Skip to Main Content

Religious Records Research at the Archives & Library of the Ohio History Connection

African Methodist Episcopal (AME)

The African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded by Richard Allen in 1816, breaking away from the Methodist Church due to differing views on slavery. Most AME churches were built in Ohio's major cities. White Methodists established Wilberforce College in 1856, and during the 1860s, the African Methodist Episcopal Church acquired the college and opened its doors to African Americans. It was the first institution of higher education in the United States specifically for African American students. 

Below are lists of select archival and library materials related to the African Mehodist Episcopal Church, available for research at the Ohio History Connection Archives & Library. Review the catalog links below, or explore our Online Collections Catalog below using a specific church name or related search terms for more information [example search terms: "African Methodist Episcopal Church", "Methodist Episcopal Church in Ohio"].

New Discovery Layer - One catalog for Print, State Archives, Manuscripts & AV collections


Discover books, newspapers, periodicals, company catalogs, pamphlets, maps, atlases and more!