Black History
Sarah Daisy Barker Thomas/Corley Collection
The museum is proud to have in its collections the single largest archive of one Black family in Richland County. This collection spans the history of Black families not only in Richland County, but also other counties, in documents and photos all by Dorothy Corley, who was the executrix of Daisy’s Estate in 1971. All of this material was preserved and handed to her children, who donated the collection to the museum. We are very proud to be the repository of this collection.
The African American community has been established here since at least 1806 when we were under the jurisdiction of Knox County. The earliest documentation in Richland County, after 1813, is in the early 1820s. There is a rich and full history of the community, but most of the heritage as of yet has not been found. For the past 17 years, the Curator has been doing research on this and many other projects. Much of the 19th history has been rediscovered, but much more must be done.
Daisy’s collection is an important part of this history. The collection ranges in dates from pre Civil War thru the 1930s. There are also, in this collection, important original documents and brochures from Idlewild, a resort in Michigan for African Americans, and it still exists today. From slaves, Civil War veterans, to businesses men and women, their contribution to our community has been vital. We are always looking for volunteers to help with this and other subject research to fill in missing gaps in our history. To learn more and see this collection, come to the museum for more information or to help with this project.
