The Black Archives of Mid America in Kansas City

This one-of-a-kind attraction, located just one block west of the 18th and Vine District, boasts one of the largest collections of African-American art, memorabilia and historical materials in the region. You will also explore the histories and lifestyles of many of the most respected African-American leaders in the area. The Black Archives of Mid America was founded by Horace Peterson.

The Black Archives of Mid America boasts one of the largest collections of African-American art, memorabilia and historical materials in the nation, with special focus on black history and culture in the four-state area of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Oklahoma . Established by African American historian and folorist Horace M. Peterson III in 1974 on the second floor of the local YMCA, the collection today contains more than 31,000 items, including black art, paintings, manuscripts , photographs, personal correspondence, oral histories, and rare books. Permanent exhibits include one dedicated to Buffalo Soldiers and other Black Army units that served in the Civil War up to World War II, as well as a faithful reconstruction of a 19th century slave cabin. Located in Kansas City’s historic 18th and Vine District, a visit to the Black Archives of Mid American makes the perfect addition to a day of discovery in the downtown area.

The Mission of the Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City, Inc.

The mission of the Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City, Inc. is to collect, preserve and make available to the public materials documenting the social, economic, political and cultural histories of persons of African American descent in the central United States, with particular emphasis in the Kansas City, Missouri region. Black Archives of Mid-America is an educational resource and provides access to its collections for research, exhibition and publication to honor our community heritage and to catalyze public awareness.

Currently, you may only view the digitized collection online.

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