Explore Civil Rights Artifacts and Stories at African American Museums
Discover the profound impact and enduring legacy at African-American Museums, the gateways to understanding the rich cultural heritage of African Americans. These museums are not just about viewing artifacts; they are immersive experiences into the lives and struggles of Black men and women through pivotal moments in history—from the harrowing times of the slave trade, emancipation, and reconstruction, to the challenges of segregation, the Great Migration, the Harlem Renaissance Eras, right up to the present day.
African American Museums across the United States, from historical African American museums to African American art and culture museums, offer a comprehensive documentation of the African-American experience both nationally and globally. They stand as testaments to the resilience and contributions of people of African descent, who, alongside allies, have served as abolitionists, activists, and historians to elevate the narratives of African-American women, men, and children.
Often, the history of African Americans and Black Americans is either misrepresented or remains unknown. By visiting these museums, you can delve into the richness and diversity of Black history and power, much of which is typically only spotlighted during Black History Month. Whether it’s exploring the best African American museums in the US, engaging with civil rights movement exhibitions, or appreciating African diaspora artifacts, each visit offers a unique opportunity to learn and reflect.
From the Black History Museum to the Black Wax Museum, these institutions are vital in preserving and showcasing the multifaceted aspects of African American heritage. They are not just places of learning but are also spaces where the legacy of African American history and its influence on American culture is celebrated and honored.
The information in this article is as current as the publication date. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information before acting.
Alabama
Alabama State Black Archives Research Center and Museum
Huntsville, Alabama 35811
256-372-4720
Located in the Wilson Building on the Alabama A&M University campus. The State Black Archives Research Center and Museum has attracted numerous exhibits from around the nation.
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
205-328-9696
Part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and a cultural and educational research center. The institute promotes a comprehensive understanding of the significance of the Civil Rights Act and developments in Birmingham.
George W. Carver Interpretive Museum
Dothan, Alabama 36303
334-712-0933
Dr. Francina Williams turned what used to be Dothan’s bus station into a thriving Museum. The Carver has served as a rich source of African American History since 2000.
National Memorial for Peace & Justice
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
334-386-9100
The nation’s first memorial dedicated to the legacy of enslaved black people. Focuses on the people terrorized by lynching, African Americans humiliated by racial segregation and Jim Crow, and people of color.
National Voting Rights Museum and Institute
Selma, Alabama 36701
334-526-4340
The cornerstone of the contemporary struggle for voting rights and human dignity. It is located in the Historic District of Selma, Alabama, at the scene of Bloody Sunday.
California
California African American Museum
Los Angeles, California 90037
213-744-7432
A sustained, multi-year campaign of activism undertaken by visionary founders and community members.
Museum of the African Diaspora
San Francisco, California 94105
415-358-7200
Featuring African Diaspora culture, presenting the rich cultural heritage of the people of Africa and African descendant cultures globally.
Colorado
Black American West Museum
Denver, Colorado 80205
720-242-7428
Founded initially to tell the story of Black Cowboys, the museum has widened its scope. It tells the stories of those early Blacks who came west.
District of Columbia
National Museum of African American History and Culture
NW Washington, DC 20560
1-844-750-3012
A cultural center to collect, preserve, and educate the public on the history and traditions of African Americans.
The HBCU Museum
NW Washington, DC 20012
202-627-2094
Highlights the accomplishments of Historically Black Colleges & Universities and some of their most accomplished graduates.
Florida
John G. Riley House & Museum
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-681-7881
A historical and cultural gem in downtown Tallahassee, at the corner of Meridian and Jefferson Streets.
Georgia
African American Panoramic Experience Museum
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-523-2739
Tells the story of people of the African Diaspora, providing a complete view of African and African-American history and culture.
Center for Civil & Human Rights
Atlanta, Georgia 30313
678-999-8990
Educates visitors on the bridge between the American Civil Rights Movement and the contemporary struggle for Human Rights worldwide.
Illinois
DuSable Museum of African American History
Chicago, Illinois 60637
773-947-0600
Promotes an appreciation of African Americans’ achievements, contributions, and experiences. Has exhibits, programs, and activities illustrating African and African American history, culture, and art.
Pullman Porter Museum
Chicago, Illinois 60628
773-850-8580
Promotes, honors, and celebrates the legacy of A. Philip Randolph, Pullman Porters, and the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. Highlights contributions made by African Americans to America’s labor movement, with a significant focus on the African-American Railroad Employee.
Indiana
Evansville African American Museum
Evansville, Indiana 47713
812-423-5188
A resource and cultural center to collect, preserve, and educate the public on the history and traditions of African Americans.
Madam Walker Legacy Center
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
317-236-2099
Empowers, educates, entertains, and uses its historic building to celebrate cultural diversity. Displays rich heritages and cultural traditions, primarily through art from the African-American perspective.
Iowa
African American Museum of Iowa
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
319-862-2101
A statewide museum dedicated to preserving, exhibiting, and teaching Iowa’s African American history.
Kentucky
Muhammad Ali Center
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
502-584-9254
Three levels of award-winning exhibits about Muhammad Ali’s legendary life. Reflects upon one’s own values, inner strength, character, and what makes you the most extraordinary person you can be.
Louisiana
Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum
Hammond, Louisiana 70403
985-542-4259
A comprehensive collection of African American murals, artifacts, photographs, and artwork that tell our story.
New Orleans African American Museum
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
504-323-5074
Once home to the nation’s largest, most prosperous, and politically progressive community of blacks by the mid-1850s.
Whitney Plantation
Wallace, Louisiana 70049
225-265-3300
The only plantation museum in Louisiana focused on slavery with exhibits, memorial artwork, and restored buildings. Includes hundreds of first-person slave narratives. Visitors will gain a unique perspective on the lives of Louisiana’s enslaved people.
