Black Fashion Museum

The Black Fashion Museum was opened in 1994 by retired high school science teacher Joyce Bailey and her husband, Norman. They opened the museum to dispel the misconceptions about African Americans influence and contribution to the fashion industry. Unfortunately like many businesses, the museum has had to close its doors to the Global Financial Crisis.

The collections at the museum were presented in a small, row-house museum. Items that were on display included Mary Todd Lincoln's inaugural gown that was made by a former slave. There was also the dress that was being created by Rosa Parks when she was arrested for not giving her seat on a bus to a white person.

The majority of the displays at the museum were old photographs along with magazines that featured designers and models who were African American. Temporary exhibits were also shown at the museum, these included wedding-gown designs, collections of African masks and information of black persons in the military.

Joyce Bailey always said that the Black Fashion Museum was not fancy and a family organization run by the Bailey's and volunteers. Visitors could only visit the museum by appointment for guided tours, where they could learn more about African Americans contribution to the fashion industry.