• By Grace May
• Posted Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Black History History in the North Carolina Collection

During Black History Month, the Central Library's North Carolina Collection will have an exhibit to celebrate different historical sites in Forsyth County as well as have a guide for you to pick up that will complement the exhibit. In addition, we will offer an African American Genealogy program that explores how to do genealogy for Black ancestors.

The Forsyth County Public Library has many resources for Black history research. Our historically Black branch, the Malloy/Jordan East Winston Heritage Center, was opened in 1954. A Black branch had existed before the building since 1927, but only in a YWCA room and later rooms. They have a wealth of history for you to explore including African American oral histories, the Atkins High School graduation class photos from the 1930s-1971, a book collection that celebrates and preserves African American heritage, history and culture. You can visit the branch at 1110 E. Seventh St. in Winston-Salem or call them at 336-703-2950 to explore more resources. In the North Carolina Collection at Central Library, we have numerous resources as well. We maintain a large genealogy collection, including but not limited to records of marriages, deaths, obituaries, cemetery surveys, wills and other probate or estate records, deeds, and census materials. We also carry local history books for all counties of North Carolina, especially including Forsyth County. In our archives, we have collections for George Black, nationally recognized brick maker, Kimberly Park Elementary School, the Malloy/Jordan East Winston Heritage Center, and more. You can visit the North Carolina Collection at 660 W. Fifth St. in Winston-Salem on the second floor or call at 336-703-3070.

Forsyth County Black History Hunt
Central Library's North Carolina Collection, 2nd floor, 660 W. Fifth St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Stop by for a handout highlighting African American historical sites in the county and a small exhibit. This will be all month long during February. For more information, email maygm@forsyth.cc or call 336-703-3070.

African American Genealogy
Central Library's Makerspace, 660 W. Fifth St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Monday, Feb. 12 at 4 p.m.
frican American genealogy can be quite challenging when researching the years before emancipation. Learn about the unique types of records used in African American genealogy and discover research methods to help you find ancestors in this free program. For more information, email maygm@forsyth.cc or call 336-703-3070.