New Partnership Digitizes HBCU Records for Genealogy Access

Washington, D.C. – A recent partnership aims to digitize historical records from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to enhance preservation and accessibility for future generations. Getty Images announced this collaboration with the genealogy company Ancestry this week, focusing on digitizing school records for Ancestry’s websites.

Previously, the Grant Program spent most of its efforts on digitizing photos, making over 10,000 images available. However, after visiting partner institutions, they recognized a broader need for preservation. “Vital records and historical documents also need attention, as they significantly contribute to the important legacy of HBCUs,” said Cassandra Illidge, executive director of the HBCU Grants Program.

The new initiative will cover a range of documents including newsletters, newspapers, student records, and yearbooks, with Ancestry working on-site at schools to manage archival materials. Lincoln University is the first institution to join this partnership, having already contributed hundreds of photos to the HBCU collection while beginning to digitize its school records and newspaper archives.

Brenda Allen, president of Lincoln University, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “Combining Getty Images’ expertise in producing high-quality visuals with Ancestry’s unparalleled genealogical resources, this collaboration will enrich our educational programs, foster deeper connections to our heritage, and empower our community to explore and celebrate the rich history of our university.”

The partnership also aims to amplify the legacy of HBCUs while ensuring these institutions retain full copyright of both print and digitized materials. Moreover, schools will benefit financially from licensing fees and gain campus access to Ancestry’s platform.

Lisa Pearl, head of U.S. content and philanthropic initiatives at Ancestry, highlighted the significance of this project, saying, “By combining the vast archives of these historic institutions with Ancestry’s cutting-edge technology, we’re protecting these important documents and opening the door for families to uncover untold stories of inspiring HBCU alumni and ancestors.”