, racial discrimination, and other injustices against African Americans were aimed at providing a counterweight to many of the white newspapers of the time period which openly supported slavery and racial bias.
Hispanic Newspaper, 1975-1981 (includes clippings and scrapbooks from the Hispanic community)
Impartial Citizen, Albany, NY, 1849-1850 In 1849, the Northern Star and Freeman’s Advocate was merged with another paper, and was renamed the Impartial Citizen. The new paper, published in Albany, failed two years later. One possible reason for the failure was the enactment by the U.S. Congress of a harsh Fugitive Slave Law as part of the Compromise of 1850. The newspaper was founded and composed by Stephen Myers, a prominent publisher who became an effective abolitionist lobbyist.
WIVB-TV Black History Specials, 1987-2006 Prepare for a journey that will take you back to the days of the Underground Railroad, the great Pan American Exposition, the powerful Niagara Movement which led to the creation of the NAACP, and the golden era of jazz when Buffalo’s Colored Musicians Club featured some of the nation’s greatest musical artists. This history has been documented by WIVB-TV in Buffalo through Emmy Award winning television specials produced at the dawn of the new millennium. I was privileged to have co-hosted these long form journalistic endeavors with WIVB-TV reporter Mylous Hairston. A team of highly gifted and dedicated videographers, editors, and graphic artists helped put a human face on struggles that continue to this day.
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Organizations (41)

African American Studies Department at Buffalo State [1973-1991] The files of the African American Studies department became dormant after the department was dissolved (1977). The papers that are microfilmed in this collection are primarily from the 1970s. After the department was dissolved and African American Studies became a "program", records were kept by the coordinator of that program. Professor Keith Baird. Records from the "program" period are not included in this collection. In 1988, Monroe Fordham was asked to serve as Acting Coordinator of African American Studies. In 1989 Dr. Anthony Neal was appointed as Coordinator of African American Studies.
Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier Inc. 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.
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Alpha Kappa Boule [1954-2003] The Alpha Kappa Boule (Buffalo, NY) was chartered in 1954. It is a local chapter of Sigma Pi Phi, the oldest Greek Letter Society among black Americans. The national society was founded in 1904. Over the years, members of the Buffalo group have included some of the most prominent and active members of Buffalo’s African American community. Their individual contributions to the city’s history have been immense. Their stories are intertwined in the papers of many of the groups whose papers are preserved as part the Buffalo Afro-American Collection and the Buffalo State College Regional History Collection. The Alpha Kappa Boule Papers preservation project was initiated by officers of that organization. The papers were prepared for microfilming by Monroe and Freddie Mae Fordham. The filming was done by Charita Jackson and LaShawanda Ingram, Buffalo State College students, working under the supervision of the Fordham Regional History Center at Buffalo State College.
Attica NOW! [1971-1975] The materials in this collection were secured for microfilming from “Attica NOW!” a prison reform collective that was headquartered (at the time) at 1528 Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo, NY. In 1975 they were closing down their headquarters and gave several boxes containing these papers to Monroe Fordham who promised to preserve them on microfilm.
B.U.I.L.D. - Papers & Challenge to the License Renewal of WNIA & WSAY [1967-1975] The B.U.I.L.D. files were in file cabinets in three separate offices: (1) The elected President had his office files in his office; (2) The Executive Director (Mr. Gaitor who ran the organization on a day to day basis) had his own set of files in his office; and (3) the Education Affairs Office (Mrs. Miriam Beale was responsible for all education matters) had its own set of files in that office. Please see associated inventory for listing of files included in the collection.
Bell Aircraft Corporation & U.A.W. Local 501 - Papers & Strike of 1949 This 1949 strike arose over the application of security regulations and economic demands during the renegotiation of the contract. A strike ensued and the company secured an injunction to restrain the mass picketing. Violence resulted in the arrest of some of the strikers.
Black Faculty & Staff Association [1974-1989]
Black Revolutionary Action Movement [1960-1970] The materials in this collection--which center mainly, but not solely, on the political activities and literature of the Revolutionary Action Movement from the early 1960's through the early 1970's--were compiled from the personal archives of Akbar Muhammed Ahmed (Max Stanford), John H. Bracey, Jr., and Ernest Allen, Jr. Founded in 1962, RAM was a "low-profile" organization which sought to transcend what it perceived as the "narrow orientations" of existing Civil Rights organizations (which tended to concentrate on "middle-class" cultural assimilation and patchwork social reform) as well as bourgeois-nationalist organizations (which tended to stress capita] accumulation and withdrawal from mass struggle). In contrast, RAM sought to popularize a program of self-determination for Afro-Americans by means of armed struggle, with the ultimate form of American society conceived in terms of social cooperation rather than capitalist individualism. Included here are internal RAM documents, publicly disseminated RAM literature, as well as media accounts of the organization and its members. An incomplete file of Robert F. Williams' Crusader newsletter, published in exile from Cuba and China, is also Included, as is a full catalog of Soulbook magazine, a west coast-based journal of revolutionary nationalist persuasion.
