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National African American Archives: A Beacon of History

Explore the legacy of African Americans at Mobile's Historic Avenue Cultural Center, a landmark of history and culture.

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Housed in the Historic Avenue Cultural Center, the National African American Archives in Mobile, Alabama, stands as a testament to the rich history and culture of African Americans in the region. Originally the Davis Avenue Branch of the Mobile Public Library, it served the Black community during segregation and now hosts exhibits and cultural events.

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Local tips

  • Check the Historic Avenue Cultural Center's website or call ahead for information on current exhibits and events.
  • Explore the Dora Franklin Finley African American Heritage Trail to discover other significant sites in Mobile's Black history.
  • Visit Africatown Heritage House to learn about the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to arrive in the United States.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Historic Avenue Cultural Center is located at 564 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. From the intersection of Broad Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, walk east on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue for approximately 0.2 miles. The center will be on your left. Sidewalks are available. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Mobile's public transport system, the Wave, has several routes that stop near the Historic Avenue Cultural Center. Check the Wave's website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. From the nearest Wave stop, it's a short walk to the center. A single ride fare is $1.25 [https://www.thewavetransit.com/fares/].

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Mobile. A ride from downtown Mobile to the Historic Avenue Cultural Center typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and demand. Be sure to confirm the fare before you start your trip.

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Discover more about National African Amer Archives

The National African American Archives, now part of the Historic Avenue Cultural Center, is a significant landmark in Mobile's Civil Rights and Cultural Heritage District. The building has a rich history, beginning in 1931 as the Davis Avenue Branch of the Mobile Public Library, the only library available to African Americans in Mobile during segregation. Designed by George Bigelow Rogers in a smaller scale of the main library, it was a vital educational hub for the Black community. Following desegregation, the building served as a repository for government documents. In 1992, it was reborn as the National African American Archives and Multicultural Museum, showcasing exhibits that interpret the history of African Americans in the city, state, and the United States. The archives housed a diverse collection, including documents, photographs, books, and artifacts that highlighted the contributions of African Americans to Mobile. After a period of closure and renovation, the building reopened in October 2023 as the Historic Avenue Cultural Center. Today, it hosts exhibits like "Remembering the Avenue," created by the Alabama Contemporary Art Center, which explores the history of Mobile through the eyes of its Black residents. The center continues to serve as a cultural anchor, preserving and celebrating African American heritage.

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