Daniel B. Matthews Historical Society in Sewickley looking for photos, items to add to its collection

A historical society in Sewickley dedicated to the preservation of African American culture and experiences is searching for photos and other media to add to its collection.

The Daniel B. Matthews Historical Society at the St. Matthews AME Zion Episcopal Church is in the process of “rebirth,” according to society past president and church trustee Helene Zacharias.

“There’s more history in the community for us Black people than living and worshiping (here),” Zacharias said.

Society history

According to its literature, the nonprofit’s purpose is to educate, empower and impact the lives of people through preservation of records, visual aids and a rare collection of photographs and artifacts which depict African American history.

The goal is to empower generations of strong educated leaders of faith, vision and purpose.

It was founded Jan. 23, 1967 by the late Susan J. Blockson, a church member, and named in honor of the late Rev. Daniel B. Matthews, church founder and its first pastor.

The church is a historical landmark and the oldest African American church in the Sewickley area. It was established in 1857.

Zacharias moved from Asbury Park, N.J., to Sewickley in 1967.

She served as society president for at least 10 years. It has about 50 members.

It used to host open houses and other community events. However, there have not been any formal activities in quite some time.

Zacharias said they hope to have a meeting by the end of the month to establish new society officers and start planning events.

Add to the collection

The society has partnered with Shelley Murray of Rescuing Photos to help digitize its collection as well as contributions from the Sewickley Community Center.

There are about 800 pieces in the collection, including photos, newspaper clippings, pamphlets and event announcements.

The society also has a large display of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first group of African-American airmen to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. Several of them were from Sewickley.

Stratton Nash is vice chair of the community center, a Quaker Valley School Board member and expected to be the next society president.

He assisted Zacharias with sorting some of the photos and clippings.

“We’re asking the public to provide us with activity pictures going back as far as they can so that those pictures can be added,” Nash said. “They’re not family pictures, but church activities (and) community activities and the like.”

Nash said the digitization project will not only preserve those materials, but eventually will make them easier for people to access.

There is no deadline for submissions.

People interested in submitting items or becoming part of the society can email StMatthewsAMEzSewickley@gmail.com or call 412-741-4239 for more information.

“We’re trying to rebirth the historical part of the church,” Zacharias said. “If you want to get involved in this kind of program, we’d be more than happy for you to join us.”

Separate church project

The church is also in a bit of a rebirth. It plans to move some offices to create space for an elevator in order to improve access for seniors and those with disabilities.

St. Matthews has raised about $25,000 toward its estimated $100,000 project. Fundraising began about four months ago.

Donations may be sent to St. Matthew A.M.E. Zion Church, P.O. Box 266, Sewickley, PA 15143.