RALEIGH – The educational and religious development of African Americans in post-Emancipation America is part of African American history online, thanks to the State Library of North Carolina. Now available in the library’s Digital Repository are profiles of early African American schools, churches, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other institutions from the pages of “An Era of Progress and Promise.” Written in 1910 by W.N. Hartshorn, the 444-page book is a seminal work that was referenced by influential figures including W.E. B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington.
Profiles of influential African American businessmen who were members of the Negro Business League are available. The book of African American history online includes prominent ministers and educators also. Researchers can read the book in its entirety or browse complete lists of institutions or leaders showcased in the book. Among 34 North Carolina schools and colleges featured are Shaw University (www.shawuniversity.edu), Saint Augustine’s (www.st-aug.edu), and Palmer Memorial Institute, now the Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum, a state historic site within the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources (www.nchistoricsites.org). Visit the “Era of Progress” Web site at http://statelibrary.dcr.state.nc.us/dimp/digital/era/index.html to find a wealth of information.
Excerpts for “An Era of Progress and Promise” were originally made available online in 2004 but were limited to institutions or individuals with direct North Carolina connections. Now this rare book is available in its entirety to researchers around the world. Other State Library digital collections can be explored at http://statelibrary.dcr.state.nc.us/dimp/digital/index.html.
For additional information, e-mail the Digital Information Management Program staff at digital.info@ncmail.net. The State Library is a division of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, a state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina’s arts, history and culture, and observing the theme “Treasure N.C. Culture” in 2009. It is now podcasting 24/7 with information about the Department of Cultural Resources, all available at www.ncculture.com.