The Ultimate Guide of African American Museums in the South
I’ve lived in the south all my life - from Virginia to North Carolina to Georgia. I’ve had the privilege of visiting several African American Museums within this guide. Whenever I have the opportunity to visit I always feel a sense of heaviness for what our people had to endure however I also feel proud. Our people are resilient, overcomers, creative and resourceful which means we are too!
As an African American, we know our history is unbelievable yet is deep and rich. It emcompasses struggles and pain while also including victories and opportunities. It’s a reminder of the strength of our ancestors in spite of how much they endured. It serves as encouragement to take the torch that’s been passed to us further for the generation to come. Though there is still work to be done, we’ve come a long way.
As this month comes to an end, I want to encourage us all to remain intentional to embrace black history everyday. Visiting one or several of these museums throughout this year will connect you to times passed and gear you towards the future. Note, this is not an exhaustive list. Instead, this populated of museums are ones I’ve personally visited or desire to visit.
Enjoy!
National Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum
Located in downtown Atlanta, GA (100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313) you will find the National Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum. This museum opened in 2014. It’s main focus is highlighting the challenges of the US Civil Rights movement in connection to the human rights we face today. They are open Thursday, Friday, & Sunday: 12pm to 5pm AND Saturdays: 10am to 5pm. Tickets range from $17.99 to $19.99. Children under 6 are free. See website for additional details.
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
Located in Atlanta, GA (450 Auburn Avenue, NE Atlanta , GA 30312) you can tour the home of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his church, Ebenezer Baptist Church. You’ll have the chance to glance into MLK’s life, home and community. There are also several other historical buildings on Auburn Ave to explore. Although this site is temporarily closed, it’s worth planning a visit. Check their website for information on tickets.
APEX Museum
Also located in Atlanta, GA (135 Auburn Ave. NE Atlanta, GA. 30303), not too far from MLK’s National Historical Park. This museum focuses on representing African American history and the effects it has had in shaping today’s society. They are open Tuesday - Saturday 11:00am - 3:00pm. Tickets range from $5-$7. Children under 4 are free.
The Legacy Museum and The National Museum for Peace and Justice
Both are located in Montgomery, Alabama. It’s about a 2.5 hour drive from Atlanta, GA. These museums are very close, a little under a mile walk in distance. They opened in 2018. The Legacy Museum highlights the journey from enslavement to incarceration while the Museum for Peace and Justice honors the many African Americans who were lynched (on record) throughout the US. These museums are open Wednesday through Sunday 9am -5pm. They are closed Monday and Tuesday. Tickets are $5.
Selma - Edmund Pettus Bridge
Located in Selma, Alabama you’ll find the famous Edmund Pettus Bridge. This bridge is known because it’s where Bloody Sunday took place. A historic event organized in 1965 to peacefully march for African American voting rights which turned into a very brutal beating. Though this is not an actual museum I included this site because of its impact. There’s much to see, feel and experience just in the surrounding area of this bridge. This site is about 50 minutes from Montgomery, Alabama.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
In 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture was built in Washington, DC. Though I have yet to visit this museum, it’s definitely on my must visit list. It provides a deep look into the past, present and gives hope for the future. This has been a very popular museum since it’s grand opening to the point you need to get tickets well in advance. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. They currently have some exhibits closed so be sure to check on their website to plan your visit.
Black History Museum and cultural center
Since I am from Virginia I had to include the Black History Museum and cultural center found in Richmond, VA. Here you will find the rich history of African Americans from Virginia. Tickets range from $6 to $10. They are open Thursdays through Saturdays 10 am - 5 pm.
National Museum of African American Music
Nashville, Tennessee houses an African American Museum dedicated to celebrate the impact African Americans had on music. If you have an appreciation for music, this is an inspiring museum to visit. Tickets range from $13 to $25. Open Wednesday-Monday from 9am -5pm and closed on Tuesday.
International African American Museum
Located in Charleston, SC is a new African American Museum. Though I don’t know the grand opening date, this new museum is scheduled to open early 2022… any day now. I found this museum interesting because this s where nearly 50% of slaves were first brought to the United States. They currently have schedule webinars on various topics. If interested in their webinars check them out here. Also read more on the exhibits they will offer once they open.
If you are in Dallas, TX or the planning to travel there soon check out their African American Museum. Their exhibit has the largest African American Folk Art collection. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. You only need tickets to enter if you are going with a party of 10 or more. You’ll also need tickets if you are planning to visit during a special event. Be sure to check their website when planning.
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
Located in Jackson, Mississippi you’ll find a museum that shines light on their journey and experience during the Civil Right Museum. Learn or relearn about several Mississippi locals who left an impact. They are open Tuesday through Saturday 9am–5pm and on Sunday 11am–5pm. Ticket prices range from $8 to $15.