New Haven, Yale, and Slavery in the Archives: Display of Original Materials

A special afternoon display of original archival materials co-sponsored by Greater New Haven African American Historical Society and the Beinecke Library.

Visitors will be able to view original documents from the archives that tell the story of New Haven, Yale, and slavery, including original account books from the early days of Yale, newspapers and other accounts of the proposal to build a Black College in New Haven in 1831, maps, and much more.

In addition to the materials display, visitors can watch the Beinecke Library documentary, “What Could Have Been,” about the 1831 College, which will be screened throughout the afternoon.

This afternoon pop-up display on March 17 is in conjunction with the exhibition “Shining Light on Truth: New Haven, Yale, and Slavery” at the New Haven Museum through summer 2024 and the newly published book “Yale and Slavery: A History.”

Kindly note:
* Mobile phones and hand held cameras are permitted in the library, including the reading room, and non-flash photography is welcome.
* Food and beverage are not permitted in the library.
* Per regular practice, all who go to the reading room will need to check any and all bags, coats, and other personal belongings in secure lockers on the library’s ground floor before going to the reading room.
* Pens may not be used in the reading room, pencils are available for your use.
* Library staff are always available to assist and engage with any questions.

This event is free and open to all and Beinecke Library exhibitions and research are likewise always free and accessible. While this afternoon display is only for this one event, the material on view are available for individual research throughout the year in the reading room and vast amounts of material are accessible online through the library’s digital collections.