Statement of Purpose & Mission
The primary purpose of the State Black Archives Research Center & Museum is to create a repository of source materials on African American history and culture. Its mission is three-fold:
A) As an archive, to obtain, preserve and hold materials on African American history and culture related to their achievement and general experience;
B) As a research center, to make such materials on African American history and culture available to scholars and others who seek materials for educational and cultural purposes;
C) As a museum, to display materials on African Americans in such a manner as to enhance the general public awareness about African American history and culture.
The general goals are to encourage greater awareness of the achievements and contributions of African Americans and the role they have played in American society and the world, and to provide a better basis for understanding racial and cultural differences.
Location & Focus
The repository is housed in the James H. Wilson Building, a national register historic structure on the Campus of Alabama A&M University restored for the use of the State Black Archives Research Center and Museum. The bill establishing the State Black Archives Research Center and Museum was passed by the State legislature in 1987 and the repository opened in 1990. Its mission is outreach oriented and statewide in scope and therefore highly consonant with the land grant concept of the university. Since January 1995, its programmatic basis has had a four component focus which includes (1) on-loan/traveling exhibits and small permanent displays, (2) public forums, (3) archival materials and (4) historic sites and heritage education.
History of Building
The James H. Wilson Building, originally constructed in 1911, overlooks the campus of Alabama A&M University, the city of Huntsville, and the surrounding area. Located on the campus is a United States Post Office, Normal, Alabama named in honor of the University and its location. It is a part of a historic corridor that linked the Normal Depot, the Chase Depot, and the Huntsville Depot with a vital railroad line in North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley, as well as the broader regional transportation system.
View Photos of Tours Check out these resources
Seven tour routes feature historic sites related to important events and achievements focusing on African American heritage in Huntsville/Madison County.
The State Black Archives Research Center and Museum: Viewing the present from the past.
Alabama A&M University Historic Heritage Trail: From the Von Braun Center to "Normal's Hill".
Huntsville's African American Community: Retracing the tracks from Big Spring Park to the surrounding downtown area.
The African American Contribution to Historic Huntsville Architectural History: Discovering the African American influence on the Twickenham Historic District and other buildings and structures in the downtown and immediate vicinity.
The Cavalry Hill Memorial and the US 9th &10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers Contingents: Huntsville's links with the Western Frontier.
Oakwood College and the North Huntsville Excursion: From the historic roots of Oakwood College to African American agricultural enterprise and business entrepreneurship of the surrounding area.
A Safari of Early African American Communities in the Triana/Madison Area: From the US Space and Rocket Center and surrounding area to Redstone Arsenal and NASA, and the Tennessee River.
Source: Pathways to Rediscovering African American Heritage: A Guide to Historic Sites in Huntsville/Madison County, 1998 by James W. Johnson, Ph.D.
Operating Hours:
The Archives/Museum Center is open to visitors Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Special Hours apply during other periods. Group tours and lectures are scheduled throughout the year for public school students, campus groups and the public at large. Individuals may visit any time during the regular operating hours 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Appointments should be arranged for group tours. For information about exhibits, resources, programs, museum and tours call (256) 372-5846 or fax (256) 372-5338, or write to the State Black Archives Research Center and Museum, P. O. Box 595, Normal, AL 35762. Effective Jan 1, 2005, Fees apply as follows: 12 years and older-$5.00, 11 years to 5 years, $3.00, 4 years and under-No Charge. Alabama A&M Faculty/Staff and students no charge with I.D.
Location:
In the James Hembray Wilson Building, on the campus of
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
P. O. Box 595 Normal, Alabama 35762
OFFICE: (256) 372-5846
FAX: (256) 372-5338
EMAIL: archivemuseumcenter@email.aamu.edu
Staff :
Mrs. Patricia D. Ford - Director
Email: Patricia.Ford@email.aamu.edu
256-372-5764
Ms. Diane S. Okwukwu - Museum Program Coordinator
Email: Diane.Okwukwu@email.aamu.edu
256-372-5846
Monetary Donations
Solicitation of cash contributions for the development and endorsement of documents, collections, and exhibits is continuous.
Volunteering
Museum docent, tour guides, and other volunteers are appreciated. Students, youth, and adult volunteers are welcome to participate.
Materials
Solicitation of archival and museum materials for the development and endorsement of documents, collections, and exhibits is continuous.
Support and suggestions for program development and proposal writing are also invited.
