A new chapter in Black American history is unfolding at the Newberry Library, courtesy of a
recently acquired glass slides collection highlighting the significance of Chicago and several other Northern cities during the Great Migration of African Americans in the early 1920s. The Great Migration was the movement of millions of African Americans from the rural South to the urban Northeast, Midwest and West.
The slides, thought to have been produced between 1922 and 1923 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, and according to the Newberry Library’s website, “are the most complete set known to survive and few if any, of the images have ever been published.”
South Park M.E. Church, Chicago, circa 1920s.
Courtesy Newberry Library
Will Hansen, 43, curator of the Newberry Library, says the slides were purchased at auction in October 2022.
“We had our eye on an auction of African Americana and knew that would be something incredibly fascinating for the Newbery and to have in Chicago,” Hansen said.
The slides are glass sheets with an image placed between them. They are based on black-and-white images that have been hand-colored.
Reading room, Scott Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, Detroit, Mich., circa 1920s.
Courtesy Newberry Library
“They are a series of lantern slides, also known as sort of magic lantern slides,” Hansen said. “These slides were most likely created to raise funds for the Methodist Episcopal Church’s operations supporting migrants, as well as Black communities.”
Miriam Thaggert, a former Newberry research fellow, says the images create a strong connection between the viewer and the people pictured in the slides.
“They are very special visualizations of the African American culture during the Great Migration,” Thaggert said.
Dressmaking class, St. Mark’s Church, Chicago, circa 1920s.
Courtesy Newberry Library
Only a few of the slides have a distinct Chicago connection; other locations include Detroit, Baltimore and Dallas.
“I believe the Chicago-based slides have a sense of immediacy. They transport you back to that moment, making you feel as though you were there, and I think it is valuable for Chicagoans to view these slides,” Hansen said.
The Newberry library staff is excited for the 44 “moments in time” to be seen.
Champions of the Chicago Church League, 1921-22
Courtesy Newberry Library
“The Great Migration is an important part of Chicago’s history that is sometimes treated as if it belongs in the distant past or isn’t really relevant today,” Hansen said. “It’s important for all Chicagoans to see these [slides] and make that connection.”
The images are not on display at the Newberry Library, but can be viewed for free online at collections.newberry.org.
Mt. Zion Church, Washington, circa 1922.
Courtesy Newberry Library