Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum

About Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum

The Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum shares authentic stories of African American life in Central Illinois, celebrating both historical and contemporary experiences. Visitors explore exhibits including the 1908 Race Riot exhibit, which documents significant events in the region's past. The museum hosts educational resources and programs such as the AARP Video Series, History Comes Alive, Negro Leagues Baseball content, and oral history collections that bring these narratives to life. Special events include community gatherings and presentations like "I Bear Witness: The Untold Stories of American Race Riots," which features film screenings exploring underrepresented accounts of racial violence. The museum also hosts the annual "Honoring Our Heritage" Gala celebrating community and cultural preservation. Located in Springfield, Illinois, the museum welcomes visitors during published hours, with private guided tours available by arrangement. The facility can be rented for events, and volunteers are actively recruited to support the museum's mission.