Guide to African American Resources in the State Library and Archives of Florida

Collection Development

The State Archives of Florida actively seeks to expand its holdings in the area of Black history and the experiences and culture of people of color in the state of Florida. Relevant collections include the records of individuals, families, social organizations, businesses or other non-public entities that document the personal, social, cultural, and economic experiences of Black Floridians’ and their families. The Archives welcomes donations in the area of Black history, with the understanding that the collections will be made accessible to the public. The Archives also welcomes suggestions regarding possible acquisitions and the documentation of slavery and those that experienced it firsthand or its accounting by others in Florida.

All potential acquisitions are reviewed by staff to ensure that they conform to the guidelines outlined in the Archives’ Collection Development Policy. In general, the Archives will accept records in a wide variety of formats, including paper originals, microfilm, photographs, audio and video recordings, and digital. The Archives does not collect artifacts, newspapers, or materials not related to Florida, nor does the Archives purchase collections. For further information, comments or suggestions, contact the Archives’ Collections Management staff at:

Florida Department of State, Bureau of Archives and Records Management, Mail Station 9E, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250, phone 850.245.6750, or [email protected].