Lincoln University via Getty Images
Getty Images and Ancestry have announced a partnership focused on preserving historical documents and photographs from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), making these valuable resources digitally accessible to the public.
The initiative, part of Getty Images' HBCU Grants Program, will digitize crucial historical materials including student records, yearbooks, newspapers, and photographs while allowing participating institutions to retain full copyright ownership of their assets.
"Vital records and historical documents also need attention, as they significantly contribute to the important legacy of HBCUs," said Cassandra Illidge, Vice President of Global Partnerships and Executive Director of the HBCU Grants Program at Getty Images.
Lincoln University, the nation's first degree-granting HBCU, has already begun the digitization process. According to Lincoln University President Dr. Brenda A. Allen, 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."
Beyond preservation, the partnership offers tangible benefits to participating institutions, including campus-wide access to Ancestry's platform, allowing students and faculty to research family histories and access millions of primary sources.
Dr. Lisa Pearl, Head of US Content and Philanthropic Initiatives at Ancestry, said that the partnership will help "protect these important documents and open the door for families to uncover untold stories of inspiring HBCU alumni and ancestors."
The initiative addresses a critical need for digital preservation while creating new opportunities for historical research, genealogical connections, and greater visibility for the significant contributions of HBCUs to American history and education.