Black Workers in the Era of the Great Migration [1916-1925] With the booming economy in northern cities during World War I, approximately one-half million blacks left the South and headed north in pursuit of work. This collection consists of federal documents that pertain to the changing patterns of both labor and migration during the decade after the war. Specifically, these documents refer to agricultural and industrial labor, unionism, housing, race relations, veteran employment, and the processes of migration.
Buffalo's Afro-Americans: Photos of Historic Events Photos in the collection include: Colored Musicians Union of Buffalo; Historical Photos; Black & Puerto Rican Caucus (Northern Region) Convention, Syracuse, NY, 1976; B.U.I.L.D. of Buffalo Juneteenth Celebration, 1976; B.U.I.L.D. of Buffalo Convention, 1976.
Buffalo Affirmative Action Program, Committee Proceedings & Correspondence [1970-1978] Records of the Buffalo Affirmative Action Program Committee include notices, agendas, meeting minutes, reports, draft narratives, letters, memos and budgets between 1970 and 1978 compiled by the committee and microfilmed by the Monroe Fordham Regional History Center.
Buffalo Branch NAACP The purpose of the Buffalo Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People shall be to improve the political, educational, social and economic status of minority groups; to eliminate racial prejudice; to keep the public aware of the adverse effects of racial discrimination; and to take lawful action to secure its elimination, consistent with the efforts of the national organization and in conformity with the articles of Incorporation of the Association, its Constitution and By-Laws, and as directed by the National Board of Directors.
Buffalo Civil Rights Era Files | White, Theresa J.
Buffalo Cooperative Economic Society [1928-1961] During the several decades following the "great migration" of Afro-Americans to the northern cities, the economic and social problems confronting northern black communities became more intense. In their quest to find solutions to those problems, and improve the quality of life in their communities, many northern black spokesmen concluded that racial solidarity and self-help offered the best hope. The belief in self-help and solidarity among northern blacks during that period drew inspiration from the legacy of Booker T. Washington and the preaching of Marcus Garvey. Those ideas, coupled with the socialist influences of the depression years, contributed to a renewed interest in the formation of economic cooperatives in northern black communities.
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Buffalo Kwanzaa Committee Papers Sharon and Kenneth Holley began participating and celebrating the Kwanzaa holiday in the early 1970s. The Buffalo community celebrated the Kwanzaa holiday at the Watu center on Jefferson Avenue, the Center for Positive Thought on East Utica Street and the African American Cultural Center on Masten Avenue; these were often one-day events. Sharon and Kenneth attended and even participated in these early celebrations that brought the African American community of Buffalo together through dance, music, poetry and dialog. It was these first celebrations that the Kwanzaa Committee of Buffalo came into being. The committee was coordinated by Sharon and Kenneth, from the store Harambee Books and Crafts, which called together the various leaders from the community centers and suggested coordinating the Kwanzaa programs so that there would be no competition for the same day and there would be numerous venues for the public to attend. Sharon and Kenneth Holley have facilitated and became the co-coordinators for the city-wide Kwanzaa program for over 21 years. As a result of the Kwanzaa Committee there are now six nights of celebration in several community centers, churches and other institutions throughout the city of Buffalo. The committee has also produced the journal, fundraising, coordinated the community feast, planned vendor space, did publicity, set-up opening ceremonies and cared for the Kwanzaa symbols and decorations used each year.
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Buffalo Model Cities Expo Papers & Photographs [1966-1978] This collection of nine boxes of papers was preserved and organized by Ms. Theresa J. White. Ms. White was involved with the Buffalo Model Cities Program during the early phase of its existence. Even after she left the program she continued to collect and preserve materials that would help to document an important period in the city of Buffalo. For more than a quarter of a century after the program ended, Ms. White continued to collect papers from that historic undertaking. With meticulous care, and over many nears, she organized the papers into the categories in which they are filmed. The papers were indexed and prepared for microfilming by Monroe and Freddie Mae Fordham. The collection was filmed by Charita Jackson and LaShawanda Ingram, students at Buffalo State College. The students were working under the supervision of the Fordham Regional History Center, at Buffalo State College. The Students were paid from a grant from New York State.
Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority | Colston, Sherrill [2003-2006] Mr. Sherrill Colston was chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA). This selected collection of papers are from the period of his chairmanship. They are also from his files. The papers were organized, indexed, and prepared for microfilming by Monroe Fordham. The papers were microfilmed by James Prokos, a Buffalo State College student, working under the supervision of the Buffalo State College Center for Regional History.
