Exhibits

The Springfield & Central Illinois African American History Museum features exhibits which tell authentic stories about African American life in Central Illinois past and present.

Special events and private guided tours can be made outside of general admission times.
Please call the office to schedule your event,
(217) 391-6323, Toll Free (877) 757-2247.

Protest, Photography by Ramona Boston

“Something So Horrible” - Springfield, Illinois 1908 Race Riots

The Middle Passage

Featuring "The Door of No Return" - A special interactive audio-visual experience exhibit, designed ed by Jim Betts, an instructor at LLCC and retired Scenic Department Head at Paramount Studios. Figures designs by Alice Boykin. Narratives on the History of Slavery and the Middle Passage, and an artistic presentation of Mother Africa by Korbin "Kas" King.

Exhibit sponsored by the Rotary Club of Springfield South, the Springfield Area Arts Council, ALPLM, and LLCC.

The Four Oldest African American Churches in Springfield, Illinois

The Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum recognizes the four oldest African American Churches in Springfield, Illinois.

The Negro Leagues Baseball Exhibit, September 4 - October 30, 2021

September 4 - October 30, 2021

This exhibit, on loan from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, MO, honors and explores the connections of African American Baseball history to Hispanic cultures, communities and countries. Includes profiles of players and a timeline of baseball history. Negro Leagues Beisbol, a production of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, MO will be at the AAHM September 4 - October 30, 2021.

Exhibit online resources

Author and documentary photographer Michael J. Bracey currently resides in Maywood, IL. His work has been published in various magazines, newspapers, annual reports, and purchased by many private collectors worldwide. His featured exhibition will include works from his books, “Africans Within the Americas” and his latest book, “Caras Lindas de Colombia” (Beautiful faces of Colombia), which was published in June 2018.

On the evening of August 14th, 1908, a race war broke out in Springfield, Illinois. Although six people were killed, thousands were terrorized, and hundreds of African Americans left Springfield, the event was almost lost to history. After the flurry of (biased) news coverage directly following the event, there was little said or written about it for nearly 80 years. Springfield has seemed reluctant to come to terms with its past. Slowly, efforts led by residents to hold the city accountable for the events of the riots have led to some successes, although many of its citizens remain oblivious to this facet of Springfield’s past. The riots led directly to the formation of the NAACP, and should be studied so that we can understand the mistakes of the past and look forward to a more peaceful future.

Panels are provided by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.

"Doc" Helm Photography

This exhibit of stunning black and white photographs by Eddie Winfred Helm (1911-1994), fondly known as "Doc" Helm, covers a broad range of people and places. During 50 years as the Secretary of State's photographer, Helm captured on film momentous events and occasions. During that time, he also photographed a multitude of everyday events, people and places. In this collection are political and sports figures, doctor's offices, lunch counters, nigh clubs, farm scenes a more. We challenge you to identify some of the individuals pictured. Helm's daughter, Beverly Jean Renfro, is generously loaning these photographs to the Museum.

Robert Moore's United States Marshalls

The elite cadre of US Marshals was once the domain of white men only. In 1875 Bass Reeves was the first black man appointed a US Marshal and in 1877 President Lincoln appointed Fredrick Douglass a US Marshal. It was 85 years until the next African-American received an appointment.

Robert Moore was appointed by President Bill Clinton on October 17, 1994 and served until his retirement on June 29, 2002. This exhibit is curated by US Marshal Robert Moore and contains many items from his personal collection.

History Maker Banners

The "History Maker Banners" honor prominent Illinois African Americans. Visit the exhibit to learn of the significant contributions made by these exemplary individuals.

The Stories of Quilts

A timeless look at Midwestern quilts, their purpose and evolution. Early Sangamon County quilts made entirely by hand are displayed side-by-side with today's machine techniques.