A history class at the University of Michigan recently had the chance to study two unique aspects of American life just before and after the end of the 19th century: African American life in the Albany area after the end of slavery…and the photograph. Today on the Best Of Our Knowledge, we’ll talk to Dr. Martha Jones, the history professor whose class studied the photo albums of Arabella Chapman…and preserved them on line for all to see.
We’ll also spend an academic minute thinking about studying history by going back in time and having a peek. Apparently, that’s getting closer to theoretic reality…if that’s a thing.
You can view all the photographs in the Arabella Chapman Project HERE.
If you think you or someone you know may be related to Arabella Chapman, please contact Dr. Martha Jones at: msjonz@umich.edu
Read students blog posts about their experience with the project HERE.
