Preserving History: The African American Funeral Programs Project at WHHRC

The Willow Hill Heritage and Renaissance Center (WHHRC) has recently embarked on an exciting journey to preserve and celebrate African American history through its newly funded African American Funeral Programs Project. This initiative, made possible by a generous grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), aims to digitize and interpret a valuable collection of funeral programs that serve as critical artifacts in documenting family histories, cultural practices, and community connections across generations.

The Significance of Funeral Programs

Funeral programs are often treated as transient memorials, overlooked in the vast sea of historical documents. However, these artifacts are much more than mere announcements; they hold a wealth of genealogical data and provide insights into social networks and local history. For many African American families, these programs encapsulate stories of resilience, community, and legacy. By digitizing and making these materials accessible online, WHHRC seeks to bridge gaps in historical narratives and enable researchers, educators, genealogists, and the public to discover previously hidden histories.

Dr. Alvin D. Jackson, MD, board president of WHHRC, emphasizes the importance of this project: “This IMLS support is transformative for our mission. Our goal is to protect these fragile yet invaluable records and shine a light on local African American legacies that might otherwise remain hidden or inaccessible.”

Collaboration with Georgia Southern University

The success of the African American Funeral Programs Project is bolstered by a partnership with Georgia Southern University. This collaboration supports multiple facets of the project, including archival processing, digital access, and targeted research efforts. A key component of this partnership is the provision of internship opportunities for students in public history and museum studies. These internships grant students hands-on experience with archival digitization, metadata creation, and community engagement.

Through this initiative, the next generation of historians, archivists, and librarians will receive vital training while actively contributing to the preservation of African American history in Bulloch County and its neighboring areas.

Showcasing the Project at Georgia Libraries Conference

To highlight the significance and innovation of the African American Funeral Programs Project, WHHRC and Georgia Southern Libraries plan to present their work at the upcoming Georgia Libraries Conference 2025, scheduled for October 8–10 in Columbus, Georgia. The presentation, titled “A.I. in the Institutional Repository: Leveraging ChatGPT and Python to Support a Community Partner Collection,” promises to explore how modern technology is enhancing access to historical materials.

The session will feature a diverse panel of experts, including Jeffrey Mortimore and Nathan Banks from Georgia Southern University, along with WHHRC representatives Dr. Alvin D. Jackson and Nkenge Jackson-Flowers, MD. Together, they will discuss how artificial intelligence tools and Python-based technologies are improving metadata and facilitating community engagement, ultimately seeking to create a richer and more accessible archive of African American cultural heritage.

Activities and Impact of the Project

The IMLS grant will enable several critical activities within the African American Funeral Programs Project, aimed at ensuring thorough preservation and accessibility:

• Digitization of Materials: High-resolution digitization of funeral programs will allow for detailed preservation and public access.
• Archival Conservation: This grant facilitates the enhancement of storage and conservation practices for original artifacts, safeguarding them for future generations.
• Metadata Improvement: By leveraging AI-assisted tools, the project will significantly enhance metadata and cataloging, making it easier for users to search and discover relevant materials.
• Educational Partnerships: Collaborations with local schools, genealogical societies, and universities will facilitate educational access to the collection.
• Public Engagement Initiatives: WHHRC is committed to promoting public access through exhibits, talks, and community programming, fostering a deeper understanding of African American history.

Through these initiatives, WHHRC aims to enrich public knowledge of African American experiences in Bulloch County and beyond, strengthening community ties through shared heritage.

The Legacy of Willow Hill Heritage and Renaissance Center

Founded in 2005 and housed in the historic Willow Hill School building, the WHHRC stands as a testament to the resilience and contributions of African Americans in Southeast Georgia. The original school was established in 1874 by formerly enslaved people, continuing for 125 years—the longest-running school in Bulloch County. Today, WHHRC serves not only as a museum but also as a vibrant community space and educational resource, dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and celebrating African American history in the region.

In undertaking this groundbreaking project, WHHRC invites the community to engage with their heritage, uncover hidden histories, and partake in the ongoing narrative of resilience, community, and culture that has shaped the African American experience in Georgia.