CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Downtown Charleston's International African American Museum will open an exhibit next week to serve as a national archive on family histories of slavery.

The Speaking Truth exhibit, which will open on Oct. 28, will feature 52 testimonials from Americans discussing their families' connections to enslavement, the impact it had and their plans to make amends.

"The Center for Family History at the International African American Museum is delighted to have the opportunity to showcase this unique collection in its digital archives," Jennifer Randall, the programs manager and lead archivist for the museum's Center for Family History, said. "Not only do the videos open a truth-seeking dialogue for descendants of enslavers, but their stories showcase important pieces of historical and genealogical information that will be crucial for those researching the enslaved, especially their descendants."

The collection of short videos includes the recounting of personal discoveries made by the participants of family stories, letters, plantation ledgers, and wills that helped them begin their journey of reconciliation, museum leaders say.

Phoenix, Arizona, residents Rea Bennett and Michael Zirulnik worked together in gathering the Speaking Truth testimonials from across the country as way to atone for their own families' histories. After searching for an international museum to permanently feature the archive, they chose Charleston's site.

The exhibit will be permanently housed in its Center for Family History and will be open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.