African American Museum, Corn Belt Travel Guide

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Discover the rich heritage and outstanding achievements of African Americans at this Southern Illinois museum dedicated to preserving Black history and culture.

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African American Museum

The African American Museum of Southern Illinois in Carbondale preserves and showcases the achievements of African Americans in the region and beyond. Through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs, the museum highlights the rich history, art, and culture of the African American community, offering visitors a chance to learn about resilience, creativity, and community contributions.

A brief summary to African American Museum

1237 E Main St, Carbondale, Illinois, 62902, US
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Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
Thursday 11 am-5 pm
Friday 11 am-5 pm
Saturday 11 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring African American Museum.

Check the museum's website or call ahead for information on current exhibits and special events.
Plan your visit during the week for a quieter experience and more personal attention from the staff.
Consider joining a guided tour for deeper insights into the exhibits and artifacts.
Take advantage of the educational resources available for both adults and children.

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Explore African American Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near African American Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Carbondale Transit Center, head east on E Main St. Continue for about 0.5 miles. The African American Museum will be on your right at 1237 E Main St. The walk is direct and should take about 10-15 minutes.
Public Transport

Several bus services connect to the Carbondale Transit Center. From there, you can walk to the museum (approximately half a mile), or use a local taxi or rideshare service. Jackson County Mass Transit (JAX) provides public transportation services. The one-way fare is $2 for adults, $1 for students, children (ages 6-15), seniors (60+), and military/veterans.
Taxi/Ride-share

From most locations within Carbondale, a taxi or rideshare to the museum should take about 5-10 minutes. Using a service like Uber or Lyft, the cost will typically range from $5 to $15.
Car

From U.S. Route 51, take the exit for IL-13 E towards Carbondale. Continue straight on IL-13 E, which merges into E Main St. The African American Museum is at 1237 E Main St, Carbondale, IL 62902. Metered parking is available in downtown Carbondale and is enforced from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. Check signage for specific details.

Discover more about African American Museum

The African American Museum of Southern Illinois (AAMSI), located in Carbondale, is dedicated to identifying, preserving, and portraying the outstanding achievements of African American citizens. Founded in 1997 by Milton and Corene McDaniel, the museum began as a vision supported by the Southern Illinois Achievers. It stands as the only African American history museum between Chicago and Chattanooga.The museum's exhibits include African art collections and slave artifacts, with rotating displays featuring Underground Railroad message quilts and local artwork. These exhibits aim to educate the community about African American cultures and highlight the contributions of African Americans across various fields, including art, music, and civil rights. The museum also hosts educational programs and community events, fostering dialogue and understanding among visitors of all ages.AAMSI is actively involved in the community, partnering with other organizations for events like Carbondale's Safe Halloween and the CommUNITY Dinner. The museum also offers internship programs and welcomes volunteers to help maintain and develop its collections and programs. The AAMSI's board hopes to expand the museum, with the ultimate goal of moving to the old Attucks High School, a historically Black school in Carbondale.