King Library and Archives

The King Library and Archives (KLA) was established to ensure the preservation and accessibility of materials documenting the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as the broader modern Civil Rights Movement. Guided by its mission to “promote the appropriate application of archival principles,” the KLA is dedicated to preserving, processing, and arranging historical records, artifacts, and documents that illuminate this transformative period in American history.

As the largest repository of primary source materials on Dr. King and the American Civil Rights Movement, the KLA plays a vital role in promoting research, scholarship, and education. Its collections include the personal papers of Dr. King, the records of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and materials from eight major civil rights organizations, as well as numerous individuals who played pivotal roles in the movement.

This historic collection not only preserves the past but also inspires future generations to engage with and learn from one of the most significant periods in American history.