Slavery Museum

The need for a museum to house depictions of American slavery exists in a major way. What African Americans in this country went through for multiple centuries is mind boggling, and having a museum to remember the pain and anguish that was felt during these times can help assure that it never happens again. There are quite a few museums that have dedicated themselves to memorializing the struggle, as well as providing insight into African American history. Here are just a few of the museums that include slavery as one of their main focal points.

1. Afro-American Historical and Cultural Society Museum – This museum, as their name suggests, does not only deal with slavery. Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, they also teach visitors about the history and culture of African descendants in this country (with its focus on the city itself), there is plenty of information about the civil rights movement, and the underground railroad’s role in the end of slavery as well.

2. African American Museum and Library at Oakland – This is another museum that increases awareness about a number of African American issues, with slavery being one of them. The library has entire archives that have collections of writings and speeches by or related to Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and many other key figures. The AAMLO has been around in one form or another since 1946.

3. America’s Black Holocaust Museum – This was created as a memorial for every single African American that suffered during the times of slavery. It was founded by James Cameron, a lynching survivor that just passed in 2006 for unrelated reasons. This museum has been dedicated to enlightening people about slavery has been around since 1988 and it can be found in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. People that visit the ABHM are educated about life in Africa before captivity, slavery of course, and problems that need to be dealt with today.

4. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History – Located in Detroit, this institution was founded in 1965. It is currently housing the world’s largest permanent exhibit about African American Culture. There are entire collections that can be found there that delve into issues such as the underground railroad. There is also a collection with tons of information about Harriet Tubman and the contributions she made to runaway slaves in need.

All of these museums are great examples of places that are dedicating their time and effort to educating the public about a period of time in American history that will not, and should not, be forgotten. As long as there are organizations that are out there trying to bring light to this subject, it will never be forgotten. Find out what museums are in your area so that you can educate yourself about the fight for rights and the bravery it took to make significant changes in this country.