African American Museum in Philadelphia facts for kids
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The museum in 2024
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| Former name | Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum |
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| Established | 1976 |
| Location | 701 Arch Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Public transit access |   SEPTA bus: 47, 48 |
The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) is a very special place. It was the first museum in the United States built and paid for by a city to celebrate the history and culture of African Americans.
The museum opened in 1976, the same year the United States celebrated its 200th birthday, known as the Bicentennial. It is located in the historic city of Philadelphia, just a short walk from the famous Liberty Bell. Before it got its current name, it was called the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum.
Contents
What's Inside the Museum?
The museum has four main galleries where you can see amazing exhibits. These exhibits tell stories about three main ideas: the journey of people from Africa to other parts of the world (the African Diaspora), the special history of African Americans in Philadelphia, and their stories in modern times.
A Huge Collection of History
The AAMP holds a massive collection of over 750,000 items! These include objects, photos, and important papers. The museum uses these items for its exhibits and also lends them to other museums.
Some of the fascinating things you can find in the collection are:
- Flyers and items from the Philadelphia Black Panthers.
- Letters and military objects from the first Black doctor to lead a U.S. Army Hospital.
- Family scrapbooks that show everyday life.
- Sports memorabilia from famous athletes.
- Old church and burial records.
Besides its main collection, the museum also hosts special events like workshops, movie showings, and concerts that explore African American history and culture.
The Story of the Museum
Philadelphia has always been a key city in African American history. During the 1700s, when the United States was just beginning, Philadelphia was a center for the abolitionist movement, which worked to end slavery. It also had the largest population of free Black people in the country.
Key People and Changes
A man named Charles H. Wesley was very important to the museum's early days. He was a respected historian, teacher, and author. In 1976, he became the director of the museum when it first opened.
In 1997, the museum changed its name from the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum to the African American Museum in Philadelphia.
In 2009, the museum reopened after big renovations. It introduced a new main exhibit called AUDACIOUS FREEDOM. This exhibit tells the story of African Americans in Philadelphia from 1776 to 1876.
A New Home for the Museum
On August 11, 2022, the City of Philadelphia announced an exciting plan. The museum was set to move to the historic Family Court Building. This move was planned as part of the city's preparations for the United States Semiquincentennial, the 250th birthday of the United States.
Museum Partnerships
The African American Museum in Philadelphia is part of the Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program. This means it works with the famous Smithsonian museums to share collections and create programs.
See also
