Civil Rights History Project: A New Initiative

Thu 18 2008

The House of Representatives passed the Civil Rights History Project Act (H.R. 998) on September 17. The Act directs the Library of Congress and the National Museum of African American History and Culture to collect oral histories of participants in the Civil Rights movement.

The Civil Rights History Project is a two-phase endeavor. The first involves surveying existing collections in archives, libraries, museums, and other educational institutions. The second involves reproducing and creating a collection of recordings and materials and to catalogue and index the collection for public acces.

Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) has introduced companion legislation (S.3511) in the Senate. Action is pending.

About the Author

Lee Ann Ghajar is a digital history associate in Public Projects at CHNM and a PhD candidate in American history at George Mason University.