African Americans have made a lot of contributions to this country. There are many musicians, activists, writers and artists that have helped build America. Because of this, there are a variety of black museums located throughout the United States.
National Museum of African American History And Culture In Washington D.C.
This museum opened it’s doors just last year. It currently has around 37,000 different artifacts, media and photography pieces as well as historical documents. The museum also hosts different exhibits throughout the year.
Charles Wright Museum of African American History In Detroit
This is the world’s largest African American museum. The purpose of it is to educate visitors about the African American culture and their contributions in history. First founded in 1965, the museum has undergone a renovation and now is a whopping 120,000 square feet in size.
National Civil Rights Museum In Memphis
This museum is actually in the Lorraine Motel in Tennessee, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. There are currently more than 35,000 different artifacts and archival materials located here. Some of the permanent exhibits include those related to the Civil Rights movements and slavery. It’s also home to collections such as the Blanche Coggin Underground Railroad Collection and the Harriet Tubman Museum Collection.
“I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.”
Martin Luther King Jr. giving his Promised Land speech the night before his murder in 1968.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center In Cincinnati
This 158,000 square foot museum focuses on all things having to do with the underground railroad and those who assisted with the efforts of freeing slaves. In addition to this, there are exhibits that deal with human trafficking as well as modern-day slavery. One of the most popular exhibits is the 21 x 30 foot slave pen that was built back in 1830. It was once used to house slaves before they were taken to auction. It’s the only known surviving slave pen. In addition to the exhibits there are gallery talks, family programs, lectures and educator workshops that take place throughout the year.
New Orleans African American Museum
This museum focuses on the history of blacks as it pertains to New Orleans. It was built in the oldest surviving black community in the country, Treme neighborhood. The museum is undergoing $3 million in renovations and is currently closed.
National Great Blacks in Wax Museum In Baltimore
This is the country’s first wax museum that’s dedicated specifically towards black history. This 1,200 square foot facility features not only exhibits, but facts about them as well. These exhibits include those related to Africa, the Colonial Period, the military and the Civil War.
Northwest African American Museum In Seattle
This museums houses around 200 artifacts. They focus on photographs, periodicals, art, clothing’s, books, and ephemera that is tied to the Pacific Northwest in some way. There were all donated by member of the community and many of them came from the Coman School building.
