About the Project

In an effort to preserve and document the history of the African American Community of Northeast Missouri, the Hannibal Free Public Library applied for and received a digitization grant from the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Missouri State Library. The library owned some items, but wanted more from the community. The project was advertised in the newspaper and letters were sent to organizations and individuals asking for their help. 

The community responded by allowing us to have their personal photos and memorabilia professionally digitized by Bob Lyner of St. Louis.

This will continue to be an ongoing project. We hope to have more community input to help identify some of the "unknowns". We also would like to receive more contributions. There was an African American  newspaper in Hannibal for 23 years (The Hannibal Register) -- at this time we have been unable to locate any copy of this publication. We hope that someone will be able to help us find a copy.

Please enjoy this website as it continues to grow.