HomeGuide to the Archive

Guide to the Archive

We are glad to provide you with access to our digital collection. Whether you’re a researcher, student, or just curious, our digital archive is here to help you explore this history of racial terror lynchings in Maryland. Read the tips below to learn how to navigate the site.

Getting Started

  • Browse the Collection - Use the navigate menu on the left to explore our collections by category:
    • Name
    • County
    • Items  (e.g., photographs, manuscripts, articles)
  • Search Functionality - Use the search bar to the left to enter keywords related to your topic of interest.
    • search by title, author, date, or subject
    • utilize filters to narrow your results

Viewing Items

  • Click on any item in your search results to view its details. You’ll find descriptions, publication dates, and any relevant metadata.
  • Most items are available in high-resolution formats. Look for the download button if you wish to save a copy for your personal use.

Tools and Features

  • Citation Tools: Each item includes citation information in various styles (APA, MLA, Chicago) to assist with your research.
  • Help and Support: If you encounter any issues or have questions, please visit contact our team via the “Contact Us” page.

Other Considerations

Content Warning

We acknowledge that historical records may contain harmful language that reflects attitudes and biases of their time. The MLMP archive does not alter, edit, or modify original record as they are part of the historical record. If you discover harmful language in staff-generated descriptions, please reach out to us via the Contact Form.

Bias

For each victim, we provide a brief summary of the alleged events leading to that lynching, information on the lynching itself, and details of the aftermath where available. We also include short descriptions for each item in the archive. The resources available are predominantly white newspapers, which usually contain biases and inflammatory accusations. Whenever possible, Black newspapers are used as well, but often these are not available. As a result, much of the the historical record reflects extreme bias. If you discover bias in staff-generated descriptions, please reach out to us via the Contact Form.