Acquisition and Processing of Gladys-Marie Fry papers

Dr. Gladys-Marie Fry (1931-2015) was a leading scholar of African American quilts and folklore. Dr. Fry’s book, Night Riders in Black Folk History, examined slave narratives and oral histories to document more than a century of white control of African Americans. Dr. Fry’s research led her to explore the textiles of enslaved African Americans (many of which present slavery-era historical narratives in the form of quilt design). The Fry papers, 80 boxes total, found their home with the MSU Libraries, where they are currently being archived. This project directly supports the university’s commitment to hearing underrepresented voices. It provides invaluable, respectful access and visibility to a rich, fascinating aspect of African American cultural history.