EMBER

Early Midwest Black Experience Research

We are working county by county across Minnesota and into Wisconsin to find every early Black resident we can document from territorial days through 1900.

Some counties have dozens of names. Some have just one or two. All of them matter.

Names listed here come from our research database. Individual story pages are being added as funding and research allow. If you recognize a name or have information to share, please reach out.
Names documented
Research in progress
Not yet started
Minnesota
Wisconsin

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.