To preserve movement-related memories and stories, CRMVet began collecting and making available narratives and interviews, original documents, speeches, photos, articles, and other material created by movement activists.

In recognition of its education and research role, CRMA has been added to the African American Civil Rights Network of the National Park Service.

It also provides photos and art work; stories, oral histories and commentaries by movement participants; contact information for speakers; and reference material.

The archive is a primary source for pictures, events, documents, people, poetry, oral histories, commentaries and largely forgotten stories about the civil rights movement.

During the 1960s, many people affiliated with the CRMA were involved with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).