The foundation has got to be level!
These may look like rocks, but soon it will be a hub of history, community and learning!
This is from our latest update. We have a foundation!
In a few months, this will be two brand new rooms!
Can you imagine what AAHM can do with all this extra space? You'll have to see at our Grand Re-Opening!

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.

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On This Day In History

🌟On This Day in History: July 26, 1865🌟

On this day in history, we honor the remarkable achievement of Dr. Patrick Francis Healy, the first African American to earn a Ph.D. Born on February 27, 1834, in Georgia, Healy was born enslaved as his father was a wealthy Irish plantation owner and his mother was a biracial enslaved woman. His father sent his children to the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. This helped the family “pass” as white, as it was noted many noticed the darker complexions of the children but ignored it.
He became a Jesuit priest and later served as the president of Georgetown University from 1874 to 1882. Under his leadership, Georgetown experienced significant growth and transformation, including the construction of Healy Hall, which remains a prominent landmark on the campus today. His legacy as an educator and leader continues to inspire generations.
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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 8-18, 2024: History Exhibit at the Illinois State Fair

September 2024
September 14: Coffee and Conversations

October 2024
October 10, 2024: The 13th Annual “Honoring our Heritage, AAHM Gala”

November 2024
November 1, 2024: Greek Christmas Decorating

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!

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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.