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Museums & More: DuSable Museum of African American History
Author: Amy Kistner
Overview
The first of its kind in the U.S., The DuSable Museum of African American History shares the stories of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout U.S. history. The museum focuses not only on the well known leaders, but also the unsung heroes who paved the way for equality throughout history.
History
Since its beginnings in 1961, the DuSable Museum of African American History has been preserving, sharing, and highlighting the history and achievements of African Americans. Originally known as The Ebony Museum of Negro History and Art, the museum was first located in the former home of John Griffin, who was a south side contractor, and the Quincy Club. In 1968, the museum was renamed its current name in honor of Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable, the first permanent settler in Chicago.
The museum quickly began running out of room in its facility and requested permission from the Chicago Park District to be able to move to a former administration building in Washington Park. The request was granted in 1971 and the museum moved to its current location.
The museum has gone through some renovations since moving to its new facility. In 1993, the museum opened the Harold Washington wing, named for the late mayor of Chicago, which housed more gallery space and a theater which held 450 seats. Last year, the museum renovated again by upgrading the computer, security, and HVAC systems as well as a renovation of the original north entrance, and a update of the museum’s gift shop known as the Trading Post. These newest renovations were made possible through a grant for $3 million from the state.
The museum is also planning for the future and has goals for the next renovation to include more gallery space, storage, and conservation areas. They are also trying to acquire the Park District roundhouse just south of the museum to have the ability to further expand the museum.
Current Exhibits
The present is always becoming the past, and, as history grows, so do the exhibits at the DuSable Museum. The exhibits at the DuSable Museum are always changing and adapting to new historical and cultural events and discoveries. Some of the current exhibits are “Red, White, Blue, and Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Forces”, “Soul Soldiers: African Americans and the Vietnam Era”, “Wisdom of Words: Lerone Bennett Jr., The People’s Historian”, “Forgotten Roots: Muslims in Early America through the 20th century”, and “Africa Speaks”. They also have a “Community Gallery” which features art from local and national artists.
Red, White, Blue, and Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Forces
Highlighting the DuSable Museum’s extensive collection of military memorabilia, this exhibit features a journey through American history. This exhibit emphasizes seven distinct periods of American history including the Revolutionary War, the American Civil War, Westward Expansion and the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. This exhibit is not an exhibit that emphasizes war, but the fact that Blacks were prevented from achieving high ranks and having the military respect they deserved while fighting not only for this country throughout history, but also equality. It highlights the unsung heroes that paved the way for change and acceptance.
Soul Soldiers: African Americans and the Vietnam Era
While men were being drafted to serve as soldiers in Vietnam, another war was going on at home. The Civil Rights movement was in full swing as Black men and women were forced to fight a war overseas rather than fight for the equality they so richly deserved. Featuring nearly 200 artifacts, “Soul Soldiers” gives unique insight into the life and times of African American soldiers and nurses of the Vietnam era by showcasing items from veterans such as rucksacks, uniforms, and dog tags; articles from Time Magazine, Ebony, and the Pittsburgh Courier; nurse uniforms; recruitment posters; military propaganda; and soldiers’ diaries and letters.
WISDOM OF WORDS: Lerone Bennett Jr., The People’s Historian
In a world dominated by Caucasian-centered history, Lerone Bennett was one of the few voices sharing history through the eyes of African Americans. Known as “The People’s Historian”, Bennett has written numerous books on the histories and struggles of Black Americans through the centuries. This exhibit follows his life from high school to college to his life at Johnson Publishing beginning as Associate Editor of JET magazine in 1953 to his position as Executive Editor Emeritas upon his retirement in 2003. The exhibit includes copies of his books, awards, personal items, and vintage copies of JET and Ebony. The exhibit includes the final interview he conducted with John H. Johnson, who was the founder, publisher, and chairman of JET and Ebony.
Forgotten Roots: Muslims in Early America Through the 20th Century
Islam is not a new movement to the United States. Muslims have been influencing this nation from the very beginning. This exhibit traces the Islamic heritage in America from the 1700s to 1900s. The exhibit includes artifacts from the 1600s to the twentieth century divided into two sections: the first includes from the 1600s to the 1800s; the second focuses on the unsung leaders during the twentieth century.
Postal Portraits: African Americans and Stamps
Since 1978, the United States Postal Service has been honoring prominent Black Americans. The most recent person honored with a stamp was Hattie McDaniel back in January of 2006. So far 29 African American activists, theorists, educators, artists and leaders have been honored with postage stamps. This exhibit highlights their achievements and recognizes the honor that has been bestowed upon them.
Africa Speaks
Africa is a continent rich in nations with their own cultures, art, and tradition. This exhibit focuses on the art of those countries and shows how the traditions of those nations have influenced Black art and culture here in the United States.
Community Gallery
Local artists and organizations who share a passion for African and African American history, art, and culture, have opportunity to showcase exhibits in the “Community Gallery”. The cost to exhibit is $300 and exhibits must last no more than three months. Exhibits are given to those whose themes best fit the vision of the museum which is to document and disseminate the history and culture of Africans and Americans of African descent.
Check out places of interest near Museums & More: DuSable Museum of African American History:
The Freedom Museum
435 N Michigan Ave,
Chicago, IL 60611
Chicago's McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum teaches guests about their First Amendment rights and how those rights protect their freedom as Americans.
