Getty Images and Ancestry Partner to Digitally Preserve Historic Archives of HBCUs

Rhea-AI Summary

Getty Images (NYSE: GETY) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Ancestry to digitally preserve historical documents and photographs from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The initiative, part of Getty Images' HBCU Grants Program, will make these archives searchable on Ancestry's platforms.

The partnership will focus on digitizing newsletters, newspapers, bulletins, student records, school catalogues, yearbooks, directories, and photographs. Participating HBCUs will retain full copyright ownership of their materials and receive complimentary campus-wide access to Ancestry's platform.

The program launched at Lincoln University, the nation's first degree-granting HBCU, where Ancestry has begun digitizing historical documents including the Lincolnian and archival photographs dating back to 1854. This collaboration aims to protect valuable historical records while enabling families to discover untold stories of HBCU alumni and ancestors.

Positive

• Partnership creates new revenue potential through digital licensing of HBCU archives
• Expansion of Getty Images' content library with unique historical materials
• Strategic alliance with Ancestry strengthens Getty's market position in historical content

Negative

• None.

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Ancestry will work with HBCUs to preserve their historical documents and rarely seen photography

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

NEW YORK, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Getty Images (NYSE: GETY), a preeminent global visual content creator and marketplace, has announced a first-of-its-kind genealogy-focused partnership with Ancestry, the global leader in family history. As part of Getty Images’ HBCU Grants Program, this initiative will focus on the digital preservation and accessibility of historical documents, records and the photographic archives of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Once digitized, these invaluable archives will become searchable on Ancestry websites, helping millions of people discover and connect with the rich legacy of HBCUs.

Working alongside Getty Images, Ancestry will collaborate with participating HBCUs to identify and digitize documents, such as newsletters, newspapers, bulletins, student records, school catalogues, yearbooks, directories, and photographs that are critical for digital preservation. These efforts extend an essential resource to HBCUs beyond imagery, ensuring the protection of invaluable intellectual property and proper metadata application.

Cassandra Illidge, Vice President of Global Partnerships and Executive Director of the HBCU Grants Program at Getty Images, said: “Since its launch in 2021, the HBCU Grants Program has primarily focused on preserving photography. However, during our visits to partner institutions, we recognized that our scope should be broader. Vital records and historical documents also need attention, as they significantly contribute to the important legacy of HBCUs. Our partnership with Ancestry enhances our commitment to preserving the valuable history of HBCUs and increases access, visibility, and awareness of untold stories for a global audience. By connecting students, alumni, and institutions through genealogy, we aim to create richer context for historical research and foster a deeper understanding of family history.”

Through the program, HBCUs retain full copyright ownership to their print and digitized assets and data. Ancestry will contract directly with each HBCU and work collaboratively to digitize selected materials on-site. All digital files will be delivered to the HBCUs, and complimentary, campus-wide access to Ancestry’s platform will be provided, allowing students and faculty to explore and share their family histories and search millions of primary sources available on Ancestry.  

“Ancestry is proud to partner with Getty Images and HBCUs to help preserve and celebrate the rich legacies of these important institutions for generations to come,” said Head of US Content and Philanthropic Initiatives at Ancestry, Dr. Lisa Pearl. “By combining the vast archives of these historic institutions with Ancestry's cutting-edge technology, we’re protecting these important documents and opening the door for families to uncover untold stories of inspiring HBCU alumni and ancestors.”

This partnership was initiated with Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting HBCU, in Pennsylvania, USA. Lincoln joined Getty Images’ HBCU Grants Program last year with hundreds of contemporary and archival photos currently available for licensing in the HBCU Collection on gettyimages.com. Ancestry has already started digitizing Lincoln’s historical documents, including the Lincolnian and deteriorating records, as well as hundreds of photographs from Lincoin’s archival collection.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

Getty Images and Ancestry launched their partnership at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. The companies worked alongside the Langston Hughes Memorial Library staff to discover and digitize historical documents, records and photographs from Lincoln’s historic archives which dates back to 1854. (Photos by Cassandra Illidge) Pictured: Tiffany Davis (Lincoln), Raquel Lightner (Lincoln), David Crockett (Ancestry) Not pictured: Ashley Gillard (Lincoln), Travis Primrose (Lincoln), Cassandra Illidge (Getty Images)

“We are immensely proud to partner with Getty Images and Ancestry to launch this partnership that will allow us the opportunity to not only tell the Lincoln story but also help families tell their stories of connections to the university,” said Lincoln University President Dr. Brenda A. Allen. “Combining Getty Images’ expertise in producing high-quality visuals with Ancestry’s unparalleled genealogical resources, this collaboration will enrich our educational programs, foster deeper connections to our heritage, and empower our community to explore and celebrate the rich history of our university.”

To learn more about the wider HBCU Grants Program, including the institutions working with Getty Images, additional program partners, scholarship and mentorship opportunities for students and access to the HBCU Collection, go to: https://www.gettyimages.com/corporate-responsibility/hbcu-partnership

Media Contact:
Jenna Attardi
Jenna.Attardi@gettyimages.com

FAQ

What is the purpose of Getty Images' partnership with Ancestry for HBCUs?

The partnership aims to digitally preserve and make accessible historical documents, records, and photographic archives from HBCUs, allowing millions to discover and connect with HBCU legacy through Ancestry's platforms.

How will HBCUs benefit from the Getty Images (GETY) and Ancestry collaboration?

HBCUs will retain full copyright ownership of their materials, receive digitized copies of their archives, and get complimentary campus-wide access to Ancestry's platform for students and faculty.

Which HBCU is the first to participate in Getty Images' digital preservation program?

Lincoln University, the nation's first degree-granting HBCU in Pennsylvania, is the first participant, with Ancestry already digitizing their historical documents and photographs dating back to 1854.

What types of historical materials will be digitized through this Getty Images initiative?

The program will digitize newsletters, newspapers, bulletins, student records, school catalogues, yearbooks, directories, and photographs from participating HBCUs.