Amistad Research Center Celebrates 60 Years of Preserving Black History and Culture

The Amistad Research Center is celebrating a major milestone in 2026 as the Historic Institution marks its Diamond Jubilee—its 60th Anniversary of preserving the history and culture of marginalized communities in America and throughout the African Diaspora.

Founded in 1966 at Fisk University, the Amistad Research Center has grown into one of the nation’s largest and most respected Independent Archives documenting African American life, social movements, and cultural history. Over the decades, the center has relocated several times—from Dillard University to the Historic U.S. Mint—before finding its current home at Tulane University in Tilton Hall in New Orleans.

Today, Amistad houses more than 900 Archival Collections, offering scholars, students, and the public access to rare documents, manuscripts, photographs, and historical materials that chronicle the struggles and achievements of communities often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives.

Kathe Hambrick, Director of the Amistad Research Center, says the anniversary reflects both the resilience of the institution and the support of the community over the many years of its existence.

“Established at Fisk University in 1966 and later housed at Dillard University and the U.S. Mint, the Amistad Research Center has triumphantly withstood six decades of growth, transition, and change,” Hambrick said. “Thanks to the unwavering support of friends and its many supporters, Amistad now stands strong in New Orleans as one of America’s largest and most Prestigious Independent Archives.”

Hambrick emphasized that the center’s mission remains focused on preserving history while ensuring that these stories remain accessible to future generations.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to preserve the history and culture of marginalized communities in America and throughout the Diaspora,” she said. “Our staff is deeply committed to the preservation of—and public access to—more than 900 Collections entrusted to our care.”

Hambrick also expressed appreciation for its longstanding partnership with Tulane University, whose campus provides a welcoming environment for scholars and visitors exploring its extensive archives.

Amistad’s Leadership and its board also acknowledged the support of donors, scholars, and community members who helped sustain the institution through challenges in recent years. As the organization enters its next chapter, officials say the anniversary year will include events and initiatives designed to strengthen the center’s long-term sustainability.