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: November 1, 2006 🌟

🎉🎈 Today, we joyfully celebrate 17 amazing years of the Springfield Illinois African American History Foundation! 🎈🎉

Since its incorporation on November 1, 2006, this remarkable foundation has been dedicated to preserving and honoring the rich history and vibrant culture of African Americans in Springfield and beyond. It has served as a beacon of knowledge, education, and inspiration for our community. The purpose of the Foundation was to record the history and contributions of African Americans to the Springfield community through the collection and preservation of first-person oral histories.

The incorporators are Rudy Davenport, President; Archie Lawrence, Treasurer; Barbara Dickerman, Secretary; G. Cullom Davis, Ph.D.; Peter Boltuc, Ph.D.; Orville Zane Ewing; Douglas King; and Richard Bowen, Jr. In addition, the following individuals were "Founding Members" of the Foundation: Jerrie Blakely, Margaret Collins, Robert Goza, Edwin Lee Jr., Edie Lee Harris, Mary Jane Logan and Lee Patton.

Over the years, the foundation has grown in quite a few ways, like the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum at 1440 Monument Avenue! AAHM has hosted numerous exhibits, events, and educational programs that have fostered a deeper understanding of the African American experience. These initiatives have enriched our community and helped to build bridges of understanding and unity.

Happy Birthday, Springfield Illinois African American History Foundation! 🎂

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!

Become a Member

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

Join our email list!

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

Connect with us on social media

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.