Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture facts for kids
Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture
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| Established | 1991 |
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| Location | 301 Main Street, Natchez, MS, United States |
The Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture is a special place in Natchez, MS, United States. It tells the story of African Americans in the southern United States. The museum first opened in 1991. It was started by a group called the Natchez Association for the Preservation of African American Culture, or NAPAC. This group works to show the important things African Americans have done for society.
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The Museum Building
The museum is in an old building in Natchez, Mississippi. It used to be a United States Post Office. The building was built around 1904. The museum and its displays cover about 10,000 square feet. That's a lot of space to explore!
What You Can See: Museum Exhibits
The museum shows events from when Natchez became a city in 1716 all the way to today. It uses art, photos, old papers, special items, and books to tell these stories.
Stories of History
The exhibits cover many important times. These include the time of slavery, the American Civil War, and the period called Reconstruction. They also show what happened during 20th-century wars and the Civil Rights Movement.
Important Places and People
- Forks of the Road: This was the second largest slave market in the southern United States. It has been recognized by the United Nations because of its role in the international slave trade.
- Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima ibn Sori: You can learn about this famous enslaved prince.
- The Rhythm Nightclub Fire: This exhibit tells about a sad event where over 200 African American citizens of Natchez died.
- Richard Wright: There is a special section about the famous author Richard Wright. He was born in Natchez and wrote many important books.
The museum also holds fun and educational events and talks. For example, in February 2016, the museum held its first Natchez Hip Hop Summit. This event was part of Black History Month. It featured Hip hop music performances and a discussion about hip hop and racial identity.
Learning and Education
The museum often hosts special learning programs for students who visit. The museum staff also help with other educational events.
Historical Figures Come to Life
For example, the museum's Executive Director, Darrell S. White, has taken part in the Black and Blue Civil War Living History Program. In this program, he acted as two important historical figures:
- Hiram Revels: He was a freedman who helped create two African-American army groups during the Civil War. He later became the first African American to serve as a senator from Mississippi in the United States Congress.
- Wilson Brown: He was an escaped slave who joined the United States Navy. He was given the Medal of Honor, which is America's highest military award. He earned it for being very brave on the USS Hartford during the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864.
See also
