Black History Month is here! What could be a better way to celebrate African American culture than exploring life-changing Black History museums and monuments? Immerse yourself into African American heritage this Black History Month by taking a road trip to honor the countless trailblazers and heroes who have made such a critical impact on our country’s history, culture and freedom.
1. Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum: St. Petersburg, Florida
This famous Florida museum features historical African American exhibits from the St. Petersburg area. Named after Dr. Carter G. Woodson, accomplished author and spearheader of Black History Week in 1926, the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum is full of rich history. Dr. Woodson’s Black History Week became what we now nationally honor as Black History Month!
2. International Civil Rights Center & Museum: Greensboro, North Carolina
The nonviolent sit-in movement was a pivotal moment during the Civil Rights Era, and the International Civil Right Center & Museum provides visitors with education around this critical piece of American history. The museum honors those who started the Civil Rights movement in 1954 as they rallied for desegregation in the South.
3. DuSable Museum of African American History: Chicago, Illinois
Located in Chicago’s iconic Hyde Park, the DuSable Museum features temporary and evergreen exhibits for visitors to admire. The museum holds plenty of written history of African American history as well as incredible works of art and unique historical memorabilia for all to admire.
4. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute: Birmingham, Alabama
If you want to learn more about the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is the perfect place to gain a comprehensive understanding of this monumental time period. Other noteworthy sites surround the museum, such as Kelly Ingram Park and the 16th Street Baptist Church, that you can visit to include even more culture to your visit!
5. African American Museum of Dallas: Dallas, Texas
Get a rich taste of African American history at the African American Museum of Dallas. The museum exhibits one of the largest African American Folk Art collections in the country and other rotating art displays that showcase national African American history pieces and those local to Dallas.
6. Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia: Richmond, Virginia
To see original, preserved Black History artifacts, make sure to visit the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. The museum aims to protect and defend Black History through written records as much as possible. Feel the rich heritage throughout the museum located in the historic Leigh Street Armory as you admire incredible stories and accomplishments specific to the state of Virginia.
7. National Civil Rights Museum: Memphis, Tennessee
Located at the former Lorraine Motel – where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis allows visitors to pay their respects during their visit to the historical museum. You can even view the specific location where Dr. King was shot on the hotel balcony, which is now marked with a wreath.
8. International African American Museum: Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is full of African American history. During the slavery era, Charleston was a port where the majority of slaves were brought. The International African American Museum takes visitors back in time to witness the contributions and experiences of African Americans through digital archives, documents and film.
9. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: Kansas City, Missouri
Baseball lovers will have a ball at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The museum opened in the early 1990s as one single room. Now, the space shares a beautiful building with the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, Missouri. The 10,000 square feet museum is full of artifacts and stories from amazing African American baseball players.
10. Whitney Plantation: Wallace, Louisiana
Much more than a museum, Whitney Plantation is a plantation site founded in 1752. Now, the property serves as an educational experience for visitors to hear stories about slaves from the area. Tour guides also guide visitors through original and historically replicated buildings that were part of the plantation in Wallace, Louisiana.
