The HistoryMakers Digital Archive | Los Angeles Public Library

The HistoryMakers Digital Archive is an easy-to-use online database of thousands of African American interviews from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. This resource provides high-quality video content, fully searchable transcripts, and unique content from individuals whose life stories would have been lost were it not for the HistoryMakers.

Features videotaped first person testimony of both well-known and unsung African Americans recorded in 180 cities and towns across the United States
Over 9,000 hours (2,800 interviews) of unique content, the interviews in The HistoryMakers Digital Archive range from 90 minutes to 15 hours in length, and are housed permanently at the Library of Congress
Fifteen distinct categories: Art, Business, Civics, Education, Entertainment, Law, Media, Medicine, Military, Music, Politics, Religion, STEM, Sports, and Style (Fashion & Beauty)

HistoryMakers Digital Archive is free and easy to access with your library card and PIN.

Access Now

Additional Resources

Don't have a library card?
Get an e-card to get access instantly.

Find A Library

Choose Branch:

Support Your Library

Why support the Library?

The Los Angeles Public Library serves the largest most diverse population of any library in the United States.

Through its Central Library and 72 branches, the Los Angeles Public Library provides free and easy access to information, ideas, books and technology that enrich, educate and empower every individual in our city's diverse communities.

With more people than ever before using the library—a record 17 million last year alone—your support helps the Library provide people with the resources they need to succeed and thrive.

How to support the Library

You can support the Los Angeles Public Library in several ways:

Join a “Friends” group. There is a “Friends of the Library” group for most branch libraries and departments of the Central Library. Friends groups raise money for improvements to their library through memberships, used book sales and other activities. For more information click here or talk to your local librarian.

Join the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. The Library Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises funds for Library enhancement programs such as adult and early literacy, children and teen reading clubs, technology, and cultural programs. Foundation members receive a variety of benefits with their membership. For more information, see http://www.lfla.org.

Make a donation by check to the Los Angeles Public Library and send it to:
Support the Library, 630 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles CA 90071 or call (213) 228-7272.