African-American Museum in Philadelphia

"Celebrating the Life and Contributions of a People"

Founded in 1976, in celebration of the U.S. Bicentennial, The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) is dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting the material and intellectual culture of African Americans in Philadelphia, the Delaware Valley, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Americas. The land on which the museum was built was once part of a historic black community. The Museum is committed to telling the story of African Americans in all its permutations: family life, the Civil Rights movement, arts and entertainment, sports, medicine, architecture, politics, religion, law and technology. Its public programming is designed to complement its exhibitions and has been augmented with workshops and demonstrations, concerts, films, dance performance, poetry readings, book signings, story telling, lectures and seminars.

Over the years, the Museum's collection has grown to include over 400,000 objects, images and documents ranging from utilitarian and domestic objects to fine and folk art, memorabilia, furnishings and costumes, photographs and negatives, books and periodicals. Our holdings are made available for research, exhibitions, for loan to other museums, and used in the Museum's many educational programs.

The Museum hosts an annual all-night jazz jam every February. Jazz greats who have participated in the Jazz 'Til Sunrise show have included: Shirley Scott, Jimmy Heath, Jimmy Oliver, and Ted Curson.
The land on which the museum was built was once part of a historic black community.
Location: NW Corner 7th and Arch Streets (Map)
Built: 1976.
Tourism information: Tu-Sa 10am-5pm; Su noon-5pm; Closed Monday. Admission: Adults $6; Children under 12, students with I.D., the disabled, and seniors $4. 215-574-0380 x228
Facilities: Bathrooms. Gift shop features a fine selection of African-American related books. Masks, prints, photographs, instruments, jewelry, and Africana also for sale.
Official website: aampmuseum.org