The HBCU Heritage Hall of Fame and Museum brings together the rich history of Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCUs), and their athletic heritage, and modern technology. The museum and hall of fame will offer most of the same components of similar institutions. It will differ in that it will also offer a wealth of information and displays through computers. The system will allow a wider variety of information and photographs, much of which is presently stored in old books that are too fragile for general display.

Digital video displays will be used to allow patrons to cover more materials in a shorter time frame. Digital video allows information and pictures to be compressed and displayed on monitors. This process does not eliminate the need for standard displays, but it does offer the opportunity for larger, more versatile displays.

For our purposes, digital video will be used to produce minidocumentaries that will be part of the general displays. These will consist of the history of individual schools, coaches, players, sports, and etc. Using video tape from various schools at various times, featuring various people. These will be updated by current interviews with different people and current information. This information will be housed in the computer system, and made available at the touch of a button mounted on the monitor.

Accessing the information will be done by name and/or keyword search. Patrons will only need to type in a person's name, or their school to begin the search process. The computer will then scan the data base until the information has been accessed and retrieved. Then, they will highlight the chosen topic, and proceed to access it.

This is a summary description of the HBCU Heritage Hall of Fame and Museum. It gives a sketch of what will be included in the design and general operation of the building, its collections, and other pertinent information.

• Exhibit Halls: There will be eight (8) major exhibit areas that will have permanent and mobile walls that will allow staff to enlarge or shrink areas, or increase the number of rooms, as needed for exhibitions or other events.
• Hall of Fame: This will be a specially designed area that will have permanent walls, but will also open up to the greater exhibition areas for enshrinement ceremonies and other events. Mobile walls will be used to increase the overall size as the number of enshrinements increases. This area will be centrally located with easy access to other facilities.
• MiniGalleries: These small rooms will serve as permanent exhibit areas and meeting rooms. Some will be part of major galleries. Others will be separate rooms.
• Research Center: The Research Center will serve as a major resource of scholars to study Black college athletics and the general history of Black colleges. The center will consist of a:
• Media Room: Microfilm readers; Microfiche readers; General research computers; Online access computers; (This will serve as an information service) Work rooms for exhibit preparation
• Library: Books about Black college athletics and history; Books by Black college graduates and professionals; Oral history libraryTaped interviews; Film and video library; Microfilm racks; Microfiche racks
• Auditorium: This will be a multipurpose area that will have cafeteria equipment and a lounge for general use by staff and visitors. It will also be equipped for use as a banquet area or as an auditorium. There will be a level floor area and an elevated stage area. A section of this area will be opened to the Hall of Fame area.
• Book Store: The book store will serve as a gift shop and an outlet for Black college memorabilia.
• Master Data Base: The HBCUHOFM will operate a Master Data Base (MBF) which will contain pertinent information on HBCUs: history; academic offerings; prominent alumni; prominent coaches and athletes; coaching records; players statistics; and etc. This data base can be cross referenced through the master index or access menus.
• Master Index: The Master Index (MI) lists the individuals and topics covered in the data base. This list included: personal profiles of teachers; administrators; coaches; players; athletic directors; player and coaches records; conferences records; and national champions from HBCUs. This index will work with the access menu to assist persons wishing to access the MDB. The MBD is cross referenced by the individual person, school and/or sport.
• Online Service: Understanding the value of the information that is available, an online service will be offered to all computer owners access. This component will be expected to provide a larger audience without the necessity of an onsite visit.
• Display Units: In addition to the general displays and exhibits, there will be digital video units that will allow pushbutton access to information and graphics. The units will be mounted in sets of four, or on the walls as needed, at eye level. The touch pad will be mounted on the front, or in some cases, interactive screens will be used.

Personnel: Researcher, Secretary, (23) Student interns.