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Photographic portraits of African-American soldiers from the WWII era (black and white, averaging 2 in. x 3 in.). Some of the portraits have names recorded to their backs in pencil. These soldiers were stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Commemorative articles about Tuskegee Institute and its founder, the educator, Booker T. Washington. Also copies of a few articles by this renowned turn of the century leader of Afro-Americans and a copy of his autobiography, Up From Slavery. Also includes photographs of Washington and his family and facsimiles of his passport application and death certificate. This material reflects Washington's philosophy of economic self help for African-Americans.

A scrapbook containing photographs and news clippings documenting activities of the Buffalo Soldiers, Inc., a community action organization of young black men in Monongalia County. Their activities include multi-cultural presentations at local schools, recreation programs for local black children, black heritage programs and festivals, presentations on African history and culture in cooperation with African students from West Virginia University, and cooperative activities with NAACP. Inventory available.

The papers of Edward J. Cabbell, an author, poet, editor, and historian documents subjects regarding African-American history in Appalachia, encompassing the colonial period through 1988. The materials include research papers, articles, photographs, clippings, books, and publications such as "Then & Now" and "Black Diamonds". There is also information pertaining to the John Henry legend and includes articles, music references and literature. There are photographs of paintings and sculptures of John Henry, candid images of the John Henry Folk Festivals, Edward J. Cabbell as the director of the John Henry Memorial Foundation and Louis W. Chappell, a West Virginia University professor who compiled a massive collection of Appalachia folklore and music, including John Henry material.

John W. M. Appleton (1833-1913) was an officer in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, the Union's first regiment of African American soldiers, during the Civil War. Appleton's letters to his wife, memoirs, military records, and other materials provide a detailed account of his military service with this regiment, including the daily operations and activities of his company, troop movements and engagements, and the challenges facing black troops. Appleton also drew detailed sketches in his memoir and letters that depict the battlefield landscape and his unit's positions, including fortifications, encampments, and quarters. Significant topics include the geography around Charleston, South Carolina; the assault on Fort Wagner and other engagements in the Charleston Harbor in the summer and fall of 1863; the fatigue work and picket duty of the 54th Massachusetts; and the battle of Olustee and related engagements near Jacksonville, Florida, in February and March 1864. Also included are family materials and business papers. The family materials include genealogy as well as books about Hon. William Appleton and Samuel Appleton. The business papers contain a ledger from Appleton's time as an agent with Oriental Powder Mills. See Scope and Content Note for more details. See Historical Note for more information about Appleton.