The African American Museum in Philadelphia, Philadelphia

The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), founded in 1976, is the first municipal museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing African American heritage. Situated near the Liberty Bell on Arch Street in historic Philadelphia, AAMP offers a comprehensive exploration of African American history and culture. Originally called the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum, its name change signifies a broader scope of African American narratives.

AAMP is structured around four galleries and an auditorium, each dedicated to presenting exhibitions that explore one of three main themes: The African Diaspora, the Philadelphia Story, and the Contemporary Narrative. These themes guide the museum's programming and exhibition strategies, offering visitors a comprehensive view of African American history, culture, and contributions from a local, national, and global perspective.

The museum houses a vast collection of over 750,000 objects, including materials related to the Philadelphia Black Panthers, the first black doctor to lead a U.S. Army Hospital, civil rights constitutional issues, African American artifacts, sports memorabilia, church records, and Ku Klux Klan artifacts. This collection supports research, educational programs, and exhibitions, and is also shared with other museums and educational initiatives.

Beyond its static displays, AAMP actively engages the public through temporary exhibits and a host of events such as family activities, workshops, film screenings, tours, symposiums, and concerts. These programs are designed to deepen the understanding of African American culture and history, celebrating its richness and diversity while also addressing the challenges and achievements of the African American community.