BEREA, Ky. — Hutchins Library is marking Black History Month with month-long displays and related events in collaboration with Special Collections and Archives, inviting the public to explore materials that connect Berea’s local story to national Black history.
A central thread this month is the legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the Berea College alumnus (Class of 1903) widely known as the “Father of Black History.” Berea College’s Black Cultural Center notes that campus-wide Black History Month programming pays tribute to Woodson and his work.
🗂️ What You Can See at Hutchins Library
Special Collections and Archives maintains a Carter G. Woodson collection that includes clippings, publications, Berea College news releases, copies of academic records, letters, and exhibit items related to his life and work.
The library’s February displays are designed to make those materials more accessible to the community, especially for visitors who have never stepped into the archives before.
🏛️ When and Where
- Location: Hutchins Library (Lobby and Display Walls), Berea College campus
- Dates: Displays are viewable throughout February.
- Check the Schedule: To confirm times for specific programs, check the Library Calendar (look for “Black History Month Event”).
🌟 Why This Matters in Berea
In a town where history often shows up as scenery, Berea College’s archives offer something rarer: receipts.
These are the letters, records, publications, and primary source materials that show how people lived, studied, organized, and built community. Woodson’s story is a reminder that major cultural movements are often shaped by people with small-town roots and deep persistence.