International African American Museum facts for kids

The International African American Museum (IAAM) is a special museum in Charleston, South Carolina. It tells the story of African-American history. The museum is built on the exact spot where Gadsden's Wharf once stood. This wharf was a very important place. It was where many enslaved people arrived in America.

The idea for the IAAM started about 20 years ago. Construction began in January 2020. The museum officially opened its doors on June 27, 2023.

How the Museum Started and Was Built

The Idea for the Museum

The idea for this important museum came from Joseph P. Riley Jr.. He was the mayor of Charleston for a long time. The city had sold the land where the museum now stands. A restaurant was going to be built there.

But during the building work, people found traces of Gadsden's Wharf. This discovery was very important. Mayor Riley then decided to buy the land back for the city. He wanted to make sure this historic spot was remembered.

Funding the Museum's Construction

Building the museum cost a lot of money. The total budget was $75 million. Joe Riley worked hard to raise money for the project. He raised money as a private citizen. By 2018, he had met the goal of $25 million in private donations.

The South Carolina General Assembly also planned to give $25 million. However, their contribution was delayed. This delay meant that building the 40,000-square-foot museum also took longer.

The city of North Charleston also helped. They donated $1 million to the project. The mayor of North Charleston, Keith Sumney, hoped the museum would include a display about Liberty Hill. This is a neighborhood in North Charleston with a rich Black history.

Designing the Museum Building

Many talented people helped design the museum. The main architect was Harry Cobb. He worked with a company called Pei Cobb Freed & Partners. They also worked with Moody Nolan, an architectural firm from Ohio.

The inside displays were designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates. The outdoor areas and gardens were designed by Walter Hood. He is a landscape designer from California. The museum is built right on the Cooper River. From there, you can see Fort Sumter and the Atlantic Ocean.