Articles & Databases

Explore our collection of hundreds of online resources and databases. Use our free online content to help with your research, whether it's finding a single article, tracing a family tree, learning a new language, or anything in between.

African America, Communists, and the National Negro Congress, 1933-1947

Library Card Required

Digitized archives and manuscripts collection of the National Negro Congress, which organization was established in 1936 to "secure the right of the Negro people to be free from Jim Crowism, segregation, discrimination, lynching, and mob violence" and "to promote the spirit of unity and cooperation between Negro and white people." 98,600 images dated 1933-1947. Part of Archives Unbound.

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
Government and Law, United States History, Manuscripts and Rare Books, African American Studies, Political Science, History
English

African American Experience

Library Card Required

Full-text digital resource exploring the history and culture of African Americans, as well as the greater Black Diaspora. Great resource for middle school, high school, and undergraduate users. Browse by type of content and by era. 

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
History, United States History, Homework Help, Encyclopedias, Area and Cultural Studies, African American Studies
<p>Also included are timelines dating from the 15th century to present, primary and landmark documents, slave narratives, audio and image files, and classic texts, some dating from the 19th century. The classroom resources site includes lesson plans which include a subject index and glossary.</p>
English

African American Historical Serials Collection

On-Site Access Only

Documents the history of African American life and religious organizations from materials published between 1829 and 1922.  Over 170 titles from 75 different institutions are fully text-searchable. 

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)Stephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
United States History, Magazines, Journals and Serials, Historical Newspapers, Religion, African American Studies, History
English

African American Newspapers, 1827-1998 (Readex)

Library Card Required

Hundreds of U.S. newspapers chronicling a century and a half of the African American experience from more than 35 states. A collection feature of America's Historical Newspapers.

Access to this resource has been temporarily expanded to NYPL cardholders working from home, courtesy of Readex/Newsbank.

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
New York City History, United States History, Historical Newspapers, U.S. Newspapers, African American Studies, History, Genealogy
English

African American Newspapers: The 19th Century

On-Site Access Only

Searchable full-text of the major African-American newspapers published in the United States during the 19th century. 

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)Stephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
United States History, Historical Newspapers, U.S. Newspapers, Area and Cultural Studies, African American Studies, History, Genealogy
<p>The database contains first-hand reports of the major events and issues of the day, including the Mexican War, Presidential and congressional addresses, Congressional abstracts, business and commodity markets, the humanities, world travel and religion. Also included are large numbers of early biographies, vital statistics, essays and editorials, poetry and prose, and advertisements all of which embody the African-American experience.</p>
English

African American Periodicals, 1825-1995 (Readex)

Library Card Required

Searchable full-text and page images of over 170 periodicals, published in 26 states, by and about African Americans. Includes academic and political journals, commercial magazines, institutional newsletters, organizations' bulletins, and annual reports. 

Access to this resource has been temporarily expanded to NYPL cardholders working from home, courtesy of Readex/Newsbank.

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
United States History, Magazines, Journals and Serials, Historical Newspapers, U.S. Newspapers, African American Studies, History
English

American Antiquarian Society Historical Periodicals Collection

Library Card Required

The American Antiquarian Society Historical Periodicals Collection provides digital access to American periodicals published between 1684 and 1912. The fifty thematic subsets include digitized images of the pages of American magazines and journals not available from any other source and provide content detailing American history and culture from the mid-18th century through the late-19th century. These specialized collections cover advertising, health, women's issues, science, the history of slavery, industry and professions, religious issues, culture and the arts, and more. See below for collections:

