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Welcome to the African American Museum of Iowa
We are proud to offer a glimpse into the history and lives
African Americans in Iowa. The Museum building was affected
by the devastating flood of 2008, but we have rebuilt and
are open to the public. Our new permanent exhibit is not
yet complete, but our changing exhibit gallery is open to
the public six days a week. School tours and group tours
are welcome. Our spacious Aldeen Davis Celebration Hall
and the brand new Learning Lab are available for rent. Become
a part of our dream to preserve Iowa's black history for
generations to come.
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Current Exhibits
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No
Roads Lead to  Buxton
This exhibit chronicles the history of a small Iowa coal
town that was touted as a "black man's utopia"
because of its integration and opportunity for African Americans
in the early twentieth century. Learn
more about this exciting new exhibit.
See the calendar
of events for programs related to this exhibit!
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 Spirits
& Sequins
Spirits & Sequins is a display of nearly 30 Haitian
drapos on loan from the Waterloo Center for the Arts.
French Colonists enslaved many people
in west and central Africa and brought them to Haiti.
In order to preserve their own beliefs, the Haitians
associated African deities with Catholic saints. These
spirits, or Ioa, are depicted in prayer flags called
drapos.
More...
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Annual Report
The Museum extends a big thank you to our 2008 donors and
volunteers. Our 2008
Annual Report contains detailed information about the
museum, our collections, exhibitions, educational programs,
and statewide operations. |
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Upcoming Programs
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June 19-20, 2009
The oldest known celebration of the ending
of slavery.
More
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Imagine you're a Freedom
Seeker—a runaway slave, traveling
Iowa's Underground Railroad in 1853. Let
the African American Museum of Iowa take
you back in time to experience the journey’s
perils and triumphs in this interactive
living-history event.
More
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Planning for the 2009 Laying Claim to Our Spirit
African American Women's Leadership Conference is
underway. The conference will be held September
24-25 at the Marriott in Cedar Rapids.
Join us for this rewarding, exciting and satisfying
experience — a treat for your mind and spirit!
More
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