African American Military History Museum
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African American Military History Museum

4.9
·159 reviews·Hattiesburg, United States

Discover the rich history of African American military service in this former USO club, offering free admission and impactful exhibits.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal

CrowdLow
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African American Military History Museum

African American Military History Museum

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the rich history of African American military service in this former USO club, offering free admission and impactful exhibits.

4.9
(159 reviews)

"A beautiful experience, very enriched with historical information for people of color."

Vertical photo
TIP

Allocate About 30-60 Mins

Most visitors find 30-60 minutes is perfect to see everything. :stopwatch:

Free Admission!

Enjoy this enriching experience at no cost. :moneywithwings:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

USO Club History

USO Club History

Entrance/Main Hall

Discover the building's past as a USO Club for African American soldiers, a vital social hub during segregation.

Local Heroes & Accomplishments

Local Heroes & Accomplishments

Exhibition Halls

Learn about the significant contributions and sacrifices of African American soldiers from various wars.

Jesse Brown's Legacy

Jesse Brown's Legacy

Special Exhibits

See artifacts like the coat of Jesse Brown, the first African American naval aviator, on special occasions.

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A Concise Visit

This museum is on the smaller side, with most visitors spending around 30 minutes to an hour exploring the exhibits. It's a great stop for a quick yet impactful history lesson, especially if you're short on time in Hattiesburg.

Free Admission & Welcoming Staff

Enjoy a rich historical experience without any cost! The African American Military History Museum offers free admission, and visitors consistently praise the helpful and welcoming staff who enhance the visit with their knowledge.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal
Crowd
Low
When
During Special Occasions
Why
Unique exhibits like Jesse Brown's
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If your ever in Hattiesburg, MS, make sure that you add the African American Military Museum to your places to visit. The museum highlights the contributions and sacrifices of African American soldiers from the Revolutionary War to contemporary conflicts. Originally established as a USO Club for African American soldiers, the museum opened to the public in 2009. It serves as an important site for ...
@myvirtualbookcase
44 likes • 516 views

Allocate About 30-60 Mins

Most visitors find 30-60 minutes is perfect to see everything. :stopwatch:

Free Admission!

Enjoy this enriching experience at no cost. :moneywithwings:

Take a quick trip with me to the African American Military History Museum in Hattiesburg, MS! “The African American Military History Museum bears witness to the service and sacrifice of the African American soldier beginning with the American Revolution through the modern-day conflicts of Desert Storm and the Global War on Terrorism. Hundreds of artifacts, photos, and unique displays fill the res...
@gh3tto_gosp3l
60 likes • 432 views
#Africanamerican#military#museum#hattiesburg#teachblackhistory
@brendacomfort2021
9 likes • 192 views

Engage with Staff

The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. Ask them questions! :speech_balloon:

Great for Families

An excellent place for a history lesson for all ages. :bustsinsilhouette:

I firmly believe everyone should visit this museum, it shows the incredible beauty and history of African Americans and their transportation here, I loved taking my little cousin Inspo: @jalyssa 🫶🏽 (thank you for helping me find another reason to post this) #skyhem #aficanamerican #history #blacklivesmatter #blacktiktok
@skyhemslife
302.4K likes • 1.4M views

Tips

from all over the internet

Allocate About 30-60 Mins

Most visitors find 30-60 minutes is perfect to see everything. :stopwatch:

Free Admission!

Enjoy this enriching experience at no cost. :moneywithwings:

Engage with Staff

The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable. Ask them questions! :speech_balloon:

Great for Families

An excellent place for a history lesson for all ages. :bustsinsilhouette:

Learn Local History

Discover the stories of local heroes and their wartime achievements. :military_medal:

What Travellers Say

4.9
(159 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the African American Military History Museum for its free admission, welcoming staff, and impactful exhibits that highlight the significant contributions of African Americans in the military. While small, the museum offers a rich historical experience and is highly recommended for a concise yet educational visit.

