African American Museum of Nassau County facts for kids
The Joysetta and Julius Pearse African American Museum of Nassau County, also known as the African American Museum, is a special place that celebrates the history and culture of African Americans. It opened in 1970 and was renamed on May 18, 2021, to honor its long-time directors, Joysetta and Julius Pearse. The museum is located in Hempstead, New York, and is a great spot to learn about the important role African Americans have played in Long Island's history. It's one of the few museums of its kind in the New York City area.
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Explore African American History
This museum is dedicated to showing off the amazing work of African American artists, both from the local area and across the country. It's a 6,000 square foot building, which is about the size of a large house, and it's managed by Nassau County.
What You'll Discover Inside
The museum hosts many exciting events throughout the year. You can join in celebrations for Black History Month and Kwanzaa. They also honor important leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Since 2005, it's been free to visit, making it easy for everyone to explore.
A Look at the Museum's History
One of the people who helped start the museum was Dr. Leroy Ramsey. He was a historian for the U.S. Department of Defense. The first director, Willie Houston, led the museum for its first twenty years. In 2005, the museum received a special "Museum Preservation Award" from American Legacy magazine, recognizing its important work.
More Than Just a Museum
The African American Museum is also a lively community center. It helps share African American culture through education, art, and other programs. Many of its exhibits focus on Long Island, showing the region's unique connection to African American history. The museum also offers a program called "Digging for Roots at the African American Museum," which helps people research their family history. It is also home to the African Atlantic Genealogy Society, which offers workshops and help with family research.
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