Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0027
AC.1.B.1.5.2
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Meek-Eaton Archival Collection AR_0012
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Collection
Location: AC.2.A.1.6.3 - AC.2.A.2.3.1; AC.3.B.3.3.1 - AC.3.B.3.3.2; AC.8.B.1.2.3 - AC.8.B.1.3.2
In 1975, James N. Eaton spearheaded the effort that ultimately gave rise to the creation of FAMU’s Black Archives. By 1976, the ‘Black Archives Research Center and Museum’ came into existence, and Eaton was recognized and appointed as its inaugural archivist, curator, and director.
For the next three decades, he helped amass a collection of memorabilia and printed records that now comprise one of the region’s most extensive collections of first-source material relating to the history, culture and contributions of people of African descent living in the United States.
James Eaton constructed in 1976 the first exhibits, using historical memorabilia from his own family. Afterward, he petitioned the university and community members to contribute historical material to the repository. Ilis call was answered by the first Black Archives donors and volunteers, who included: Donald Hill, Frank Pinder, John F. Matheus, and a host of other individuals and groups. Thus, the Research Center was chartered in 1976 and was officially opened in 1977.
Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0019
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Collection
Location: AC.8.B.4.4.1 - AC.8.B.4.7.1
The Joe Nash Collection documents a range of cultural, social, and media-related materials reflecting aspects of public life and community engagement. The collection includes advertisements, books, magazines, news clippings, newsletters, photographs, programs, and other publications such as theatrical playbills and posters.
These materials provide insight into entertainment, communication, and cultural expression across various contexts. The presence of theatrical playbills, programs, and posters highlights performance and artistic activity, while magazines, newsletters, and news clippings capture contemporary events, trends, and public discourse.
Photographs within the collection offer visual documentation that complements the printed materials, enhancing its research value. Collectively, the Joe Nash Collection preserves a diverse array of media formats, serving as a resource for understanding cultural production and the ways information and experiences were shared within communities.
Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0056
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File
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1909-1983
Location: AC.2.B.3.6.2 - AC.3.A.1.2.8
The John F. Matheus Collection documents the life, literary career, and intellectual contributions of John Frederick Matheus, an American writer and scholar associated with the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. The materials in this collection date from 1909 to 1983 and provide insight into Matheus’s development as a prominent literary figure known for his short stories, as well as his work in essays, plays, and poetry.
Matheus gained national recognition for his literary achievements, including his short story “Fog,” which won first place in Opportunity magazine’s literary contest in 1925 and was subsequently published in The New Negro. He continued to receive acclaim with his story “Swamp Moccasin,” which earned first prize in The Crisis magazine’s contest in 1926. His writing reflects the broader artistic and cultural movements of the Harlem Renaissance and was influenced by earlier literary figures such as Harriet Beecher Stowe, Edgar Allan Poe, Phillis Wheatley, and Paul Laurence Dunbar.
The collection consists of personal papers and literary materials that illustrate both Matheus’s professional accomplishments and personal life. Included are correspondence, original manuscripts, notes, and newspaper articles that document his writing process and engagement with literary communities. Photographs and personal items further contextualize his experiences and relationships within the cultural and intellectual circles of his time.
Collectively, the John F. Matheus Collection provides valuable documentation of an important voice of the Harlem Renaissance and offers researchers insight into early twentieth-century African American literature, artistic expression, and scholarly thought.
Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0009
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Collection
Location: AC.8.B.1.1.1-AC.8.B.1.1.3
Joseph “Joe” Lang Kershaw, Sr. (June 27, 1911–November 7, 1999) was the first African American elected to the Florida Legislature since Reconstruction. Born in Live Oak, Florida, he attended Florida A&M University in the 1930s, where he was involved in early campus life, including the beginnings of the football program, and pledged Kappa Alpha Psi. He later worked as a teacher in Miami-Dade County and as a janitor in the Florida Legislature before entering politics. Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1968, Kershaw served for fourteen years and chaired the Elections Committee, contributing to the establishment of the Florida Human Rights Commission.
The Joseph Lang Kershaw, Sr. Collection documents Kershaw’s life, career, and contributions to Florida’s political and educational history. The collection contains materials related to his personal and academic background, as well as records reflecting his tenure in the Florida House of Representatives.
Included are documents that highlight his legislative work, professional activities, and community involvement. The collection also contains materials pertaining to his family, including references to his father, A. J. Kershaw, as well as correspondence and documents related to colleagues and contemporaries such as Gwendolyn Cherry and Althea Gibson. Collectively, these records provide insight into Kershaw’s role as a pioneering African American legislator and his broader impact on civil rights and public service in Florida.
Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0005
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Collection
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1948 - 2001
Location:AC.1.B.1.4.1 - AC.1.B.1.4.2
The Julian “Cannonball” Adderley Memorial Jazz Collection documents the life, career, and legacy of renowned jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley. The collection includes both archival records and museum objects relating to Adderley’s professional achievements, public recognition, and cultural influence.