"Small museum.To see the whole exhibition, it will take maybe 30mins. Very helpful and welcoming stuffs.
We visited on a special occasion. During the first African American navy pilot, Jesse Browns birthday. They had his coat in showcase."

rafi Rahman

"Beautiful experience as African American female who is currently serving in the US Army as well as a Registered Nurse. I loved every bit of it. I took my entire family back a week later. We went to the Eureka school and saw the hair expo."

Chenora Newson

"Beautiful experience and very enriched with historical information for people of color. Our only USO in the area."

Virginia Barnes

What People Like

Free admission
Helpful staff
Rich historical information

What People Dislike

Small size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is the most common method. Parking information is usually available on-site or nearby. Check local maps for the best route to 1006 East Pine Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Reddit

Information on accessibility is not widely detailed online, but as a community-focused museum, it's likely to have some level of accessibility. It's recommended to call ahead if you have specific needs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the African American Military History Museum is free! This makes it an accessible and valuable historical experience for everyone. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, and it's best to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information. Some visitors have noted special hours during significant dates. Reddit

Since admission is free, advance booking is typically not required. However, for group visits or special events, it's always a good idea to contact the museum beforehand. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors spend around 30 minutes to an hour exploring the museum's exhibits. It's a concise yet impactful visit. Reddit

The museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and information detailing the service and sacrifice of African American soldiers from the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts. You'll learn about local heroes and their accomplishments. TikTokReddit

Some reviews mention interactive tours and opportunities to sit and learn about local heroes, suggesting an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Reddit

The museum is housed in a former USO Club, which served as a vital social and recreational center for African American soldiers during a time of segregation. TikTokReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. It's generally advisable to ask for permission from staff before taking pictures, especially if flash photography is involved, to protect the artifacts. TikTok

While the exhibits themselves are the main focus, the historical architecture of the former USO building might offer some interesting photo opportunities. Capturing the essence of the exhibits is key. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The African American Military History Museum is an excellent destination for families looking to provide children with a meaningful history lesson. The free admission makes it an accessible outing, and the museum's focus on local heroes and interactive elements can keep younger visitors engaged. Reddit The staff's welcoming nature also contributes to a positive family experience. Consider visiting during less crowded times to allow children to explore at their own pace and ask questions. Reddit

History Enthusiasts & Educators

For those passionate about military history and African American heritage, this museum offers a concentrated and impactful experience. The detailed exhibits and personal stories provide valuable insights into a crucial, often underrepresented, aspect of American history. TikTokReddit Educators will find it a rich resource for teaching about civil rights, military service, and the contributions of minority groups. The former USO club setting adds an authentic layer to the historical narrative. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Significance of the USO Club

The African American Military History Museum holds a special place in history, not just for its exhibits but for the building it occupies. This structure originally served as a USO Club, a crucial social and recreational hub specifically for African American soldiers during an era of segregation. These clubs provided a much-needed sense of community, belonging, and respite for Black servicemen who often faced discrimination elsewhere. Understanding this context adds a profound layer to the museum's narrative, highlighting the dual struggle for freedom abroad and equality at home. TikTokReddit

Visitors can learn about the daily life, challenges, and camaraderie experienced by soldiers within these walls. The museum effectively uses this historical setting to tell the broader story of African American military contributions, making the exhibits even more impactful. It’s a testament to the resilience and spirit of those who served. TikTok

Highlighting Unsung Heroes

This museum is dedicated to bringing to light the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans in the military. From the Revolutionary War to contemporary conflicts like Desert Storm, the exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and personal stories of individuals who served with distinction. You'll encounter accounts of bravery, sacrifice, and significant achievements that have shaped American history but are not always widely recognized. TikTokReddit

One particularly poignant aspect is the display of items related to Jesse Brown, the first African American naval aviator. His presence, often marked by special exhibits on his birthday, serves as a powerful reminder of breaking barriers. The museum’s commitment to showcasing these local and national heroes offers a vital educational experience, fostering pride and a deeper understanding of the diverse tapestry of American military service. Reddit