Digitized Archive

Our digitized collections offer an in-depth look at Lewis Latimer’s life, legacy, and family history. Through the digitization of these invaluable resources, the Lewis Latimer House is committed to making Latimer’s story accessible to educators, researchers, and students throughout the world. Explore the achievements of the pioneering inventor, draftsman, artist, and writer whose contributions helped shape the modern world.

Browse Our Collections

Digitized Collections Access
Free

Get anytime access to browse our growing digitized collection, which offers an in-depth look at Lewis Latimer’s life, legacy, and family history. Through the digitization of these invaluable resources, the Lewis Latimer House is committed to making Latimer’s story accessible to educators, researchers, and students throughout the world. Explore the achievements of the pioneering inventor, draftsman, artist, and writer whose contributions helped shape the modern world.

✓ Explore achievements of Lewis Howard Latimer
✓ Browse archival documents, photographs and artifacts
✓ Unlimited lifetime access

Please Note: Our membership provides free access for browsing only. To license our collections materials for publication, research, or commercial use, please contact communications@lewislatimerhouse.org.

Archive Categories

A framed pencil or charcoal portrait of a young child with curly hair, wearing a lace-collared outfit and a necklace with a cross pendant.

Art Works

This category includes artistic representations such as sketches, paintings, illustrations, and other visual creations related to the life and contributions of Lewis H. Latimer and his contemporaries.

A decorative light bulb with a black and white photo of a man inside it, placed in a black box lined with purple velvet, which has gold lettering inside the lid commemorating a birthday celebration for Thomas Alva Edison on February 11, 1921.

Personal & Work Artifacts

Objects and memorabilia from Latimer’s personal and professional life, including tools, keepsakes, and other physical items connected to his work and legacy.

Blueprint guide for standard steel base frame dimensions with a table of measurements for different sizes.

Blue Prints & Renderings

This section contains technical drawings, blueprints, and architectural or engineering renderings, showcasing Latimer’s innovations and contributions to electrical and mechanical designs.

A historical petition document titled 'The Lattimer and Great Massachusetts Petition' with handwritten notes and measurements in blue ink, aimed at the Massachusetts state government to oppose slavery and related laws.

News Clippings

A compilation of newspaper articles, magazine excerpts, and press coverage documenting Latimer’s achievements, public recognition, and historical significance.

A vintage document titled "Historical Research" dated July 4, 1912, authored by York Russell, M.D., and published by the Negro Society for Historical Research in New York City.

Books

A collection of published and unpublished works, including technical manuals, personal writings, and historical texts relevant to Latimer’s work and legacy.

A black-and-white portrait of Lewis Latiemr wearing a suit and bow tie.

Photographs

A collection of historical photographs capturing Latimer, his family, colleagues, and moments from his professional career, offering a visual narrative of his contributions and personal life.

A typed poem on aged, slightly torn paper with handwritten annotations.

Letters & Documents

This category comprises personal and professional correspondence, patents, legal papers, and other historical documents that provide insight into Latimer’s life, career, and collaborations.