Buffalo Quarters Historical Society Papers | Batchelor, Lillion Lillion Batchelor founded Buffalo Quarters Historical Society in 1995. Her purpose was to increase national and international awareness of the significant role Buffalo played in the Underground Railroad movement. The Society presents annual recreations of historical events through drama and music culminating in the Niagara River Crossing into Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada. Ms. Batchelor has worked to bring about a sense of hope, pride, and recognition to Western New York by presenting historical truths, honoring unsung heroes, expanding historical research to include the significance of Buffalo in the Underground Railroad. She has brought this about through the sharing of this rich history in drama, music, and literature.
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Buffalo Youth & Young Adult Choral Society [1970-2000] The Supervisors Guild of Buffalo Youth and Young Adult Choral Society was organized in 1958-1959 with approximately seven members in the home of the late Rosalie Henry. The purpose of the Guild was to supervise, guide and assist the youth. Also, to travel with the children both locally and out of town when presenting programs and attending the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, Inc., under the leadership of Professor Thomas A. Dorsey. Presidents: Mother Sarah Parham (deceased), Mrs. Mary Jackson and Mr. George "Buddy" Davis, II, Mrs. Gertrude Johnson, presiding.
Colored Musicians Association of Buffalo - Musicians Local 533 The records and documents preserved in this microfilm reel are part of our on-going effort to collect and preserve sources (oral and written) relating to the history of the black community of Buffalo, New York and vicinity. The documents herein were gathered together and loaned to us by Mr. Raymond E. Jackson. Mr. Jackson is the oldest living charter member of Musicians Local 533 (Colored Musicians Union of Buffalo). In addition to his active involvement in local 533, Mr. Jackson was the first black to be appointed a field representative for the American Federation of Musicians. He was appointed to that position in 1936. While serving as field representative of the American Federation of Musicians, Mr. Jackson worked with black musicians and their local unions throughout the United States. (We are presently taping conversations and interviews with Mr. Jackson covering topics relating to his extensive involvement in the making of 20th century black American history). We also plan to interview other members of local 533 and record the substance of such discussions on tape or written notes.
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Community Food Center of Western New York [1980-1987] In 1980 a group of community volunteers recognized the need for a food bank in Western New York and pioneered the effort to establish one. The Community Food Action Organization, located at 70 Harvard Place, provided use of its facilities and staff to the “Food Bank Group” to organize around the problem of food distribution to the needy. The Buffalo Area Metropolitan Ministries Organization, Catholic Charities, Council of Churches, Boy Scouts of America, United Methodist Women and other community agencies have contributed limited start-up seed money.
Ellicott District Coalition [1968-1982] The Ellicott District Coalition was formed in 1968 to bring all agencies together for sharing, innovation, and implementation of beneficial concepts related – the Ellicott District. Some of their accomplishments include: the 1973 Community Service Awards; sharing of services and communications from member organizations; Christmas basket distributions; providing speakers for up-to-date information about the Ellicott District; and annual meeting presentations. Their objective was to “create a community action power base for a united front to attack social injustice.”
Erie County Charter Revision Commission: Dr. E.O. Smith, Jr. Files The Erie County Charter had not been reviewed since its adoption in 1959. The Charter Revision Commission was established in 1973 in order to review the Charter and recommend improvements and revisions to the Erie County Legislature. The Commission was to keep in mind the purposes of the Charter which include the accomplishing of greater efficiency, economy, and responsibility in County government, the securing of all possible County home rule, and the separation of the legislative and executive functions.
Grace Manor Nursing Home Founding Committee Papers [1989-1993] Grace Manor Nursing Home was located at 10 Symphony Circle. The facility was approximately 81,200 sq.ft. on 2.14 acres and had a 167 patient capacity. In 1999, the building underwent a seven million dollar renovation. Grace Manor Health Care Facility, Inc. was placed in receivership by the state Department of Health in 2008. In March 2009, the nursing home officially closed its doors. It was sold at public auction in 2009.
Highland Avenue Neighborhood Preservation Corporation of Niagara Falls [1980-1984] The Highland Avenue Neighborhood Preservation Corporation was formed as a non-profit in 1978. All organizational activities were suspended in 1984. The records and papers of the Highland Avenue Neighborhood Preservation Corporation were assembled by Mr. Sandy L. Perry and turned over to the Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier for microfilming in 1988. The papers were organized, indexed, and microfilmed by Michael Wilson (student at Buffalo State College) working under the supervision of Monroe Fordham (Member of the History Department at Buffalo State College). The papers cover the period 1980-1984.
