By Deyane Moses
Special to the AFRO
October marks American Archives Month, a time to recognize the vital role that archives play in preserving historical documents and records. This year, the AFRO highlights the work of Corey Lewis, one of two assistant state archivists for the Maryland State Archives (MSA). MSA has been a steadfast partner to Afro Charities, the sister company to AFRO News, providing crucial support in preserving the rich history of Black communities in Maryland.
Lewis brings vast experience and dedication to his role at MSA. His responsibilities are wide-ranging, but his focus on preserving and making history accessible remains his top priority.
“As one of two assistant state archivists, I oversee key operations such as appraisal, digitization, constituent services, and interagency coordination,” Lewis told the Afro Charities team.
Founded in 1935, the Maryland State Archives serves as the central repository for the state’s most valuable records, dating back to Maryland’s founding in 1634. The Archives hold a diverse range of documents including colonial and state government records, county probate and land records, private papers, maps, photographs, and newspapers. With over 300 million images available online, MSA empowers Marylanders to explore their history with greater ease.
A key aspect of MSA’s work is its collaboration with Afro Charities.
“Our partnership with Afro Charities is one of our proudest achievements,” says Lewis.
This collaboration not only ensures that the AFRO Archives are preserved and made accessible to the public, but also strengthens community ties while Afro Charities works to complete restoration of the historic Upton Mansion for its new headquarters.
Beyond housing collections, the MSA is committed to helping Black communities safeguard their historical records. “Our support is tailored to the community’s needs,” Lewis explains, noting that this can include training in collection development, proper record storage, and digitization. The goal is to ensure that community histories are preserved for generations to come.
One of the central challenges in preserving community collections is sustainability.
(Photo by Marlon Selmon)
“How do we ensure that the community’s work lives on?” Lewis asks. Many collections thrive outside of traditional institutions like state archives or museums, but partnering with entities like the MSA can alleviate the long-term burdens of storage and access, allowing the community to focus on its storytelling and heritage.
MSA is also focused on fostering trust and transparency with communities. “We’re developing ethical guidelines to ensure our work remains community-guided, with open communication and respect for access restrictions requested by donors or deemed necessary by our archivists,” Lewis emphasizes. This framework is critical in maintaining the integrity of the collections while honoring the communities they represent.
Looking ahead, the MSA remains committed to supporting Black communities within Maryland.
“We’re continuing our work with groups like Friends of the Crownsville Hospital, Blacks of the Chesapeake, and the Women’s Civic League, while expanding relationships with other communities and archival institutions,” says Lewis.
(Courtesy photo)
Collaboration is key to maximizing the impact of these efforts, and Lewis acknowledges that success in these projects requires the collective strength and talents of many.
As we celebrate American Archives Month, it’s important to recognize the invaluable work of archivists like Corey Lewis and institutions like the Maryland State Archives. Their efforts ensure that Maryland’s diverse history is preserved and accessible, empowering communities to share their stories and preserve their cultural heritage.
We would like to thank Corey Lewis and the MSA for their unwavering support of Afro Charities and our efforts to preserve the treasure that is the AFRO American Newspapers Archives.
Deyane Moses is director of programs and partnerships for Afro Charities.To learn more about the Maryland State Archives, visit https://msa.maryland.gov.
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