Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum
Discover the rich African-American history of Central Illinois through compelling personal stories and impactful exhibitions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the rich African-American history of Central Illinois through compelling personal stories and impactful exhibitions.
"This museum preserves a part of our history that many would like to forget or gloss over."
Support the Museum
Admission is free, but donations are crucial for their growth and expansion. Consider a membership!
Ask for a Guided Tour
The Executive Director and volunteers offer incredibly insightful tours. Don't miss it!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Generational Family Stories
Main Exhibition Hall
Discover fascinating oral histories and exhibitions detailing the lives of local African-American families across generations.
1908 Race Riot Exhibit
Temporary Exhibit Space
Gain a profound, emotional understanding of the 1908 race riot through impactful displays and personal accounts.
Negro League Baseball
Temporary Exhibit Space
Explore the rich history of the Negro Leagues with a special temporary exhibit, celebrating local baseball legends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Growing Gem
Combine Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Support the Museum
Admission is free, but donations are crucial for their growth and expansion. Consider a membership!
Ask for a Guided Tour
The Executive Director and volunteers offer incredibly insightful tours. Don't miss it!
Allow Ample Time
While small, the exhibits are dense with information. Give yourself time to absorb it all.
Check for Events
They host story hours and activities, especially for Black History Month.
Tips
from all over the internet
Support the Museum
Admission is free, but donations are crucial for their growth and expansion. Consider a membership!
Ask for a Guided Tour
The Executive Director and volunteers offer incredibly insightful tours. Don't miss it!
Allow Ample Time
While small, the exhibits are dense with information. Give yourself time to absorb it all.
Check for Events
They host story hours and activities, especially for Black History Month.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the museum for its deeply informative and personal exhibits on the local African-American experience, highlighting the value of oral histories and specific displays like the 1908 race riot. While acknowledged as small and still growing, its impact is significant, with many recommending it as a must-visit historical site in Springfield.
"We didn't know this was in Springfield until we went to Lincoln's tomb. As we left, we saw a small building with its name on it and pulled into the driveway.
This museum is new, and they are just growing their collections. What we saw was fascinating. It primarily focused on several African-American families with many generations in and around Springfield. Some of the stories were very informative, and we learned a lot, most of which we should have learned in school. This is one of the reasons I like museums like this. Rather than bland education painting a pollyannaish picture of our history, these museums show how minorities were treated (or mistreated). It preserves a part of our history that many would like to forget or gloss over. But without information like this, history is destined to repeat.
Why four stars and not five? This has to do with the current state of the museum - essentially just starting up. They don't have a lot of items yet. They just received a large grant and are expanding the museum. They are soliciting additional items, most of which were donated. We were so impressed we bought a family membership, even though we live almost four hours away. Once they complete their new wing, we're taking a trip back.
Incidentally, if you do go for a visit, their Executive Director is amazing. She gave us the tour, and we learned a lot. If you are even in Springfield, IL, I recommend stopping here before or after Lincolns' tomb. Since the museum is small, seeing everything takes little time. But it is well worth stopping for. Take advantage of this informative museum that tells some tragic and happy stories."
Bob Rosenthal
"Admission is free but it is really important to support this museum. Starting with the facts in the evolution of indentured and slaved people to positive highlights of local colored lineage is very informative. The temporary exhibit featured the Negro League in baseball. The local volunteers were priceless with information. A must stop in Springfield."
John Thompson
"The place was a little small but full of great historic information. The guide was very nice and knowledgeable she made sure we received all the information and answered any questions we had. We will definitely have to come back."
A C Lawn Care and More LLC
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Springfield, Illinois. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's often visited in conjunction with Lincoln's Tomb, suggesting it's accessible by car. Parking is available.
Yes, visitors have mentioned pulling into the driveway, indicating parking is available on-site.
Many visitors note its proximity to Lincoln's Tomb, making it a convenient stop when exploring other historical sites in Springfield.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum is free. However, donations are highly encouraged to support their ongoing work and expansion.
Absolutely! Donations are very important for the museum's growth, especially as they are expanding their collections and facilities.
Yes, visitors have expressed their support by purchasing family memberships, which is a great way to contribute to the museum's mission.
Specific operating hours are not detailed in the provided information, but it's recommended to check their official channels or call ahead, especially if planning a visit during special events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect to find exhibitions focusing on the local African-American experience, including oral histories, family legacies, the 1908 race riot, and temporary exhibits like the Negro League baseball history.
The museum is described as being a 'little small' but 'full of great historic information.' It's currently growing with a new wing being added.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended. The Executive Director and knowledgeable volunteers provide in-depth information and answer questions.
The museum hosts events like story hours and activities, making it engaging for children. The exhibits offer valuable historical education for all ages.
Some exhibits, like the one on the 1908 race riot, can be emotionally impactful and thought-provoking, prompting reflection on history and allyship.
📸 📸 Photography
While not explicitly stated, it's common for museums to allow personal photography for non-commercial use. It's always best to check for signage or ask staff upon arrival.
The exhibits themselves, especially those featuring historical photographs or artifacts, are likely to be visually compelling. The temporary exhibits often have unique themes that make for great photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The exhibits, while historically significant, are presented in a way that can spark curiosity in younger visitors. Consider visiting during a special event for added engagement. The museum's focus on personal stories can help children connect with history on a more relatable level. It's a great opportunity to discuss important historical events and their impact in an accessible manner.
📚 History Enthusiasts & Learners
Don't miss the opportunity to engage with the 1908 Race Riot exhibit for a profound understanding of a pivotal local event. The museum's commitment to preserving oral histories means you'll encounter stories that are rarely found elsewhere. Plan to spend ample time to fully absorb the rich details presented.
🤝 Community-Minded Visitors
Engaging with the staff and volunteers, who are often deeply connected to the history being shared, offers a unique perspective. Consider attending special events to connect with the community and learn more about the museum's ongoing initiatives, such as their involvement in storm victim relief efforts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Evolving Collection
The museum's focus is on preserving and sharing the often-overlooked narratives of African Americans in Springfield and the surrounding Central Illinois region. This includes deep dives into the lives of local families, their triumphs, and the challenges they faced. The commitment to oral histories ensures that personal experiences are at the forefront of the museum's educational mission.
Visitors are encouraged to not only observe but also to support this vital institution. Whether through donations or by becoming a member, contributing helps ensure that these important stories are preserved and shared for generations to come.
Experiencing History Through Personal Narratives
The exhibits often delve into sensitive but important topics, such as the 1908 race riot. These displays are described as emotionally impactful, opening eyes and prompting deep reflection on the past and its relevance to the present. The museum provides a space for visitors to grapple with difficult histories and consider their role as allies in modern society.
Beyond the more challenging aspects of history, the museum also celebrates the positive highlights of local colored lineage. This includes showcasing achievements in various fields, such as the temporary exhibit on the Negro League in baseball, which resonated deeply with visitors, even featuring photos of local individuals.
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