Housing Opportunities Made Equal [1963-1995] The organization now known as H.O.M.E. was started by a small group of concerned citizens, both white and black. The first meeting was held in the Council of Churches building located at 1272 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, New York. The first and original name given to the organization was, “Niagara Frontier Council for Freedom of Choice in Housing.” This first meeting of the organization was held in the year 1963. The name of the organization was later changed to H.O.M.E. The need for the organization was very great because on the Niagara Frontier many ethnic groups were involuntarily restricted to certain neighborhoods. Members of these groups, particularly non-whites, found it impossible to move to other areas despite economic qualifications. For example in 1963, out of 177 census tracts in Erie County, 86% of the Black population resided in 11 contiguous tracts in Buffalo.
Institute for People Enterprises [1978-1983] The Institute for People Enterprises was founded in 1978 by William Gaiter and became a registered non-profit in 1979. William Gaiter served as the president of the institute, as well as being affiliated with the Buffalo Affirmative Action Program (BAAP), organizing and chairing the Western New York Council for African Relations, and the president of B.U.I.L.D. The Institute for People Enterprises helped to connect workers to more than 120 service groups around the country and provided consulting, training, and operations assistance to various community, business, and political groups.
Kenmore Teachers Association Minutes, Executive Committee Meetings [1928-1963]
LINKS of Buffalo [1954-1985] The Links Incorporated is an organization of women with 270 chapters located in 40 states, The District of Columbia, Nassau, Bahamas and Frankfurt, Germany with a total membership of over 10,000 women. The organization was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1946 by the late Margaret Roselle Hawkins and Sarah Strickland Scott. The Links, Inc. is a voluntary service organization of concerned, committed and talented women who, linked in friendship, enhance the quality of life in communities throughout the world. The mission and vision is to contribute to the formulation of a positive, productive and culturally diverse society. A strong focus is given to education, cultural enrichment, health, wellness and civic involvement. The Links, Inc. is an entity which through its chapters and The Links Foundation, Inc. has granted more than ten million dollars to charitable organizations.
LINKS of Erie County [1987-2006] The Links Incorporated is an organization of women with 270 chapters located in 40 states, The District of Columbia, Nassau, Bahamas and Frankfurt, Germany with a total membership of over 10,000 women. The organization was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1946 by the late Margaret Roselle Hawkins and Sarah Strickland Scott. The Links, Inc. is a voluntary service organization of concerned, committed and talented women who, linked in friendship, enhance the quality of life in communities throughout the world. The mission and vision is to contribute to the formulation of a positive, productive and culturally diverse society. A strong focus is given to education, cultural enrichment, health, wellness and civic involvement. The Links, Inc. is an entity which through its chapters and The Links Foundation, Inc. has granted more than ten million dollars to charitable organizations.
LINKS of Niagara Falls [1950-2000] The Links Incorporated is an organization of women with 270 chapters located in 40 states, The District of Columbia, Nassau, Bahamas and Frankfurt, Germany with a total membership of over 10,000 women. The organization was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1946 by the late Margaret Roselle Hawkins and Sarah Strickland Scott. The Links, Inc. is a voluntary service organization of concerned, committed and talented women who, linked in friendship, enhance the quality of life in communities throughout the world. The mission and vision is to contribute to the formulation of a positive, productive and culturally diverse society. A strong focus is given to education, cultural enrichment, health, wellness and civic involvement. The Links, Inc. is an entity which through its chapters and The Links Foundation, Inc. has granted more than ten million dollars to charitable organizations.
Michigan Avenue Y.M.C.A. [1926-1967] The organization of a YMCA branch specifically for Buffalo’s black men and boys started in 1924. By 1927, $225,000 had been raised and plans were drawn up for the building by John Edmonston Brent. He was one of the founding members of the branch, as well as Buffalo’s first black architect. Brent would go on to work for the City of Buffalo, where his design work remains on display, most notably along the gates and fences of the Buffalo Zoo.
New York African-American Institute, Founding Committee Papers The New York African American Institute was initiated under SUNY Chancellor Clifton R. Wharton, Jr. The Chancellor appointed a planning committee made up of Drs. Monroe Fordham (Chair), Ena Farley, Ralph Watkins, Ken Hall, and Mr. Rudy Johnson to design and write a rational for the Institute to be presented to the New York State Legislature for funding. The committee worked during the first four months of 1986, meeting in Albany for two days each week to prepare their recommendations. The papers in this collection are the records of that planning committee.
New York State Nurses Association | Juanita Hunter, RN Mrs. Hunter was a registered nurse who was very active in Buffalo’s Afro-American community. She was also active in nursing and health professional organizations. She served as President of the New York State Nurses Association. The papers in this collection pertain to Mrs. Hunter’s involvement in the Nurses Association.
