National Afro-American Museum To Re-Open Jan. 26 With New Exhibition, Activities

WILBERFORCE, Ohio, Jan. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Afro-American Museum will re-open its doors on Saturday, Jan. 26 to reveal the first phase of its year-and-a-half-long renovation. Patrons are invited to grand opening events that day from noon to 4 p.m. featuring a ribbon cutting ceremony, speeches from local dignitaries, guided tours and musical entertainment.

"We're excited to share the first phase of our remodeled center with the community, state and nation," said Dr. Charles Wash, executive director of the National Afro-American Museum. "The renovation has allowed us to update the exhibition space and mechanical systems in the Museum."

In addition to grand opening events, guests will have access to one of the two exhibition spaces, which will feature the new installation "How I Got Over," a mixed media exhibition that reflects the African American experience and focuses on three themes of celebration, spirituality and protest. Both spaces are expected to be open to the public in the late spring and will feature a quilt installation entitled "And Still We Rise" consisting of nearly 100 quilts by famed artist, Carolyn Mazloomi.

Upon completion, the project will enable the Museum to better serve the community and state through new, high-quality exhibits and a permanent exhibition. Additionally, the Museum will update its existing collections and acquire new ones.

"The newly renovated public spaces will also make programming a more prominent feature than before," said Wash. "This will allow us to provide first-hand educational opportunities for the public that fully interpret the material culture of African Americans from around the country."

Starting Jan. 26, hours for the National Afro-American Museum will be Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission to the museum will be $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for children and college students with ID, and free for Central State University and Wilberforce University students with ID. Admission to the Grand Re-Opening event on Jan. 26 will be free and open to the public.

The National Afro-American Museum is located at 1350 Brush Row Rd, 1/2 mile west of Route 42, adjacent to Central State University. Please contact the National Afro-American Museum at 937-376-4944 or 1-800-752-2603 x 114 for more information.

Or For More Information, Contact:
Sarah Irvin, 614.296.4057 or
Shannon Thomas, 614.297.2317

SOURCE Ohio Historical Society