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
Business, Advertising, Finance, Government and Law, Health and Medicine, History, Genealogy, New York City History, United States History, Performing Arts, Music, Historical Newspapers, U.S. Newspapers, Religion, Social Sciences, African American Studies, Women's Studies, Criminology, Education, Popular Culture, Agriculture, Theatre
<p>African American Historical Serials Collection; Drama, Humor, and Fine Arts Periodicals, 1764-1877; Slavery and Abolition, 1789-1887; Business, Industrial and Professional Periodicals, 1774-1858; Foreign Language Periodicals in America, 1684-1904; Canadian Periodicals, 1790-1877; Military and Law Enforcement Periodicals, 1691-1877; Alternative Medicine and Health, 1810-1877; Agricultural Periodicals from the Southern, Midwestern, and Western U.S., 1800-1878; Women's Periodicals of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century, 1733-1844; Current Events and History Periodicals, 1691-1912; Advertising Periodicals, 1815-1888; Scientific Periodicals, 1771-1901; Periodicals of the American West, 1779-1881; Popular Educational Periodicals, 1758-1889; Masons, Odd-Fellows and Other Societal Periodicals, 1794-1877; Religious Periodicals for Women, Children, and Families, 1804-1878; Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, and Episcopal Periodicals, 1797-1904; American Literary Periodicals, 1782-1834; American Civil War, 1855-1868; American Literary Periodicals, 1835-1858; American Political Periodicals, 1715-1891; Agricultural Periodicals from the Northeastern U.S., 1789-1879; American Medicine, Surgery, Dentistry Periodicals, 1786-1877; Baptists, Quakers, and Independent Church Periodicals, 1797-1881; Business, Industrial and Professional Periodicals, 1859-1870; Theology and Biblical Studies Periodicals, 1760-1877; Commercial Periodicals from the Southern U.S., 1811-1877; College and Student Periodicals, 1806-1877: Musical Periodicals, 1781-1879; Periodicals of the British Empire and Its Colonies, 1702-1879; Story Papers, Dimes and Dollar Periodicals, 1828-1877; Women's Periodicals of the Nineteenth Century, 1845-1865; Temperance in America, 1826-1877; Religious Periodicals from the Southern U.S., 1801-1904; American Political and Social Movements, 1815-1884; Emerging American Religions, 1821-1895; Alternative Faith and Philosophy Periodicals, 1789-1878; American Literary Periodicals, 1859-1891; Fireside Companions and Family Literature Periodicals, 1805-1877; Congregational, Presbyterian, and Reformed Church Periodicals, 1803-1902; Business and General Education Periodicals, 1800-1885; Business, Industrial and Professional Periodicals, 1871-1901; Cultural Periodicals from the Southern U.S., 1797-1877; Hobbies, Socialization, and Sport Periodicals, 1775-1889; General Interest Christian Periodicals, 1743-1889; Missionary and Charity Periodicals, 1793-1902; Literary Periodicals of New England, 1789-1878; Periodicals from Around the World, 1691-1880; Women's Periodicals of the Nineteenth Century, 1866-1891; Sunday School Periodicals, 1818-1885</p>
English

America's Historical Imprints

Library Card Required

Search full-text early American books, pamphlets, broadsides, government documents and rare printed materials. Combined search of American Broadsides and Ephemera (1760-1900) and Early American Imprints (1639-1819), including supplements from the Library Company of Philadelphia and the American Antiquarian Societiy. 

Access to this resource has been temporarily expanded to NYPL cardholders working from home, courtesy of Readex/Newsbank.

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
History of North America, United States History, Language and Literature, English and American Literature, Manuscripts and Rare Books, African American Studies, American Studies, Native American Studies, History
<p>A combined search interface to three historical databases:</p> <p>American Broadsides and Ephemera, Series I (1760-1900)<br /> Based on the American Antiquarian Society's landmark collection, this database offers fully searchable facsimile images of approximately 15,000 broadsides printed between 1820 and 1900 and 15,000 pieces of ephemera printed between 1760 and 1900.</p> <p>Early American Imprints, Series I: Evans (1639-1800)<br /> Based on the renowned American Bibliography by Charles Evans, this collection provides full-text primary source material covering every aspect of life in 17th- and 18th-century America. Upon completion, the collection will consist of more than 36,000 works and 2,400,000 images.</p> <p>Early American Imprints, Series II: Shaw-Shoemaker (1801-1819)<br /> Based on the authoritative bibliography by Ralph R. Shaw and Richard H. Shoemaker and supplemented by thousands of new items,this collection covers every aspect of American life during the early nineteenth century with full-text access to the 36,000 American books, pamphlets and broadsides. Search full text or browse within sixteen indexed subject categories.</p>
English

Biography in Context

Library Card Required

Provides biographical information on 650,000+ people from throughout history, around the world, and across all disciplines. For more in-depth biographies of figures from American history, consult American National Biography

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
Biography, Reference, Homework Help, Encyclopedias, African American Studies, American Studies, History
<p>The included Lives &amp; Perspectives Collection supports high-school curricula and university coursework by providing multidisciplinary content on notable figures and the societal forces that have shaped their lives.</p>
English

Black Studies Center

On-Site Access Only

This fully cross-searchable gateway to Black Studies includes scholarly essays, periodical literature, historical newspaper articles, reference books, and more. Combines: Schomburg Studies on the Black Experience, International Index of Black Periodicals (IIBP), and The Chicago Defender.  