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Niagara Community Center Association [1927-1977]
Nurses United CWA Local 1168 The Communications Workers of America recognized the need for a unionized workforce among health care workers in Western New York in 1981, when a group of determined registered nurses at the Buffalo General Hospital approached the CWA Union to organize. A critical part of Western New Yorks’ labor history would be carved out by 800 nurses at the Buffalo General Hospital when a strike ensued in 1983 to obtain a fair contract for the registered nurses. Debora Hayes, Patricia DeVinney, Terri Schelter and Sharon Schultz were part of the bargaining committee and Executive Board that mobilized and negotiated the first contract for eight hundred nurses at the Buffalo General Hospital. In spite of anti-union, intimidation and stall tactics the bargaining committee was successful in obtaining a fair contract for all nurses at the Buffalo General Hospital. Debora Hayes would continue her career as President of the CWA Local 1168. Debbie’s unique leadership qualities and negotiation abilities gave her the ability to lead CWA Local 1168 through the merger of the Buffalo General Hospital with the Kaleida Health System.
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Republic Steel Arbitration Cases: The Files of Tom H. Gregory [1938-1960] Republic Steel was once the third largest steel producer in the United States. It was founded as the Republic Iron and Steel Company in Youngstown, Ohio in 1899. After rising to prominence during the early 20th century, Republic suffered heavy economic losses and was eventually bought out before re-emerging in the early 2000s as a subsidiary. Republic Steel was known for its labor problems during the Depression. On Memorial Day, May 26, 1937, a strike escalated into the Memorial Day massacre of 1937, in which Chicago police fired into an unarmed group of protesters, and killed ten, four outright. This was documented by the 1937 short film Republic Steel Strike Riot Newsreel Footage.
Royal Serenaders Male Chorus [1946-2009] By 1947, the African American group expanded to six members and later to nearly 20. In its heyday in the 1960s, the group was in constant demand, had its own radio show, and frequently performed multiple concerts on weekends.
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Uncrowned Queens Archive Founded in 1999 by Dr. Barbara A. Seals Nevergold and Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram, the Institute aims to collect, disseminate, and archive the histories of previously unheralded African Americans, as well as vulnerable documentation of African American local communities.
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United Auto Workers UAW Local 424 Materials in this file are from the personal collection of Mark Zelasko, Education Coordinator for the UAW Local 424. This file contains a history of the UAW Local and the auto plant located on East Delavan Avenue in Buffalo, New York from the 1930s through the early 2000s. The materials were organized, indexed, and filmed by Lynn M. Lombardo, Graduate student in the Department of History and Social Studies Education, Buffalo State College in 2008. The microfilming project was supervised by Dr. Jean Richardson, Associate Professor, Department of History and Social Studies Education, Buffalo State College.
United Citizens Organization Papers [1976-1996] Materials were organized and preserved by Rev. Eugene Radon. They were indexed and microfilmed by Joanne Cofield, Daneen Kee, and Nichole Outhouse. The microfilming project was supervised by Monroe Fordham, Professor of History, Buffalo State College.
Urban League of Buffalo Corporate Minutes & Reports [1927-1984] The Buffalo Urban League helps to empower minorities and disadvantaged individuals to secure economic self-reliance, power and civil rights.

Personal Papers (27)

Acker, Daniel Daniel Acker was president of the Buffalo, New York branch of the NAACP from 1972 until his death in 1997. Dan was active in many of the Buffalo organizations that fought for civil rights in the 1960s - the 1990s. He was a co-founder of Housing Opportunities Made Equal (H.O.M.E.) in the 1960s to work for equal access to descent housing for all Americans. He was a major player in the federal lawsuit that led to the Court ordered desegregation of the Buffalo Public Schools. Mr. Acker was also an appointed member of numerous state and local governmental oversight boards.
Batchelor, Lillion | Buffalo Quarters Historical Society Papers Lillion Batchelor founded Buffalo Quarters Historical Society in 1995. Her purpose was to increase national and international awareness of the significant role Buffalo played in the Underground Railroad movement. The Society presents annual recreations of historical events through drama and music culminating in the Niagara River Crossing into Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada.
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Bellamy, Herbert | 1490 Enterprises, Inc. Mr. Bellamy received over 150 awards and honors including the first Roberto Clemente Humanitarian Award, Man of the Year, Canisius College President’s Award, the Buffalo Urban League Family Award and an honorary degree from Canisius College. He was the first African American civil service commissioner, first director and vice president the Downtown Nursing Home. He served as Councilman-at-Large for the City of Buffalo for nine years. Mr. Bellamy also served on many boards; Canisius Board of Regents, Western New York Liquor Retailers, Bethel Head Start Program and others. He was a lifetime member of the NAACP. In 1990, Bellamy was appointed by Governor Mario Cuomo as a member of the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct. He also served as a Director of Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority in 1994. In 2001, a section of Jefferson Avenue between East Delavan Avenue and East Ferry Street was designated as “Herbert L. Bellamy Way.” Mr. Bellamy died on March 8, 2006.
