Mosaic Templars Cultural Center facts for kids
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| Established | 2008 |
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| Location | 501 West Ninth Street Little Rock, Arkansas, Southern United States |
| Type | African American history museum |
The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is a special museum in Little Rock, Arkansas. It is a place where you can learn about and celebrate African American history and culture in Arkansas. The museum focuses on the achievements of Black people from 1870 until today. It teaches everyone about their important contributions in business, government, and the arts.
Contents
History of the Mosaic Templars
The Mosaic Templars of America was a group started by two former slaves, John E. Bush and Chester W. Keatts. They founded this group in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1883. It was a "fraternal order," which means a brotherhood or club.
At that time, Black people often did not have access to basic services. The Mosaic Templars helped by offering illness, death, and burial insurance. This was a way for people to get financial help when they needed it most.
In the 1930s, the group faced challenges because of the Great Depression. This was a time when many people lost their jobs and money. Eventually, the Mosaic Templars of America stopped operating. However, one part of the group still exists today in Barbados.
Saving the Building
After the original group closed, other businesses used the Mosaic Templars building. But over time, the area changed, and the building became empty and run down. In 1992, there were plans to tear it down to build a fast-food restaurant.
A group of people who wanted to save old buildings formed a society in 1993. They worked hard to stop the building from being destroyed. The city of Little Rock then bought the building for $110,000. This was the first time the city bought a building just to save it because of its history.
Building the Museum
Sadly, the historic building burned down on March 12, 2005. Even after the fire, people still wanted to create a museum there. Voters in the city had already approved money to buy more land around the site.
In 2001, the preservation society helped pass two laws in Arkansas. One law provided money to build the new museum. The second law put the museum under the care of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, a state agency.
A brand new building was constructed on the same spot. The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center officially opened its doors on September 19, 2008. Members from the remaining Barbados lodge even came to the opening ceremony.
What You Can See at the Museum
The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center has lots to explore. It has over 8,000 square feet of space for exhibits and learning.
- Main Floor Exhibits: On the first floor, you can find a permanent exhibit that tells the story of African Americans in Arkansas. There is also an interactive gallery just for children. Plus, a temporary exhibit gallery features different topics throughout the year.
- Research Center: The second floor has the Bush-Remmel genealogical research center and library. Here, you can look up your family history and learn about the past.
- Arkansas Black Hall of Fame: On the third floor, you can visit the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. This honors important Black Arkansans who have made a big difference.
- Auditorium: The third floor also has an auditorium. This space is used for public talks, conferences, and performances. It helps people learn more about the history of African Americans in Arkansas.
See also
- Mosaic Templars State Temple
- List of museums focused on African Americans