Maryland
Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Museum
Baltimore, Maryland 21231
410-685-0295
Chronicles the saga of Frederick Douglass’ life in Baltimore as an enslaved child and young man.
Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
443-263-1800
Collecting, preserving, interpreting, documenting, and exhibiting the rich contributions of African-American Marylanders.
The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum
Baltimore, Maryland 21213
410-563-7809
The nation’s first wax museum of African American history stimulates an interest in African-American history by revealing the little-known, often-neglected facts.
Museum of African American History
Nantucket and Boston, Maryland 02114
617-725-0022
Nationally and internationally known for its collection of historic sites in Boston and Nantucket.
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Michigan
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Detroit, Michigan 48201
313-494-5800
Over 35,000 artifacts and archival materials. Home to the Blanche Coggin Underground Railroad Collection, Harriet Tubman Museum Collection, Coleman A. Young Collection and the Sheffield Collections.
Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum
Detroit, Michigan 48209
313-843-8849
A place to record Americans’ contributions to our nation’s defense. Where youth may come to acquire inspiration, counseling, and assistance in achieving excellence in their own educational and career pursuits.
Missouri
Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture
Natchez, Missouri 39120
601-445-0728
A certified retirement community and Main Street community is known for historic preservation.
American Jazz Museum
Kansas City, Missouri
816-474-8463
Showcases the sights and sounds of jazz through interactive exhibits and films, the Changing Gallery exhibit space, Horace M. Peterson III Visitors Center, Blue Room jazz club, and Gem Theater.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
816-221-1920
The 18th & Vine historic district was the center for black culture in Kansas City around the 1900s. It was the hub of activity for homeowners, businesses, jazz music, and baseball enthusiasts. Just outside the district stands the Paseo YMCA building, built like a black YMCA in 1914.
The Griot Museum of Black History
St. Louis, Missouri 63106
314-241-7057
Uses life-size wax figures, other art, artifacts, and memorabilia to interpret the stories of African Americans. Focuses on subjects with a regional connection who have contributed to our country’s development.
North Carolina
Harvey Gantt Center for African American Arts & Culture
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
704-547-3700
Celebrates the contributions of Africans and African Americans to American culture. Serves as a community epicenter for the arts and community outreach.
International Civil Rights Center & Museum
Greensboro, North Carolina 27401
336-274-9199
An archival center devoted to the international struggle for civil and human rights. Celebrates the nonviolent protests of the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins that started the civil rights movement.
Nebraska
Great Plains Black History Museum
Omaha, Nebraska, 68110
402-932-7077
Dedicated to publicizing and preserving the achievements of the region’s vibrant African-American heritage.
New York
African Burial Ground Museum
New York, New York 10573
212-431-0233
The oldest and largest known excavated burial ground in North America for both free and enslaved Africans. Honors both the spirit of those buried and those who fought for the protection of the site for future generations.
Ohio
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
513-333-7500
Rooted in the stories of the Underground Railroad – Illuminates the true meaning of inclusive freedom. Presents exhibits that inspire, programming that provokes dialogue, and educational resources to inform.
The Funk Music Hall of Fame & Exhibition Center
Dayton, Ohio 45402
937-837-4441
This home was established for the legacy of Funk music artists and memorabilia to educate the public.
National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center
Wilberforce, OH 45384
937-376-4944
The permanent home of one of the nation’s largest collections of Afro-American materials. Home to more than 9,000 artifacts and artwork, 350 manuscript collections, and thousands of photographs.
Pennsylvania
African American Museum of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
215-574-0380
Objectively interpreted and presented the achievements and aspirations of African Americans from pre-colonial times to the current day. Committed to telling the story in all its permutations.
The Colored Girls Museum
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19144
267-630-4438
A memoir museum that honors the stories, experiences, and history of Colored Girls.
August Wilson Center for African American Culture
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
412-258-2700
A multi-purpose venue featuring art galleries, performance spaces, and unique educational classrooms for all ages.
South Carolina
Old Slave Mart
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
843-958-6467
Believed to be the last extant slave auction facility in South Carolina that once housed an antebellum slave auction gallery.
Tennessee
Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
901-205-2533
The birth of Rock and Soul music. Tells the story of musical pioneers who overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to make music that shook the world.
National Civil Rights Museum
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
901-521-9699
The site of Martin Luther King’s assassination at the Lorraine Hotel, with an exhibit that follows the civil rights movement.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Memphis, Tennessee 38126
901-942-7685
Pays special tribute to American soul legends with a rare and fantastic collection of more than 2,000 artifacts.
National Museum of African American Music
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
615-301-8724
From classical to country to jazz and hip hop, this interactive museum shares the untold story of music genres.
Texas
African American Museum, Dallas
Dallas, Texas 75210
214-565-9026
Dedicated to researching, identifying, selecting, acquiring, presenting, and preserving visual art forms and historical documents related to the African American community.
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
Houston, Texas 77004
713-942-8920
The only museum in the country dedicated to the legacy of the men and women who fought for America.
Virginia
Alexandria Black History Museum
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703-746-4356
Documents Black America’s local and national history, culture, and contributions at America’s first sin-in-strike site. Home to leaders of the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and more.
Washington
Northwest African American Museum
Seattle, Washington, 98144
206-518-6000
Focuses on African Americans whose route to the New World was through slavery and recent immigrants arriving from African nations.
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No matter one’s age, everyone will walk away with a refreshed outlook and respect for the history of our culture. If there are African American Museums to visit that we have missed, let us know at The Voice of Black Cincinnati.
Written by: Crystal Kendrick
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African American Museums to Visit photo provided by © [rocketclips] /Adobe Stock
