The Burton Historical Collection is located within the Main Branch of the Detroit Public Library. This library complex is located in the University Cultural Center Area on Woodward Avenue. The Collection has an extensive collection of resources on the history of African- Americans in Detroit. Pictures, pamphlets, original manuscripts, rare books and other archival materials on African-Americans are housed in this collection. In addition, actual census enumerations, census documents and other materials to assist in genealogical research can be found in the Burton Collection. Examples of documents available here include: personal letters and manuscripts written by African-Americans, including an unpublished manuscript highlighting the Black population of Detroit. This typewritten copy of “Detroit Heritage,” was written by Fred Hart Williams and Hoyt Fuller in the early 1970’s. This document was never published due to the sudden death of Mr. Williams. Fortunately a copy of this manuscript can be found in the “Fred Hart Williams Papers” in the Burton Historical Collection. Also, a rare book by Ulysses Boykin, entitled A Handbook on the Detroit Negro, and microfilm copies of the Plaindealer newspaper, an 1880’s Detroit African-American newspaper. These documents are only available in the Burton Collection. An introduction and tour of the collection is available, but an appointment with the librarian needs to be made in advance. |