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)Stephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
United States History, Magazines, Journals and Serials, Historical Newspapers, U.S. Newspapers, Area and Cultural Studies, African American Studies, History
English

Ebony Magazine Archive

Library Card Required

Ebony Magazine Archive covers African-American business, history & politics, education, entertainment, fashion, culture and much more between the years 1945-2014.

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)Stephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
African American Studies, Magazines, History, Area & Cultural Studies
English

Ethnic NewsWatch (1959-present)

Library Card Required

Collection of ethnic, minority, and native newspapers, magazines, and journals published in America.  

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
History, Reference, Magazines, Journals and Serials, Historical Newspapers, U.S. Newspapers, Religion, Area and Cultural Studies, African American Studies, American Studies, Asian Studies, Jewish Studies, Latin American Studies
<p>Designed to provide the other side of the story, this database offers additional viewpoints from those proffered by the mainstream press. Coverage begins in 1959. Ethnic NewsWatch: A History™ which provides historical coverage of Native American, African American, and Hispanic American periodicals from 1959-1989. Searchable in English and in Spanish, and includes such titles as the New York Amsterdam News, Chicago Defender, El Diario/La Prensa and The Jewish Week.</p>
Español

Fight for Racial Justice and the Civil Rights Congress

Library Card Required

This archive, from the NYPL's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, documents the Civil Rights Congress (CRC) which was established in 1946 to, among other things, "combat all forms of discrimination against…labor, the Negro people and the Jewish people, and racial, political, religious, and national minorities." Dates of inclusion range from 1946-1955.  Part of Archives Unbound.

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
Government and Law, History, United States History, Manuscripts and Rare Books, African American Studies, Civil Rights
English

History Makers

Library Card Required

The History Makers database is a video collection of oral histories documenting African American life, history and culture. 

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
History, Biography, Oral history, Recorded Sound and Video, African American Studies, Sociology, American Studies, Women's Studies
English

Independent Voices

Independent Voices is a growing open access digital collection of the magazines, journals, and newspapers of the alternative and small press archives of participating libraries. 

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All Branch LibrariesBronx Library CenterSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureSt. George Library CenterStavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)Stephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
Magazines, Journals and Serials, Historical Newspapers, U.S. Newspapers, African American Studies, Gay and Lesbian Studies, Women's Studies, American Studies
English

JET Magazine Archive

Library Card Required

Jet Magazine Archive provides access to issues from 1951 through 2014 covering politics, education, and other social topics with an African American focus.

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL)Stephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
African American Studies, Area and Cultural Studies, History, Magazines
English

NAACP Papers

Library Card Required

Fully-searchable database of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)'s archives.  Contains nearly two million pages of internal memos, legal briefings, and direct action summaries from national, legal, and branch offices. More information about the resource is is available here.

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
United States History, Area and Cultural Studies, African American Studies, American Studies, History
English

ProQuest Historical African American Newspapers

Library Card Required

African American historical newspapers throughout the United States. Collections include the Atlanta Daily World 1931-2010, Baltimore Afro-American 1893-2010, Chicago Defender 1910-2010, Cleveland Call and Post 1934-2010, Los Angeles Sentinel 1934-2010, Louisville Defender‎ 1951-2010, Michigan Chronicle 1939-2010, New York Amsterdam News 1922-2010, Norfolk Journal and Guide 1921-2010, Philadelphia Tribune 1912-2010, and Pittsburgh Courier 1911-2010.

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
History, Genealogy, United States History, Historical Newspapers, U.S. Newspapers, Area and Cultural Studies, African American Studies
English

Sabin Americana Digital Archive (1500-1926)

Library Card Required

Digital library of works written or published in the United States, as well as items printed elsewhere, that document the history of the Americas from 1492 to the mid-1800s. Based on Sabin's Bibliotheca Americana.

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
Law, History, History of North America, History of South America, United States History, Manuscripts and Rare Books, African American Studies, American Studies, Latin American Studies, Native American Studies, Government and Law
English

Slavery and Anti-Slavery: A Transnational Archive

Library Card Required

A historical archive of several million cross-searchable pages of books, serials, supreme court records and briefs, and key manuscript collections from the United States, Great Britain, and France concerning debates of slavery and abolition, the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the Institution of Slavery, and the Age of Emancipation. Provides a context for further research through links to chronology, biographies, bibliographies, and websites.

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All Branch LibrariesSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureStephen A. Schwarzman BuildingThe New York Public Library for the Performing ArtsThomas Yoseloff Business Center
History, History of Africa, History of Europe, United States History, World History, Encyclopedias, Image Collections, Manuscripts and Rare Books, Historical Newspapers, Area and Cultural Studies, African American Studies, American Studies
English