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!
On This Day In History
On This Day in History: December 11, 1934
Chauncey Spencer was a pioneering African American aviator who made significant contributions to the field of aviation during a time when racial discrimination was prevalent in the United States. Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1906, Spencer developed a passion for flying, despite the barriers that society placed in his path due to his race.
On December 11, 1934, Chauncey Spencer, alongside a group of dedicated African American aviators, took a groundbreaking step by organizing the National Airmen Association of America (NAAA). This organization was established to promote aviation and provide support to African American pilots, who were often excluded from mainstream aviation opportunities due to racial discrimination.
The National Airmen Association of America had several key objectives, including:
-Advocacy for Equal Opportunities: The NAAA worked tirelessly to advocate for equal opportunities for African Americans in the field of aviation.
-Promotion of Aviation Education: The organization aimed to educate African Americans about aviation and encourage their participation in this exciting field.
-Support and Networking: The NAAA provided a network of support for African American aviators, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
The establishment of the NAAA was a significant milestone in the fight for racial equality in aviation. It not only provided a platform for African American aviators to connect and support one another but also challenged societal norms and discrimination in the aviation industry.
The efforts of Chauncey Spencer and the NAAA helped pave the way for future generations of African American aviators. Their advocacy played a crucial role in the eventual integration of the U.S. military, leading to the formation of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. The legacy of the NAAA continues to inspire and remind us of the importance of equality, perseverance, and community in overcoming adversity.
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!
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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.
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