Documenting. Verifying.
Preserving. Sharing.
The Black Economic History Institute advances the understanding of American economic history by identifying, verifying, preserving, and sharing the documented contributions of Black Americans through rigorous research, public education, and an enduring historical record.
RIGOROUS RESEARCH
We prioritize primary records and credible scholarship, documenting exactly what each source can—and cannot—establish.
Claim Verification
Every material claim is evaluated, classified, and traced to evidence before publication.
Preserving the Record
We document the institutions, enterprises, and economic activity of Black Americans, preserving source references, research context, and eligible digital reproductions.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
We make documented history accessible through research profiles, educational resources, and public scholarship.
BUILDING AN ENDURING RECORD. EXPANDING AMERICAN ECONOMIC HISTORY.
Black economic history is often dispersed across archives, newspapers, patent files, property records, court records, business records, and private collections. The Black Economic History Institute brings that evidence together, tests the claims built from it, and preserves a documented record for public use.
We distinguish verified facts from attributed claims, estimates, disputes, and Institute analysis—and show the evidence behind each conclusion.
INSTITUTE STATUS
The Institute publishes research profiles with linked evidence and continues to expand its research system and documentary record. Sources, evidence classifications, and research limitations are identified within each Profile.