RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The often-untold narrative of African-Americans before the Civil War is unfolding at the Library of Virginia.
Drawing on a variety of local records, a new project undertaken by the Richmond repository of Virginia history is casting a light on that clouded era for African-Americans.
The project is called "Virginia Untold: The African-American Narrative." Started in 2013, it now has amassed more than 100,000 African-American names and nearly 40,000 digital images. Those images include coroners' inquisitions, so-called freedom certificates and petitions for re-enslavement.
The documents tell the stories of African-Americans dating back to the 17th century. Researchers have often lamented the scarcity of primary sources for information about the pre-Civil War lives of African Americans.
The library is encouraging researchers, community members and others to access "Virginia Untold" at www.virginiamemory.com.
