Business Details
Your Trusted Source for African American History in Iowa
The African American Museum Of Iowa stands as the only statewide institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American history and culture in Iowa. Our mission focuses on exhibiting and teaching the rich heritage of Iowa's African American community through dynamic exhibits, educational programs, and community engagement. We serve over 30,000 individuals annually through museum tours, traveling exhibits, research services, and youth and adult education initiatives. Our newly renovated facility features exhibits like Endless Possibilities, which trace African American history from its origins to the present. We offer virtual resources, including online collections and oral history videos, to extend our educational reach beyond physical visits.Our team is committed to fostering historical empathy, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation through tailored programming for schools, libraries, and community organizations. With partnerships across the state, we bring traveling exhibits and specialized educational materials to diverse audiences. Our research archives and library provide unique resources for scholars and the public. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on donations, memberships, and volunteers to sustain our mission. Our staff combines deep local knowledge with expertise in museum curation, oral history preservation, and educational programming to ensure accurate, impactful storytelling.
Services
Current Exhibits
Permanent Exhibits
Traveling Exhibits
Research Services
Educational Programs
Oral History Projects
Collection Donations
Virtual Exhibits
Event Hosting
Community Outreach
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of expertise in preserving Iowa's African American history
- Our traveling exhibits bring cultural education to 30+ communities annually
- We provide free admission for SNAP recipients through Museums for All
- Our oral history collection features first-hand accounts from Iowa residents
- Our renovated facility includes interactive exhibits for all age groups
Services
Current Exhibits
Our rotating current exhibits explore specific themes in African American history. The latest exhibition, Endless Possibilities, examines anti-Black imagery and its cultural impact. Each exhibit combines artifacts, multimedia, and interactive elements for comprehensive learning experiences.
Traveling Exhibits
We bring educational exhibits to schools, libraries, and community centers statewide. These portable displays focus on specific historical topics with supporting educational materials. Institutions can request customized exhibits aligned with their programming needs.
Research Services
Our archives contain unique historical materials for academic and personal research. We offer on-site access to our library collection and provide remote research assistance. Resources include documents, photographs, and oral history recordings related to Iowa's African American communities.
Educational Programs
We provide curriculum-aligned educational experiences for K-12 students and adult learners. Programs include guided tours, classroom resources, and virtual learning modules. Our initiatives develop critical thinking and historical empathy through primary source analysis.
Oral History Projects
Our oral history collection preserves first-hand accounts from African Americans across Iowa. We conduct and archive interviews focusing on civil rights, segregation, and community development. These recordings provide authentic perspectives for researchers and educators.
Questions
What are the museum's regular hours?
We're open Tuesday-Friday 12 PM-4 PM and Saturday 10 AM-4 PM.
Are there discounted admission options?
Yes! Students pay $5, and SNAP recipients get free admission with EBT card.
Can I donate historical items?
We accept collection donations related to Iowa's African American history. Contact us for criteria.
Do you offer virtual resources?
Yes, we provide online exhibits, oral history videos, and research databases.
Are group tours available?
Yes, we offer guided tours for school and adult groups with advance scheduling.
How can I support the museum?
Support through donations, memberships, volunteering, or internships helps sustain our programs.