African Colonization Society
The American Colonization Society was established in 1816 to address the issue of free African Americans in the United States by promoting their emigration to Africa. The society founded the colony of Liberia in 1822 as a settlement for freed slaves and free-born African Americans.
Emigrants to Liberia
Browse records of individuals and families who emigrated to Liberia through the American Colonization Society programs.
Liberian Census Rolls
Census records of Liberian demographics, origins, and conditions in post-emancipation communities.
Society Documents
Official documents, correspondence, and reports from the American Colonization Society.
Ship Records
Passenger manifests and voyage records of ships that transported emigrants to Liberia.
About the Collection
This collection contains records related to the American Colonization Society's efforts to establish settlements in Liberia for free African Americans and formerly enslaved individuals. The society operated from 1816 to 1964, with its most active period being in the mid-19th century.
The emigrants came from various states across America, with different backgrounds including free-born individuals, recently emancipated slaves, and those who purchased their own freedom. Many were skilled craftsmen, farmers, and educated individuals who sought new opportunities in Africa.
These records provide valuable insight into the lives of African Americans who made the difficult decision to leave America and start new lives in Liberia, contributing to the early development of the nation.