A Matter of Size, Scope, and Significance: Archival Processing and Mass Digitization of the Johnson Publishing Company Archive

Acquired in 2019 by a consortium of philanthropic and cultural heritage organizations, the Johnson Publishing Company (JPC) Archive is co-owned by the Getty Research Institute (GRI) and Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Dating from 1942, when John H. and Eunice W. Johnson founded the company, to the 21st century, the JPC Archive contains over 4 million photographs of published and unpublished works documenting the Black experience, some of which were featured in JPC’s 14 magazines, most notably JET and Ebony. In addition to the historically significant events and behind-the-scenes moments depicted, the Archive presents an unmatched and unique record of many facets of the life, work, and contributions of Black individuals, communities, groups, organizations, and businesses. Working collaboratively across the United States (from Los Angeles to Chicago to Washington, DC), these two large cultural heritage institutions currently co-steward this collection, with each focusing on their strengths to bring this remarkable and unique collection to the public.