NAAMCC is re-opening Sat., May 15!
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 The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center will re-open to visitors on Sat., May 15, 2021. Our schedule will be:
- May Museum Hours (beginning May 15): Friday & Saturday only 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Museum Hours (beginning June 2): Wednesday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Masks and Social Distancing are required until further notice
We are excited to welcome you back to see our fabulous exhibitions:
Queens of the Heartland
The exhibit features the stories of 30 Ohio African American women who were a significant influence in the Suffrage and Civil Rights Movements from the 19th through the 21st centuries. The Queens of the Heartland exhibit tells the stories of these change-makers through panel text as well as three-dimensional objects. This exhibit includes portrait illustrations of these historical figures by New York artist Nichole Washington, whose current work focuses on identity and celebrates African American women. For more information, go to ohiohistory.org/naamcc. The Ohio Arts Council partially supports this exhibit.
African Americans Fighting For a Double Victory
Explore the many ways that African Americans served our country in the military and on the home front during World War II through this exhibit of World War II materials from the NAAMCC collections. Discover the art of Charles Alston, commissioned by the Office of War Information to promote the war effort among African Americans, explore stories of the Tuskegee Airmen, the Red Ball Express, and Wilberforce-area veterans. Learn more about the impact of African American World War II veterans had on the advances in Civil Rights that happened during and after the war.
Behind the Mask-Black Power in Comics
Behind the Mask: Black Power in Comics explores African Americans’ painful and triumphant history in comic books. The exhibit delves into the history of black comic book characters who, in the past, were rarely featured as heroes. Black comic book creators are now emerging to establishing superheroes of their own, reflecting a truer self-identity and cultural pride.
What’s in your attic? -Selections From Our Permanent Collection
When the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center (NAAMCC) opened its doors in 1988, it was in the vanguard by being one of the first national museums dedicated to African American history. Today, NAAMCC houses over 8,000 artifacts, 600 linear feet of archived materials and remains a pioneer in preserving and presenting African American history and culture. Learn more about the 30-year history and cultural influence of the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center. A special mini-exhibit entitled Playing with Identity: Selections from the Lillian M. Bartok Black Doll Collection is a part of this exhibit.
All exhibits are included with paid museum admission: $6/adult, $5/senior, $3/ages 6–17, Free/Ohio History Connection & NAAMCC members. For more information, call NAAMCC at 800-752-2603 ext. 0 or visit www.ohiohistory.org/naamcc The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center is located at 1350 Brush Row Road in Wilberforce, Ohio.
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Congratulations to the 2020 Art of Soul! Juried Art Show Winners!
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Congratulations to the winners of the 2020 Art of Soul! Juried Art Show! Click here to see this year's electronic catalog.
- Best of Show: "How Long" - Jimi Jones (top image above)
- 2nd Place: "Socially Distant" - Morris Howard (row 2, left image)
- 3rd Place: "Mickey Mouse Justice" - Louis Burroughs Jr. (row 2, right image)
- People's Choice Award - "Natural Woman" - Darin Darby & Onzie DeAndre Norman (row 3, left image)
- Honorable Mention - “They Called It Necktie Party” - Ora Clay (row 3, right image)
We are so proud of the NAAMCC team's work on Art of Soul! We persevered despite the pandemic, working from home, and opened the exhibit last September. When we had to close again due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, we worked with the artists and partners to share the exhibit with audiences online through this virtual tour.
We want to thank all of the artists and jurors Ed Dixon, Key Jo Lee, Michael Reese, and Rosa Rojas for their cooperation and dedication. Special thanks to Ohio History Connection staff members Jaime Marsh, Matt Schullek, and Mallory Skrobot for their support in creating the exhibit's digital resources and online programming.
The 2021 Call for Artists will be available Friday, April 16, 2021. The 2021 Art of Soul! Juried Art Show opens Sat., September 25. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thanks to our 2020 Art of Soul! Juried Art Show exhibition and online program sponsors:
  
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Join NAAMCC for our Spring
Online Programs
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NAAMCC is offering a diverse menu of online programs featuring thought-provoking topics covering art, genealogy, and history. Use the links in each description to register. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
March
Thursday, March 11 7 p.m.
"Remember the Ladies:" The 1850 Women's Rights Convention in Salem, OH
Presented by Cathy Nelson and Ohio Humanities
The fight for women's equality began over two centuries ago. Learn about their pervasive struggle through letters and speeches from the fearless and tireless women who fought for their rights, beginning with Abigail Adams to Sojourner Truth and others at the 1850 Women's Rights Convention in Salem, Ohio. Register for this free education program through this Zoom link. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
April
Thursday, April 8 7 p.m.
Black Oscars: From Mammy to Minny, What the Academy Awards Tell Us about African Americans
Presented by: Dr. Frederick Gooding, Jr., Texas Christian University
Second only to the Super Bowl in audience size and revenue, the Oscars are more than mere ceremonies; they are a phenomenon. Hosted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for over ninety years, the Oscars have long been considered the pinnacle of artistic expression. Recently, movements such as #OscarsSoWhite, have raised awareness around the more complicated legacy of the Oscars and African American participation in film.
