Editing African American Museum in Philadelphia

{{Infobox Museum
| name = African American Museum in Philadelphia
| image =
| image_caption = African American Museum in Philadelphia
| type = History and culture museum
| address = 701 Arch Street
| neighborhood = Old City
| coordinates = 39.9536,-75.1509
| phone = (215) 574-0380
| website = https://www.aampmuseum.org
| established = 1976
| founder = City of Philadelphia
| director = Ashley Jordan
| collections = African American history and culture
| visitors = 100,000+ annually
| hours = Wed-Sat 10 AM - 5 PM; Sun 12-5 PM
}}

'''The African American Museum in Philadelphia''' (AAMP) is the first institution built by a major American city to house and interpret the life and work of African Americans. Founded in '''1976''' as part of the nation's Bicentennial celebration, the museum is located at 7th and Arch Streets in [[Old City, Philadelphia|Old City]], presenting the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans through exhibitions, programs, and collections.<ref name="aamp">{{cite web |url=https://www.aampmuseum.org/about |title=About AAMP |publisher=African American Museum in Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

Philadelphia has one of the most significant African American histories of any American city, from the earliest colonial settlements through the abolitionist movement, the Great Migration, and the civil rights era. The museum interprets this rich heritage through rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement, serving as a vital institution for preserving and sharing African American stories.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/african-american-museum-in-philadelphia/ |title=African American Museum in Philadelphia |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Founding ===

The African American Museum in Philadelphia was established in '''1976''' during America's Bicentennial celebration. The city of Philadelphia created the museum to ensure that African American contributions to American history would be represented in the commemorations.

The museum was the first of its kind—a major municipal institution specifically dedicated to African American history and culture.

=== The Building ===

The museum is housed in a modern building at 7th and Arch Streets, designed to provide flexible exhibition space for rotating displays and programs. The location places it within the Independence National Historical Park area, connecting African American history to the broader story of American democracy.

=== Mission ===

The museum's mission is to:
* Preserve and interpret African American history and culture
* Educate visitors about African American contributions
* Foster dialogue about race and identity
* Celebrate African American achievements
* Connect communities through shared history

== Exhibitions ==

=== Core Exhibitions ===

The museum presents rotating exhibitions exploring various aspects of African American history and culture. Themes frequently addressed include:

* '''Slavery and Freedom:''' The journey from bondage to liberty
* '''Migration:''' The Great Migration and its impact on Philadelphia
* '''Civil Rights:''' The struggle for equality
* '''Arts and Culture:''' African American creative expression
* '''Philadelphia Stories:''' Local African American history

=== Past Notable Exhibitions ===

* Explorations of Philadelphia's role in the Underground Railroad
* Tributes to African American music and musicians
* Examinations of civil rights leaders and movements
* Celebrations of African American inventors and innovators
* Contemporary art exhibitions

=== Audacious Freedom ===

A signature exhibition exploring Philadelphia's African American communities from the colonial era through the 19th century, highlighting:
* Free Black communities
* Abolition movement
* African American entrepreneurs and professionals
* Religious and civic institutions
* The fight for freedom and citizenship

== Philadelphia's African American History ==

The museum interprets Philadelphia's unique African American heritage:

=== Colonial Era ===

* Early free Black residents
* Enslaved Africans in colonial Philadelphia
* Gradual emancipation in Pennsylvania (1780)

=== 19th Century ===

* Mother Bethel AME Church (founded 1794)
* Abolitionist movement leaders
* Underground Railroad activity
* Octavius Catto and the fight for voting rights

=== Great Migration ===

* Thousands of African Americans moved from the South
* North and West Philadelphia communities grew
* Cultural and economic development
* Jazz, gospel, and artistic flowering

=== Civil Rights Era ===

* Philadelphia activism and organizing
* Cecil B. Moore and community leadership
* School desegregation efforts
* Continuing struggles for equality

== Visiting the Museum ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Wednesday-Saturday:''' 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
* '''Sunday:''' 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
* '''Closed:''' Monday and Tuesday
* Closed major holidays

=== Admission ===

* '''Adults:''' Approximately $14 (check website for current pricing)
* '''Seniors/Students:''' Discounted rates
* '''Children (4 and under):''' Free
* Free admission on select days (check website)

=== Tips ===

* Allow 1-2 hours for a visit
* Check website for current exhibitions
* Guided tours available
* Combine with visits to nearby historic sites
* Gift shop features African American books, art, and crafts

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Market-Frankford Line:''' 5th Street Station
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Multiple routes on Market Street
* '''PHLASH:''' Independence Mall stop
* '''Walking:''' Central Old City location
* '''Parking:''' Independence Mall garage nearby

=== Nearby Attractions ===

* [[National Constitution Center]] (2-minute walk)
* [[Liberty Bell]] (5-minute walk)
* [[Independence Hall]] (5-minute walk)
* [[Christ Church]] (5-minute walk)
* [[Mother Bethel AME Church]] (10-minute walk)

== Programs and Events ==

=== Educational Programs ===

* School programs and field trips
* Teacher resources and workshops
* Youth programs
* Family activities

=== Public Programs ===

* Lectures and discussions
* Film screenings
* Cultural celebrations
* Juneteenth events
* Black History Month programming
* Artist talks

=== Community Engagement ===

The museum serves as a community gathering place for:
* Dialogues on race and history
* Cultural celebrations
* Commemorations and ceremonies
* Civic engagement activities

== See Also ==

* [[Mother Bethel AME Church]]
* [[Johnson House]]
* [[African American History in Philadelphia]]
* [[Underground Railroad in Philadelphia]]
* [[Old City, Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.aampmuseum.org African American Museum in Philadelphia Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/african-american-museum-in-philadelphia/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=African American Museum in Philadelphia - Black History and Culture
|description=Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia, the first museum built by a major American city to preserve African American history. Exhibitions, programs, and community engagement in Old City.
|keywords=African American Museum Philadelphia, Black history museum, African American history, Philadelphia Black history, Old City museum, civil rights Philadelphia, Great Migration
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Old City]]
[[Category:African American History]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Civil Rights]]