African American Civil War Museum — Attraction in Washington

Wasn't looking for this museum/learning center when I found it. I was walking around D.C. taking photographs when I saw a memorial for black American soldiers who have passed away in war. I believe it was for soldiers in the Civil War fighting for both sides, the Union and the Confederacy. I looked to the left across the road, and between two townhouses, was a decorative arch, which led into a darkened nook behind the homes. I would've probably missed it had it not been for the arch close to the sidewalk and road. I was expecting a museum when I walked in, but it was more of a learning/education center, with loads of historic information on walls winding around what appeared to be an old school/community center's gym/auditorium.

When I entered, there were very few people in there, and I was greeted by an older gentleman dressed in Civil War era clothing. He greeted me and was very friendly. He was very informed on the subject of the Civil War, African Americans in the civil war, and the abolishment of slavery. He was also well informed on the subject of Abraham Lincoln and his part in the Civil War and the abolishment of slavery. I like to do tours at my own pace to take everything in, but once there was a decent amount of people in the center, the man offered to do a guided tour. I continued to do my own tour, but listened in to what he said to the group, and he was very thought provoking, which is a very good thing for a your guide.

The only reason I don't give this place five stars is because it was a pretty small place situated in an old gym it seems. Although it was an informative and insightful place, it gave me the impression that someone didn't know where to put it, so they found a random room to stick it in. This place, to me, deserves a more finished interior, or bigger and better setting. By the way, I believe they do cultural events there as well, but not completely...

What a fantastic and underrated museum! My wife and I walked here from Bloomingdale on a Saturday in March when the weather was nice and we were delighted with our experience. First, there was a great presentation by two Civil War reenactors who walked us through the history of the USCT through the perspective of a soldier from DC staying at Camp Greene (now Roosevelt island). Then as we wandered the interesting exhibits, a museum curator answered questions and went into further detail about exhibits in which we were most interested. Everyone there was very friendly and knowledgeable and you could see that they were passionate about their interest in this period of history. I'd highly recommend visiting this like museum in Vermont Ave that can often be easily overlooked in a city with so much history, art, and other culture...

When I spent my time in the African American Museum I felt increasingly isolated and unwanted during my visit. The unkind behavior of the employees only added to my feelings of worthlessness and distress. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I felt like I was being scrutinized and judged unfairly. The incident in the gift shop, where I was accused of shoplifting, was particularly humiliating and degrading. It made me question my own worth and left me questioning whether I even belonged in such a place. The slamming of the door by an employee only served to reinforce the negative experience I was already having, leaving me with a lasting impression of disrespect and mistreatment. I would not recommend visiting this...