This collection, including bibles, a book of psalms, and communion items, supports the interpretation of African American churches from the mid-19th through the 20th centuries. It also contains ephemera illustrating the history of several local African American churches, such as programs celebrating anniversaries and other important events.

The collection is further enhanced by photographs from a year-long exploration of worship in Alexandria African American churches by local photographer Nina Tisara in 1995. United in the Spirit, an examination of worship in Alexandria’s African American churches, was shown at the museum.

Another collection of Ms. Tisara's photographs is in the collection of the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum, shown in Witnessing Worship (2020-2022). See a slideshow and video of some of these photographs.

See more collections from the Alexandria Black History Museum