Materials in the collection consist of awards, photographs, publications, magazines, newspaper articles, sheet music, recordings, correspondence, and exhibit artifacts. Several items relate directly to Adderley’s connection with Florida A&M University, including his academic degree and alumni publications. Additional materials document his musical career, honors, memorial recognitions, and media coverage following his illness and death.
The collection also contains museum exhibit items, including plaques, medals, framed artwork, photographs, and audio recordings associated with Adderley and his brother Nat Adderley. Printed sources such as magazines and newspapers highlight his role in jazz history and the broader cultural recognition of his contributions to American music. The collection is arranged by subject and material type. Printed materials and memorabilia were first sorted by format, then organized alphabetically and placed in acid-free folders and boxes for long-term preservation.
Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0026
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Collection
Location: AC.1.B.1.4.8
Dr. Kimberly Brown Pellum is a historian, author, and two-time Florida A&M University alumna, as well as a former “Miss FAMU” pageant queen. She serves as an assistant professor of history at Florida A&M University and is the founding director of MuseumofBlackBeauty.com, a digital public history initiative. Her scholarship focuses on twentieth-century African American women, beauty culture, southern history, and freedom movements. Dr. Pellum has contributed to major public history institutions, including the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, the National Park Service, and the Rosa Parks Museum. She is the author of Black Beauties: African American Pageant Queens in the Segregated South and Queen Like Me: The True Story of Girls Who Changed the World.
The Kimberly Brown Collection consists of one box of materials centered on Queen Like Me: The True Story of Girls Who Changed the World. The collection includes multiple copies of the publication as well as related materials such as children’s worksheets and miscellaneous documents associated with the book.
These materials reflect Dr. Pellum’s work in public history and youth education, emphasizing themes of empowerment, representation, and African American girlhood. The collection provides insight into the development and educational use of the publication, highlighting its role in promoting positive identity and historical awareness among young readers.
Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0116
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1956 - 1973
Location: AC.3.B.1.4.4 - AC.3.B.1.5.1
The Mrs. Willie Ziegler White Collection consists of 5 boxes of materials documenting her involvement in education and parent-teacher organizations, particularly within the Florida State Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers and related networks. The collection reflects her role as an educator and community leader engaged in advancing African American education and parental involvement during the era of segregation.
The collection includes correspondence, news clippings, directories, handbooks, ledgers, notepads, and record books, as well as files related to Parent Teacher Association activities. These materials document both administrative functions and community outreach efforts. Also included are records from affiliated organizations such as the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers, the National Convention of Christians and Jews, and the Georgia Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers.
Additional materials consist of songs, poems, manuals, publications, and magazines that reflect the educational, cultural, and organizational priorities of the groups with which Mrs. White was associated. Correspondence within the collection highlights communication between educators, administrators, and community members involved in improving educational opportunities.
Collectively, the collection provides insight into the leadership, organization, and advocacy efforts of African American educators and parent organizations, as well as the broader network of institutions working to support Black education in the early to mid-twentieth century.
Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0030
AC.3.B.1.2.3
Oscar C. Gadson Jr. was a distinguished World War II veteran, Tuskegee Airman, and Buffalo Soldier who dedicated his life to military service and public health. As a member of the historic Tuskegee Airmen, he trained as a pilot and later served with the 92nd Infantry Division, one of the only all-Black combat units in the war, participating in major offensives in Italy.
Gadson’s military career reflected both courage and resilience during an era of segregation, earning recognition for his service in multiple campaigns against German forces. After the war, he continued serving others through a 40-year career as a clinical laboratory scientist at the Tuskegee Veterans Affairs medical center.
In later life, Gadson was honored for his contributions, including serving as grand marshal of a Veterans Day parade, where he was recognized for his bravery, strength, and lifelong commitment to his country.
Meek-Eaton Archival Collection MS_0022
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Collection
Location: AC.2.B.2.3.2 - AC.2.B.2.3.5
Reverend Dr. James L. Hudson, Sr. (1904–1980) was a minister, educator, and civil rights leader. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, he graduated from Morehouse College in 1926 and later earned a divinity degree from Colgate-Rochester School of Religion in 1931. He served as a chaplain at Leland College until 1946 before completing doctoral studies at Boston College. Dr. Hudson later joined Florida A&M University as a chaplain and professor, where he founded the Department of Religion and Philosophy and served as its first chair. A close associate of Rev. Charles K. Steele, he played a key role in civil rights efforts, including the 1956 Tallahassee Bus Boycott, and was active in organizations such as the Tallahassee Ministerial Alliance and the Inter-Civic Council.
The Reverend Dr. James Hudson, Sr. Collection documents Hudson’s career in ministry, education, and civil rights activism. The collection contains materials related to his work at Florida A&M University, including records associated with the establishment of the Department of Religion and Philosophy, as well as documents reflecting his role as a chaplain and educator.
Additional materials highlight his involvement in civil rights initiatives in Tallahassee, including his collaboration with local religious and community leaders. The collection may include correspondence, sermons, speeches, and organizational records that illustrate his leadership in religious and civic life. Collectively, these materials provide insight into Hudson’s lasting contributions to higher education, faith leadership, and the advancement of social justice.