About the Museum

Mission: To preserve, promote, publicize and educate the public on the heritage of African Americans in Iowa.

Organizational History: The heritage of African Americans in Iowa was in danger of being lost without major efforts to preserve it. In 1994, a small group from Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids began the project in celebration of Black History Month.

To reach a staff member, see the Staff Directory

For a list of the Museum's board members, see the Board of Directors page.

Milestones:

1994 -- African American Heritage Foundation, Inc. is chartered in Iowa as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

1998 -- First full time employee, Joseph McGill, hired as Executive Director

2000 -- Temporary museum is opened at Westdale Mall, Cedar Rapids

2002 --Construction begins in April on the new 17,000 square foot state-of-the-art museum and cultural center

2003 -- Grand opening September 19th for permanent exhibit “doorways”

2004 -- Endowment fund opened

2005 -- The 12th Ave. bridge is renamed the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge and the memorial art piece “Trumpet” is unveiled.

2006 -- Museum chapters are established in 8 communities across Iowa.

2008--The flood of 2008 damages the Museum building.

Facilities:

Permanent Gallery
Gale Sayers Changing Gallery
Aldeen Davis Celebration Hall
Nikee Museum Store
Louis Dade Conference Room
Aegon Library
Collections Storage
Vernon Smith Orientation Room
Joseph McGill Administrative Office