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Burrell Papers In 1945, Dr. Burrell enrolled in the doctoral program in psychology and human relations at New York University. Dr. Burrell came to Buffalo to teach at Buffalo State College in 1948. She was the first African American faculty member to be hired by the College. Her husband, Robert was an attorney in the Buffalo District Attorney's office. He later became a City Court Judge. Dr. Burrell's interest in child development, human relations and international education led to her involvement in education in the country of India. In 1959, she received a Fulbright Fellowship at Jabalpu University in India. This was followed by an appointment to the post of Director of the India Project at Buffalo State that resulted in several trips with students, in 1968-69 and 1970-71, to study the educational system and culture of that country. She was also the College's Director of Human Relations Workshops. Dr. Burrell retired from Buffalo State in 1972.
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Chappelle, Mary Crosby Mary Lee Crosby Chappelle is a retired public school teacher of Special Education. She retired from teaching in 1975 after 32 years in the classroom. In her illustrious career she was Dean Emeritus, Mary Chappelle Foundation; minister; volunteer; public speaker; journalist, poet, dramatist, singer, and community builder with membership in numerous community, civic, religious and social organizations.
Chisholm, Shirley | Black Women in America Lectures given by Shirley Chisholm on the topics of women and slavery, education, the economy, civil rights, race pride, suffrage movement, literature and the fine arts, show business, constitutional principles and government service and politics at Buffalo State College in 1986. Congresswoman Chisholm was the first black woman elected to the United States Congress, the first black candidate for a major party's nomination for President of the United States, and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, as well as the first woman to appear in a United States presidential debate.
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Coles, Robert Traynham Robert Coles was a Buffalo resident and acclaimed architect who courageously championed the use of public spaces as a means to achieving racial equity.
Collins, Dr. Catherine Regent Catherine Fisher Collins’ educational background includes undergraduate degrees from Trocaire College in nursing and a Bachelor of Science Degree from State University College in Vocational Technical Education. She also has an earned doctoral degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo in Education Administration. From the same institution she also received her Master’s Degree in Allied Health Education and Curriculum Development, graduated from the School of Nursing in the Nurse Practitioner’s Program. Regent Collins’ holds certifications in Health Occupations and Jr. College Teaching.
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Collins, David David Collins was elected to the position of Masten District Buffalo Common Council in 1977 and served for 18 years until 1995 when he was replaced by Byron Brown. The papers in this collection were organized and placed in categories and folders by David A. Collins and his staff. They were indexed and prepared for microfilming by Monroe and Freddie Mae. Fordham. The microfilming was done by James Prokos, a student at Buffalo State College. A collection of photo images from David A. Collin’s photo albums were preserved on a CD-R entitled, “Collins, (David A.) Photo Albums”. Both projects were carried out under the supervision of Buffalo State College’s Monroe Fordham Center for Regional History.
Colston, Sherrill | Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority [2003-2006] Mr. Sherrill Colston was chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA). This selected collection of papers are from the period of his chairmanship. They are also from his files. The papers were organized, indexed, and prepared for microfilming by Monroe Fordham. The papers were microfilmed by James Prokos, a Buffalo State College student, working under the supervision of the Buffalo State College Center for Regional History.
Dett, Nathaniel The name of Dr. Robert Nathaniel Dett, noted composer, conductor, pianist, poet, and educator, who died in Battle Creek, Michigan on October 2, 1943, only nine days before his 61st birthday, will always have a special significance for the music world. At the time of his death he had become a figure of international prominence through his compositions and the singing groups which he directed. He had also been an inspiration to countless students of music, the most prominent of whom is Miss Dorothy Major, celebrated soprano, who studied with Dr. Dett when she was a student at Hampton Institute. Dr. Dett, youngest of the three sons of Robert Tue and Charlotte Johnson Dett, was born in Drummondsville, Ontario, Canada, on October 11, 1882. He was a Presbyterian and a Republican. On December 27, 1916, he married Miss Helen Elise Smith, pianist of New York, who later was a music instructor at Hampton Institute and at Bennett College. They had two children, Mrs. Henry Noyes (Helen Dett), a graduate of Bennett College, and Miss Josephine Elizabeth Dett, who attended Bennett College and Hampton Institute, and one granddaughter.
