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
Women's History Month
This Women's History Month, we proudly honor Katherine Dunham, a groundbreaking dancer, choreographer, and anthropologist from Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Katherine Dunham's innovative approach to dance and culture changed the world forever. As a pioneer in the field of dance anthropology, she drew on her studies in the Caribbean, South America, and Africa to bring new life to dance and share the powerful rhythms and rituals of Black culture.
From her early days in Illinois, where she formed a dance group as a student at the University of Chicago, to her rise as an international artist, Dunham made an indelible mark on modern dance. She choreographed for Broadway and the Metropolitan Opera, founded an all-Black dance company, and inspired generations of dancers. Her work was always deeply rooted in her passion for preserving and celebrating Black culture.
Dunham’s contributions didn’t stop at the stage—she was also a fierce advocate for human rights, dedicating herself to causes like the plight of Haitian refugees. Her legacy lives on as a trailblazer.
Let's celebrate her incredible impact this Women’s History Month and beyond!
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 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 25-26, 2024: Closed in Observance of Christmas
Our Exhibits
We invite you to visit our exhibits when our Museum reopens in late summer or early fall. Stay tuned!
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.
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