Dr. Frederick W. Gooding, Jr. (AKA “Dr. G”), will explore African American film history to reflect on how the Oscars have recognized Blacks creatives from the award’s inception to the present. Dr. Gooding is an Associate Professor of African American Studies within the Honors College at Texas Christian University. A recognized historian, he highlights problematic historical roots of movie images that influence how Black people are perceived in reality. Gooding’s most well-known work is “You Mean, There’s RACE in My Movie? The Complete Guide to Understanding Race in Mainstream Hollywood.” Register for this free education program through this Zoom link. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
May
Thursday, May 13 7 p.m.
“Lifting as We Climb”: the life and legacy of Mary Church Terrell
Learn about suffragist and Civil Rights pioneer Mary Church Terrell (1863–1954).A graduate of Ohio’s Oberlin College, Terrell is featured in the NAAMCC exhibit, Queens of the Heartland. Her parents were both enslaved, but they rose quickly to become one of the wealthiest families in the South during the Civil War. Terrell may be unknown to us now, but her advocacy work in the 20th century is foundational to the Black activism movement.
Join Dr. Treva Lindsey of The Ohio State University Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and Sandra Rattley, Executive Producer, Director & Writer of the PBS’s American Masters series. “Unladylike2020” for a lively discussion of Terrell’s life. She is profiled in “Unladylike2020”, a series of 26 short films profiling diverse and little-known American women. The program will include a screening of Terrell’s film, followed by a discussion of why she was selected for “Unladylike2020”. Register for this free education program through this Zoom link. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thanks to our sponsors:
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Get creative! Introduction to African Inspired Handmade Beads and Jewelry Workshop starts June 3
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Join Rosa Rojas, Lead Curator at the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce, and Cincinnati jewelry artist Talitha Sydneia for Introduction to African Inspired Handmade Beads and Jewelry. This free workshop series is a part of the Ohio History Connection’s 55+ Adult Classes sponsored by Aroha Philanthropies. This program is limited to participants who are age 55 and older.
During this 8-week workshop, up to 12 participants will learn about African cultural practices through the use of various select materials traditionally used in the making of physical adornments, compare traditional bead-making processes and materials with contemporary ones, create African-inspired beads in polymer clay, learn three different clasp methods and which is the best option for different stringing cords, learn basic design skills in jewelry-making.
At the end of the eight-week session, each student will have completed from one to three wearable art pieces in the form of jewelry. Students are invited to showcase their work during a curated fashion show where they can serve as models or request a friend or family member's participation. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their creative process and the inspiration behind their color and form choices.
Class Details:
Thursdays -June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 8, 15, 22, 29, 2021. No class on July 1st.
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
For participants aged 55+ only. Maximum class size: 12
Free/participant. Registration is required. All workshop supplies are included.
Go to https://www.ohiohistory.org/seniorclasses to register and for more information.
Please Note: The workshops will be conducted in-person at the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center, 1350 Brush Row Rd., Wilberforce, OH. However, this is subject to change based on the status of COVID-19. If needed, we will offer the class online if the COVID-19 cases increase or if the State of Ohio issues new health orders that prohibit gatherings. In this event, participants will need access to a computer and webcam. We will update registered participants on the workshop location status by May 14.
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NAAMCC announces COVID-19
collections moratorium
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To facilitate the processing of our current backlog of donations that occurred while the museum is closed due to COVID-19, NAAMCC will not be accepting new loans or unsolicited archive or object donations until further notice. Please do not bring or mail donations of artifacts to the NAAMCC during this period. Museum staff will not accept any items offered, and all such offers will be declined. We will honor all existing loan agreements and any loans that have been approved before Sept. 15, 2020.
NAAMCC, like all museums, has a responsibility to maintain the highest possible standards of professional museum practices. A moratorium on collections acquisition and loans is the only option while our small collections management staff focuses exclusively on the significant and complex projects that have been delayed due to the pandemic. In very limited instances, NAAMCC may solicit material of substantial historical importance during the moratorium. However, these exceptions will be rare and need to be authorized by museum administration before any documents or artifacts can be left with museum staff.
We will review this temporary policy at the end of the second quarter of 2021 based on the status of the COVID-19 in Ohio. For more information, contact NAAMCC Collections Manager Linda Collins at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 800.752.2603 ext. 2124.
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Become a NAAMCC supporter of our
$30 for 30 Fundraising Campaign
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For over 30 years, the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center is the place to learn about African American history and culture! We serve Ohio by educating audiences about the great achievements of Black Ohioans and national figures throughout the year.
We are continuing to receive donations during the COVID-19 health crisis, so thank you to all of you who have supported us. We hope you will give $30 or more to the campaign and encourage your family and friends to join you in supporting our mission. Your donations will support our online educational programs, collections care, and facilities maintenance.
You can mail your $30 or more contribution to:
National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center
P.O. Box 578
Wilberforce, Ohio 45384-0578
Or you can make a credit/debit card donation online using this secure link. Thanks for your continuing support! |
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