Dubard, Raphael This collection contains various papers, correspondence, and other records accumulated by Mr. Raphael Dubard during his many years of involvement with the New York State and Buffalo Branches of the N.A.A.C.P. In 1978, Mr. DuBard turned the papers over to Dr. Monroe Fordham, Buffalo State College, History Department to be microfilmed as part of the Afro-American Historical Association’s microfilmed collection.
Dunson, Jessie The collection of papers are from the early 1900 (about 1923 thru 1964) there are two scrap books filled with history of Black Theatre in Philadelphia, Penn. Jesse managed the Gibson New Dunbar Theatre. They contain many articles and programs on black performers (ex: Paul Robeson, Ethel Waters, Bessie Smith, etc.) of that era.
Easley, Robert [1950-1985] Robert W. Easley was the father of Mrs. Madeline O. Scott. For most of his adult life he was a community activist, businessman, labor advocate, and civic leader in the city of Olean, NY. His papers were organized and prepared for microfilming by his daughter, Mrs. Madeline Scott.
Echols Family Beginning in 1918, for more than six decades the Echols family was central to the history and development of the First Shiloh Baptist Church of Buffalo, New York. Rev. E.J. Echols, Sr. served as Pastor of First Shiloh for 43 years (1918-1961); and his son Rev. E.J. Echols, Jr. succeeded him and was pastor for 22 years (1962-1984). The Echols Family name is well known and respected in the African American community of Buffalo. Like the Nash family name, the Echols family name is an icon in the 20th century history of the Buffalo African American community.
Fordham, Monroe [1957-2003] Monroe Fordham was born on October 11, 1939 in Parrott, Georgia. His mother’s name was Arie Deloris Oxford, and his grandparents were Mance and Sarah Ann Oxford. Fordham earned an MS degree from Emporia State University, and in the fall of 1970 he entered a doctoral program in history at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he earned a PhD in 1973. He was a faculty member of the History Department at Buffalo State College from 1970-1998. He served as department chair for 12 years. During his tenure as a faculty member at Buffalo State College, Fordham pioneered a number of initiatives aimed at preserving state and regional African American historical sources. He also worked with numerous community groups in developing records management and records preservation programs.
Hodges Family Papers In church circles “Clem” Hodges was known as “Mr. Layman.” His many years of dedication and hard work earned him a statewide and national reputation as a special Baptist layman. In addition to his church work, Mr. Hodges was a leader and activist in many community organizations, as well as local and statewide boards in his profession--Social work. In 1991, he retired from his position as Director of Social Work Services for the Veterans Hospitals in Batavia and Rochester. Mr. Hodges life was a model of total dedication to helping people and public service. For more than 50 years he was an active and prominent member of First Shiloh Baptist Church, Buffalo. He was a past Chairman of that church’s Christian Education Department; a member of the First Shiloh Board of Trustees; vice president of American Baptist Churches of the Niagara Frontier; past president of the Laymen’s Departments of the Empire Baptist Convention and the National Baptist Convention. He was known as a leader and an innovator in the Baptist Laymen’s movement.
Hunter, Juanita, RN | NYSNA Papers [1973-1990] Mrs. Hunter was a registered nurse who was very active in Buffalo’s Afro-American community. She was also active in nursing and health professional organizations. She served as President of the New York State Nurses Association. The papers in this collection pertain to Mrs. Hunter’s involvement in the Nurses Association.
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Kratzke, Howard Leonard Howard Leonard Kratzke was born on January 20, 1917. He left home after his junior year of high school to join the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). During his three years of service in the CCC, he rose through the ranks to the grade of Sergeant. He received a Letter of Commendation from Brigadier General George Marshall for his work in the forests of Oregon and Washington.
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Nash, Francis The papers in this collection were found in the Nash home on Nash Street in Buffalo, New York in 1998. The upstairs of the home had not been occupied since the death of Rev. J. Edward Nash in the 1950s. A delegation from the Michigan Street Preservation Corp. surveyed the upstairs and found a treasure trove of papers, books, furniture, and other artifacts that had been undisturbed for decades. The papers were boxed up in preparation for the house being renovated and turned into a museum. Retired Buffalo Councilman George K. Arthur placed the papers from the Frances J. Nash Files on loan to the Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier. The papers were organized, indexed, and microfilmed by Dr. Felix Armfield, member of the History faculty at Buffalo State College. The papers were filmed by the History Department and will become part of the Buffalo Afro-American Microfilmed Collection.
Nash, Rev. Dr. J. Edward Rev. Nash was involved in the efforts to bring branches of the Urban League and the NAACP to Buffalo. He was a long-time leader and treasurer of the Western New York Baptist Association. For 32 years he was secretary of the Ministers Alliance of Buffalo. That inter-racial body was one of the most influential religious groups in Buffalo.
