THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MUSEUM 

AAHM's mission statement is "To tell authentic stories about African American life in Springfield and Central Illinois through exhibitions, education, collections and programs to preserve, interpret and celebrate African American history and culture."

The Springfield & Central Illinois African American History Museum will be closed for construction beginning May 13, 2024.  We are excited about the expansion project which will add more exhibit space onto the back of the museum.  Construction is scheduled to be completed sometime late Summer or early Fall. Please see our website for updates.  www.spiaahm.org 

While the building at 1440 Monument will be closed for construction, AAHM plans to maintain offering relevant programming to the Springfield & Central Illinois community.  Sign up for our email list to receive the most current announcements.  All events will be announced on our website.  www.spiaahm.org

For urgent inquiries, please contact us at our temporary number (217) 361-9942.

September Update: AAHM has brand new walls!
Can you picture all the activities AAHM can host in the new conference room?
We are so excited for the museum to open to patrons again!
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On This Day In History

🌟On This Day in History: October 15, 1859 🌟

On this day in history, October 15, 1859, Aaron Molyneaux Hewlett made history by becoming the first African American Director of Physical Culture at Harvard University. Hewlett began instruction at Harvard using his own system which included the use of exercise equipment including, German and English gymnastics, Boxing, and Indian clubs in order to strengthen the body. Hewlett played a vital role in advancing physical education and creating an inclusive atmosphere in an institution that was largely white at the time. His leadership not only opened doors for future educators of color but also underscored the significance of diversity and representation in educational environments.

Hewlett's impact went beyond physical education; he was a strong advocate for equal opportunities and dedicated himself to motivating individuals from diverse backgrounds to chase their academic and athletic dreams. His legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the progress achieved and the ongoing challenges in the pursuit of equality.

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2024 Events

July 2024

  • July 13, 2024: The 1619 Book Club at the DeFrates Room, Lincoln Library 12 pm - 1:30 pm
  • July 24, 2024: Adult Game Night (Rescheduled TBA)
  • July 26, 2024: Living Black History: A Talk with Kathryn Harris (Online) at 12:30 - 1 PM Registration Link https://events.aarp.org/event/48530acd-cf3f-4bb0-99a0-b49d93e8ff4f/summary
  • July 27, 2024: Kids Game Day! at the Multipurpose Room, Lincoln Library 12-1 PM

August 2024

  • August 3, 2024: Back to School Bash at ALPLM's Union Square Park 9 AM - 1 PM.
  • August 8-18, 2024: History Exhibit at the Illinois State Fair

September 2024

October 2024

November 2024

  • November 1, 2024: Greek Christmas Decorating
  • November 8, 2024: 13th Annual Fundraising Gala - "Honoring Our Heritage - From Chains to Change" at 6 PM at Northfield Inn (3280 Northfield Dr., Springfield, IL 62702)

December 2024

  • December 6, 2024: Greek Christmas Event
  • December 25-26, 2024: Closed in Observance of Christmas
    December 27, 2024: Kwanzaa Celebration

Our Exhibits

We invite you to visit our exhibits when our Museum reopens in late summer or early fall. Stay tuned!

Learn about our exhibits

Become a Member

Our members are the heart and soul of our Museum! We invite one and all to join us!

Membership options

Join our email list!

Don't miss out! Join our email list to receive the latest news and updates about our Museum.

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Hours

We are currently closed due to construction. Stay tuned for the grand reopening!

Special events and private guided tours can be made outside of general admission times. Please call the office to schedule your event.

Location

1440 Monument Avenue
Springfield, Illinois 62702
Email: contact@spiaahm.org
Temporary Phone: (217 ) 361-9942

Map

Admission

Donations are strongly encouraged.