EMBER
Early Midwest Black Experience Research
Recovering the Lives History Left Behind
EMBER (Early Midwest Black Experience Research) is a team of independent researchers working to find and share the stories of early Black residents across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.
From territorial days through 1900, we are building a public record of lives that have been overlooked for too long. We want these stories back where they belong: with families, communities, and the historical record.
Who We Are
For too long, early Black history in the Upper Midwest has been scattered, buried, or left out entirely.
EMBER is a collective of historians, genealogists, and community researchers who are changing that. We work together to find, document, and share the lives of early Black residents across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas.
We dig through census records, newspaper archives, homestead filings, Civil War pension files, and old photographs. When we find someone, we work to tell their story fully and share it widely.
We partner with historical societies, archives, and museums across the region. Every person we uncover deserves to be remembered with care and dignity.
Make an Impact Today
This work runs on passion and your support.
Most of our researchers are volunteers. We give our time because these lives matter and this history cannot wait.
But records cost money. Each document we request brings another person's story back into the light.
Your gift goes directly to that work.
Volunteer with us
Our research is only as strong as the people behind it.
There is a place for you here whether you have a few hours or a regular weekly commitment. You can help with census records, newspaper archives, transcription, data entry, writing, or outreach.
No experience needed. Just curiosity, care, and a willingness to show up for this history.
Share A Story
We are building a record of every early Black resident we can find in towns and cities across the Upper Midwest from territorial days through 1900.
Records are scattered. And some of the best sources are people.
Did a family member mention a name? Have you come across a photo, an obituary, or a local story about an early Black resident? We want to hear it.
Every lead matters.
