The Afro American Family History Outreach Project, funded by the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, 1989 1991, was conceived in 1987 by Local and Family History Section Curator, David T. Thackery. Delores P. Woodtor, appointed Coordinator in 1989, used conferences, seminars, workshops, etc., to implement the goals of the Project, which were to increase usage of Newberry Library African American genealogical materials, to arouse interest in family history among the African American community, to establish in school programs in fifteen high schools, and to increase Chicago Metro History Fair participation by students at target high schools. The Project also updated the handbook, Afro American Family History at the Newberry Library, and assembled a small exhibit.

Correspondence, memoranda, brochures, pamphlets, and reports related to the functions and activities of the Project. Mainly the working files of Delores Woodtor, including speeches and presentations, brochures and information regarding local and national genealogical societies, research notes on African American family history (used to compile worksheets for high school students), reports, and handouts. Also a few records of David T. Thackery's involvement with the Project.