All past issues of "The Frederick Douglass Voice," one of the longest-running Black newspapers in New York, are now available digitally. These papers are now viewable and available to the public as part of the Howard Wilson Coles Collection, housed by the Rochester Museum & Science Center.

There are 350 original copies available of the newspaper, which was circulated from 1933 to 1996.

"Now, in this 21st century, the need to read these stories is even more important. The children of the people of that time have become eager to hear the history of what came before them. They revel in seeing the pictures and reading the histories of their forebearers found in these newspapers. The papers gave voice to the people, allowing them to tell their stories in ways only they could do. Access to the papers will help to ensure these voices and our history will live forever," said Joan Coles Howard, Howard W. Coles’ daughter.

The digitalization was made possible through a grant from the Rochester Regional Library Council and in partnership with the Rochester Public Library’s Local History & Genealogy Division.

"We are so excited to share this unparalleled resource with the community in such an accessible format," RMSC Director of Collections Elizabeth Alecki said. "From researchers to students in Rochester and beyond, anyone can read and enjoy the collection online.” The recent digitization work also builds on decades of RMSC stewardship to organize, describe, and promote the Howard W. Coles Collection under the leadership of the late librarian/archivist Leatrice M. Kemp in collaboration with Joan Coles Howard."

Issues of "The Frederick Douglass Voice" are available on the RMSC Collections website.