Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum — Attraction in Springfield

We didn't know this was in Springfield until we went to Lincoln's tomb. As we left, we saw a small building with its name on it and pulled into the driveway.

This museum is new, and they are just growing their collections. What we saw was fascinating. It primarily focused on several African-American families with many generations in and around Springfield. Some of the stories were very informative, and we learned a lot, most of which we should have learned in school. This is one of the reasons I like museums like this. Rather than bland education painting a pollyannaish picture of our history, these museums show how minorities were treated (or mistreated). It preserves a part of our history that many would like to forget or gloss over. But without information like this, history is destined to repeat.

Why four stars and not five? This has to do with the current state of the museum - essentially just starting up. They don't have a lot of items yet. They just received a large grant and are expanding the museum. They are soliciting additional items, most of which were donated. We were so impressed we bought a family membership, even though we live almost four hours away. Once they complete their new wing, we're taking a trip back.

Incidentally, if you do go for a visit, their Executive Director is amazing. She gave us the tour, and we learned a lot. If you are even in Springfield, IL, I recommend stopping here before or after Lincolns' tomb. Since the museum is small, seeing everything takes little time. But it is well worth stopping for. Take advantage of this informative museum that tells some tragic and...

This small museum is a gem! The current Negro Baseball Leagues exhibit is wonderful. As a small boy I saw a number of these men play --Jackie, Roy Campanella, Monte Irvin, Satchel, and more. The memories came flooding back. The exhibits along the walls of Springfield's black families and the Race Riot are interesting and powerful, but the tiny walk-in diorama of the Middle Passage is devastatingly painful. This is a Springfield must see venue. It's worth several visits to...

I attended the grand opening in the summer of 2018. ILLINOIS has a particularly profound African American history that changed the course of the country and thus the world. From President Abraham Lincoln, to President Barack Obama and the nasty 1908 race riot, the catalyst for the NAACP, providing legal protection against racism. This museum offers this history, in addition to special events, such as the annual gala honoring local contributions to...