Discovering African American History — Inspiring Museum Experiences CheapOair Staff February 9, 2022 Arts & History, Black History Month, Destinations, Interests, Top US Destinations This post was last updated June 1, 2023. There are many different ways to learn about African American history and culture. But no matter the approach, it should help folks to gain a greater appreciation and understanding. It should ideally spark reflection on a societal, as well as a personal, level. One of the best ways to do just that is through a museum experience that’s not only informative but also inspiring. And while there are many destinations that preserve history and celebrate heritage, it’s a rare few that can be profoundly moving and give hope. Those that do, should be celebrated. Here are some of the most inspiring African American history museums to learn about the legacy and impact of African Americans on the world. Museum of the African Diaspora — San Francisco [Above image “The Original African Diaspora Map Made of Lights MoAD in SF” by rosemarie_mckeon on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0]The Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco is an ideal place to become inspired. By exploring works of the African diaspora — the people of Africa and of African descendant cultures all across the globe —you’ll familiarize yourself with the culture while challenging your own critical thinking skills. The Museum of the African Diaspora features a number of contemporary art exhibits reflective of the legacy of the African diaspora. The facility also offers an array of special events, lectures, and additional educational opportunities. The onsite bookstore is a great place to pick up critical reading material. These published works can help you understand the movement to dismantle white supremacy while advocating for Black voices to be heard. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History — Detroit [Above image “20200615 United We Stand – sculpture by Charles McGee” by Chuck Andersen on Flickr – licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0]Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is committed to opening the minds of others through the celebration of African American history, achievements, and culture. This museum has been serving the people of Detroit for over 50 years. Visitors will enjoy a host of various permanent and rotating exhibits as well as over 150 learning programs designed to bring greater enhancement to your experience. The Wright Museum prides itself on its ability to reflect on both the tragedies and triumphs of this culture and people. Past exhibits include the Blanche Coggin Underground Railroad Collection, the Harriet Tubman Museum Collection, and the Sheffield Collection. Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum — Detroit [Above image “Boeing Stearman PT-13D Kaydet ‘18303’ “Spirit of Tuskegee” (NC36360)” by Alan Wilson on Flickr – licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0]With three different locations across Detroit (including one at the Charles H. Wright museum), the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum is a collection point for a vast amount of oral and written history documents by the Tuskegee Airmen. Boasting the largest collection of Airmen artifacts, this museum weaves a story of courage and the legacy of the men who bravely fought during World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen signed up to represent America despite the underlying racial issues and deep limitations of an unequal society during this dark time in history. The museum also offers a number of youth programs designed to inspire a new generation. National Museum of African American Music — Nashville While in Nashville, it makes sense to make music the focal point of your visit. The National Museum of African American Music lets you do just that. You’ll also get to fully experience African American contribution to the arts. No mater which exhibit you choose to visit, you’re bound to learn something new. This one-of-a-kind museum is home to seven galleries with a variety of artifacts, clothing, memorabilia, and other objects. The exhibits explore the impact this music had on our culture, dating from the early 1600s up to present day. Visitors will enjoy exploring a bevy of musical genres, including gospel, jazz, blues, hip-hop, and more. RELATED: How to Spend a Weekend of Black History & Culture in Washington D.C. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum — Kansas City [Above image “Negro Leagues Museum at Owings Mills Branch of BCPL” by Baltimore County Public Library on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0]The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is one of the most specific of the African American history museums. The museum is distinguished by its mission of preserving and honoring the history of African Americans in baseball. When you visit the museum, you’ll also learn how baseball was effective as a tool to advance the culture. Covering 10,000 square feet of space, this homage to Black Americans and their contributions to baseball is a must-see for sports fans. While in Kansas City, be sure to also check out the American Jazz Museum, found within the same cultural complex as the NLBM. This museum is also home to the Blue Room jazz club and the Gem Theater. Because of their shared location, it’s easy to visit both of these museums in one day. Black American West Museum & Heritage Center — Denver Dive into the Old West with a visit to the Black American West Museum and Heritage Center. This Denver gem exists to encourage a greater understanding of how African Americans contributed to the settlement and expansion of the western United States. The various collections, exhibits, and educational programs support this mission. Founded in 1971 by Paul W. Stewart, the Black American West Museum is located in the former home of the first licensed African American female doctor in Colorado, Dr. Justina L. Ford. In addition to detailing the story of the Black American cowboy, the museum also explores the many African Americans who worked as ranchers, blacksmiths, miners, and more. The Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture — Washington, D.C. [Above image “It Glows at Night” by psinderbrand on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0]As one of the newest additions to the all-encompassing family of Smithsonian Museums, the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture will wow you from the minute you set eyes on its unique exterior architecture. The exhibits inside celebrate African American contributions to the fabric of the United States. The vast collection details over 500 years of Black history and culture in the country, including the stories of slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and more. Everyone ranging from famous politicians and inspiring musicians to everyday Americans is showcased in this collection. Some of the most memorable artifacts include headgear once worn by boxer Muhammad Ali and a training airplane used by the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II. You’ll also find an extensive sports exhibit celebrating numerous athletics achievements, Chuck Berry‘s red 1972 Cadillac El Dorado convertible, and much more. One of the most powerful and affecting exhibits features the casket of Emmet Till. Like all museums in the Smithsonian network, admission to the Museum of African American History and Culture is always free. The Museum of African American History — Nantucket [Above image “Old Bethel United Methodist Church, Calhoun Street, Radcliffeborough, Charleston, SC” by Warren LeMay on Flickr – licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0]As an offshoot of the Museum of African American History in Boston, the nearby Nantucket location offers a chance to dive further into African American history. The Nantucket campus is home to the African Meeting House. It was the only public building made by and occupied by African Americans on the island of Nantucket in the 19th century. As an official National Historic Landmark, the building is a physical embodiment of Nantucket’s historic Black community. Be sure to leave plenty of time to explore the Black Heritage Trail. The walking tour offers 10 different stops designed to amplify the African American contribution to life on Nantucket in the 18th and 19th centuries. You’ll find the Seneca Boston-Florence Higginbotham House on this trail, which features rooms that were occupied by Black families for more than 200 years. The tour provides an inside look into free African Americans as far back as 1774. Other stops on the trail include the Whaling Museum, the Anna Gardener House, and the Unitarian Church, all important landmarks in the history of African Americans on Nantucket. The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute — Selma, Alabama [Above image “Jonathan Daniels and Viola Liuzzo — Martrys of the 1965 Alabama Civil Rights Movement — National Voting Rights Museum Selma (AL) 2019” by Ron Cogswell on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0]The heart of the South is the perfect place to explore the fight for equal voting rights. The National Voting Rights Museum and Institute is located in historic Selma, Alabama, right at the foot of the famed Edmund Pettus Bridge. As the scene of the “Bloody Sunday” event, this bridge has become a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement. The neighboring museum offers a detailed look back into history, showcasing the activists who marched in 1965 in support of the right for Black people to vote. Visitors will be able to view powerful pictures and other artifacts, including the torn clothing items of those who marched during this time. End your visit by spending time in the quiet Reflection Gallery. Which of these African American history museums have you visited? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!
