A Protestant-based abolitionist group, the American Missionary Association (AMA) was founded in 1846 by members of the American Home Missionary Society and the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. The Association was established in reaction to the policies of these two other agencies that refused to take a firm stand against slavery and accepted contributions from slaveholders.

The AMA’s goals were twofold: to eliminate slavery and educate African Americans by promoting racial equality and Christian values. Prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, AMA members worked to establish schools and colleges throughout the South; however, these efforts were greatly increased both during and after the War.

The personal narratives in this collection illustrate enthusiasm that was behind the AMA’s education and rehabilitation efforts, and emphasize the critical role of the AMA’s women volunteers during Reconstruction.

The Library contains a variety of books related to the AMA’s Christian ministries in the South during Reconstruction, including both circulating and non-circulating titles. Additionally, the AMA’s annual reports and the nineteenth-century periodical The Freedmen’s Reporter are available in our archives.