Artworks depicting African American historical figures and themes, featured at the Amistad Research Center, showcasing social justice and heritage.
Dessalines was Crowned Emperor
Series #41-Catalogue #194
Christoph Sets Fire to La Carte
Series #32-Catalogue #185
Bonaparte Looks to Capture Haiti
Series #30-Catalogue #183

Where Heritage Meets Vision

The Amistad Research Center is the nation’s oldest, largest, and most comprehensive independent archives specializing in the history of African Americans and other ethnic, religious, and cultural minorities.

Watch this special video message from our Board President, sharing insights into our mission and the impact of our work.

Research Our Collections

Our cornerstone collection, the American Missionary Association archives, houses the materials of the Supreme Court case, United States v. The Amistad in which a group of kidnapped, enslaved Africans from the Mendi tribe fought and re-gained their freedom. These records contain more than 300 letters and legal documents from those who played a role in this landmark decision.

This is only one of the thousands of stories visitors can find at the Amistad Research Center in New Orleans. Please contact the research desk to plan a tour and view these rare documents.

Letter from the Mendi people freed from their time on the Amistad thank former President John Quincy Adams for taking their case pro bono.

Opening quote

Research Our Collections

Our cornerstone collection, the American Missionary Association archives, houses the materials of the Supreme Court case, United States v. The Amistad in which a group of kidnapped, enslaved Africans from the Mendi tribe fought and re-gained their freedom. These records contain more than 300 letters and legal documents from those who played a role in this landmark decision.

This is only one of the thousands of stories visitors can find at the Amistad Research Center in New Orleans. Please contact the research desk to plan a tour and view these rare documents.

Historical document titled 'Appeal to the Friends of Liberty' from 1839, emphasizing early advocacy for the rights of African captives, part of the Amistad Research Center's archives.

Letter from the Mendi people freed from their time on the Amistad thanking former President John Quincy Adams for taking their case pro bono.

Opening quote
Discussion between a man holding a microphone and Kathe Hambrick, showcasing community dialogue and cultural events hosted by the Amistad Research Center.Play Icon
Tyrann
Feb 29, 2024
Recap: Tyrann Mathieu, Verizon host Black History Month event with Amistad Research Center
Discussion between a man holding a microphone and Kathe Hambrick, showcasing community dialogue and cultural events hosted by the Amistad Research Center.Play Icon
Tyrann
Feb 29, 2024
Recap: Tyrann Mathieu, Verizon host Black History Month event with Amistad Research Center
Tyrann Mathieu
Feb 29, 2024
Recap: Tyrann Mathieu, Verizon host Black History Month event with Amistad Research Center
Kim Boyle
Aug 4, 2024
Recap: The Amistad Research Center by Kim Boyle Board, Board Chair

Amistad allowed my students to do hands-on research for our Unsung Heroes Project. Staff met with my sixth-grade students in the classroom to teach them how to analyze primary and secondary sources, and provided students with access to their sources in order to help students conduct their research.

Katheryne Patterson
,
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Teacher, Willow Charter School

Start Your Journey @
Amistad Research Center