National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center

The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center was born of a long legacy of intellectual achievement and political activism. Situated on the historic campus of Wilberforce University, the lands were once home to the American Indian ancestors whom archaeologists call Hopewell and Adena, and then later the Shawnee. Wilberforce opened in 1856 and soon became a mecca for African American educators, philosophers, military heroes, and cultural leaders. By the 1960s, racial justice advocates amplified the call for a national museum. In 1970, Clarence Brown, a congressman from Ohio, introduced federal legislation for an African American museum on the site due to the long, rich history of Wilberforce. The museum opened in 1988 with a grand celebration and by the late 1990s, had established itself as a leader in the field of African American history. Today, we are a beacon to researchers across the world, share our collections with museums all over the globe, and present award-winning exhibits of national and local significance. Within our 650 linear feet of archival material and over 9,000 artifacts lies the power to resist historical erasure. Evidence of African American ingenuity, creativity, and tenacity is preserved among dozens of collections of photographs, manuscripts, recordings and objects. Here you can learn about the first African American U.S. Army colonel, the inventor of an early helicopter, civil rights lawyers and leaders, playwrights, artists, and so many more. Our exhibits reflect an authentic portrait of our past and the world around us. Examining both national and local history, these exhibits bring to life the thousands of stories contained in our archives and our collections—evidence gathered from hundreds of donors over the years. With so many stories to tell, our museum curators develop each exhibits in-house, from developing the initial idea, conducting research, writing, designing, and finally, installing artifacts, interactives, and panel text for an engaging and impactful experience. The National Afro American Museum and Cultural Center provides quality educational opportunities that meet the specific needs of K-12 students in Ohio. Both self-guided and guided tours through the museum encourage students to immerse themselves in our exhibits. Age-appropriate lessons utilize materials and objects from our collections to immerse students in their history and engage them in activities that are truly doing the work of historians Here at NAAMCC, we invite you to own your history, live your legacy!