The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) announced yesterday $22.8 million in grants for 232 humanities projects, the second round of NEH grant awards this fiscal year. Named as one of the recipients, the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Robert W. Woodruff Library was awarded $300,000 in grant funding for a Humanities Collections and Reference Resources implementation of a project entitled Spreading the Word: Expanding Access to African American Religious Archival Collections at the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library.
The Library’s Archives Research Center and Digital Services Unit will organize, describe, digitize, and prepare for research access fourteen collections of rare materials on African-American religion spanning from the late 19th century to early 20th century, and from the 1950s to 2000s. The project entails the arrangement and description of 126 linear feet of archival records and personal papers and the digitization of 2,139 photos and 1,163 video and audio recordings from these collections.
“We’re excited to be awarded a grant for the Spreading the Word project which will increase accessibility and use of collections containing significant – yet currently underutilized – documentation of African Americans and religion. Through this invaluable funding from NEH, we aim to enhance humanities scholarship by connecting researchers throughout the world to many audio and visual holdings previously unheard and unseen,” said Andrea Jackson, head of the Archives Research Center.
About the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library
The AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library serves the research and information needs of four historically Black colleges and universities: Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. Recently renovated, the Library features collaborative learning and study spaces, state-of-the-art technology, an exhibition hall, and a premier Archives Research Center. To learn more, visit www.auctr.edu or contact 404-978-2000.