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Noles, Eva Mrs. Eva Noles was a Buffalo African American nurse with the distinction of being numerous “firsts” of her race. Autobiographical material and resumes are included in container #1. The papers were indexed and microfilmed by Buffalo State College students, Kerry Palmer, Stacy Ocko, and Ronna Runion in 1982. The students worked under the supervision of Monroe Fordham. Mrs. Eva M. Noles is a Registered Nurse, a Nursing Educator, and a former Director of Nursing at Buffalo's world-renowned Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and the first black nurse to train in Buffalo. Mrs. Noles worked hard to end prejudice and train nurses in her thirty year tenure at Roswell Park.
Peoples, Crystal Davis
Scott, Madeline O. Madeline Scott is a native of Olean, New York, who moved to Buffalo in 1958. She is the daughter of Mrs. Lois Easley. Mrs. Scott is a graduate of Empire State College and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community and Human Services. In 1990, she retired from Roswell Park Cancer Institute after a career that spanned thirty-two years. She has been an active member of the Buffalo Community since her move here over forty years ago. She is a Golden Heritage Member of the NAACP and is active in the Buffalo Chapter as the Secretary and Membership Chair.
Thomas, Carolyn Bernice McClester | Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier Mrs. Carolyn B. Thomas was a career social worker, a church worker, a founder of the community Food Center of Western New York (the papers of the Food Center are in a separate collection), and an active member of Afro-American Women’s clubs.
Thompson, Albert Albert “Al” Thompson was the first African American to be appointed Superintendent of the Buffalo, New York Public Schools. This file contains personal papers that were kept by Mr. Thompson and his wife Mrs. Freddie Mae Thompson. Mrs. Thompson kept a clipping file that spans the period that her husband served as School Superintendent. Mrs. Sharon Holley arranged for Mrs. Thompson to place the records and 20 photographs on loan to be microfilmed and scanned.
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White, Theresa J. | Buffalo Civil Rights Era Files
Wright, Dr. Lydia Dr. Lydia T. Wright was the first African American to serve on the Buffalo (New York) Board of Education. She served from 1962-1967. She practiced pediatrics in Buffalo for 36 years. The main collection of her papers are in the University of Buffalo Archives. This microfilmed collection contains “personal” papers. Dr. Wright spent a number of years researching and writing about the history of her family. Her “personal” papers contain the notes and drafts of “chapters” of her genealogy work. Dr. Wright’s husband, Dr. Frank Evans, practiced internal medicine in Buffalo for 35 years. A few of her personal files contain documents that pertain to Dr. Evans.
Whittington, Richard J. | WWI Postcard Collection The WWI Postcard Collection contains pictures and illustrations representing prevalent cultural themes from war time. These postcards paint a thousand words about life on the front and capture the spirit of one of the worlds greatest eras. This website is drawn from Mr. Richard J. Whittington’s private collection of nearly 5,000 cards and images from the years immediately preceding and including the First World War, circa. 1890-1918. The purpose of the site is to offer public access to the many moods, emotions, sentiments, and passions that were unleashed by this conflict.
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Recorded Interviews & Oral Histories

The Recorded Interviews of Milton Rogovin [2003-2004] The interviews follow Rogovin's career from his work in Buffalo to his journeys throughout the world as a photographer and artist.
Betsy Naylon's Interviews with Western New Yorkers Remembering back into the 20th Century [2001-2002]
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WWII Prisoner of War Taped Interviews In honor of Veteran’s Day, the Archives & Special Collections has digitized a series of WWII POW interviews conducted in 1990 by Mark Rieman as part of a Master’s Thesis in History. The collection includes eight interviews with veterans spanning 1-2 hours each and discusses their enlistment, boot camp, wartime experiences, capture, treatment, liberation, and reflections on their time serving in the military. To a person, they embodied the spirit of patriotism, honor, and commitment to preserving the freedoms of a country they loved. We are honored to host this collection and thank Mark Rieman and all of the veterans who agreed to be interviewed for their willingness to commit their experiences to history.
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Map of Church Collection Locations

Digital Commons

Some collections are available online.

Access a Collection

The Monroe Fordham Regional History Center is currently located in the History and Social Studies Department, Classroom Building C205; and the Archives & Special Collections of E. H. Butler Library, Room 214.

Please contact an archivist to locate a specific collection.

Hope Dunbar, MLIS, JD
Special Collections Archivist
E. H. Butler Library, Room 214
1300 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14222

Email: dunbarhm@buffalostate.edu
Phone: 716-878-4790
Fax: 716-878-3134

Interested in Donating?

Please visit our Donation and Giving webpage for additional information.