Our mission
The mission of the Evansville African American Museum is to develop a resource and cultural center to collect, preserve, and educate the public on the history and traditons of African American families, organizations, and communities.
University of Evansville student Danna Hagmann, center, speaks to Dexter Elementary School students at the African American Museum. The students are looking at a model of the former Lincoln Gardens housing development. (Courtesy Evansville Courier & Press)
Our vision
Located in Evansville, Indiana as the last remaining building of Lincoln Gardens, the second Federal Housing Project created under the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal in 1938, our building serves as a permanent artifact in itself.
The Evansville African American Museum is located just east of Downtown in the last remaining building of the former Lincoln Gardens housing development. (Museum photo)
One section showcases life in the 1938 era. The remaining sections of the building have been renovated as a modern museum serving to promote arts and education programs, cultural events and festivals.
Evansville African American Museum board vice president William Miller shows off the Lincoln Gardens apartment during restoration. Visitors to the museum can see what life was like for African American families in the 1930s. (Courtesy Evansville Courier & Press)
- The museum showcases local artists, traveling and permanent exhibits,and contributing citizens past and present.
- The gallery serves as a “celebration center” for special events and meetings.
- The museum serves as a tourist destination for organizations and groups visiting the city.
- Revenue sources include membership contributions, grants, charitable gift legacies, admissions, facility rental, events, and a gift shop.
- We will collaborate with other organizations to share the contributions of African Americans in the city of Evansville, in Indiana, the United States, and the world as we celebrate the contributions of African Americans.
The Evansville African American Museum is a place for meeting, learning, and discovery.
“The Evansville African American Museum will serve as an oasis of culture and peace where all can celebrate the diversity that is in the community.”
– Ron Glass, actor, philanthropist and Evansville native
The uniform worn by George Flowers, Evansville’s first African-American fire chief, and a case highlighting the career of actor Ron Glass are some of the items on display at the Evansville African American Museum. (Courtesy Evansville Courier & Press)
