Dallas African American Museum Receives $3M for Preservation

Great news for cultural preservation in Dallas! The African American Museum (AAM) is set to receive a substantial $3 million grant, a significant portion of which comes from the Texas Historical Commission, with additional support from Google. This funding is earmarked to preserve the museum’s extensive and historically significant collections, which have been amassed over its 50-year history.

A Vital Investment in Cultural Heritage

Margie Johnson Reese, chief program officer at the museum, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “This investment is about more than just conservation. It’s about making history accessible to a global audience.” The funds will be crucial in ensuring the longevity of the museum’s archives, some of which are currently stored in facilities lacking climate control, making them vulnerable to degradation.

The museum, which boasts one of the largest collections of Black folk art in the United States, plans to use the grant to enhance the accessibility of its archived materials. This initiative aims to solidify AAM Dallas’s role as a vital resource for education and research, benefiting both the local community and a wider audience.

Community and Corporate Support

Google’s Global Community Development Strategy Manager, Traci Thompson, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for supporting the museum’s mission. “Google is committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate, and we welcome opportunities to support the sharing of powerful stories,” Thompson said. “By working with the African American Museum, Dallas, we’re proud to be part of the effort to ensure that this rich cultural history remains available to inspire and educate people around the world.”

The museum’s collection features works by celebrated artists such as Romare Bearden, Clementine Hunter, and Mose Tolliver, alongside archeological materials from The Freedman’s Cemetery. It also houses significant historical documents, including early Dallas African American newspapers and papers from influential leaders like Juanita Craft and the late U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson.

A Legacy of Preservation and Education

Originally founded in 1974 as part of Bishop College and operating independently since 1979, the African American Museum has long been dedicated to its mission: “to inspire understanding, foster pride, and encourage unity among all who walk through its doors.” This grant ensures that the museum can continue to honor the past, highlight the present, and shape the future by showcasing the diverse experiences and achievements of African Americans.