City: Richmond, VA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (804) 780-9093

Address: 00 Clay St.

Description: In a beautiful building that once was the black branch of the Richmond Public Library in the heart of Jackson Ward, the bustling center of black life in Richmond through the mid-20th century, this museum has several exhibits that get at the heart of the pride and pain of the black experience in Richmond. As a repository of important photographs, written records, and artifacts relating to black life in Virginia and a collector of African and African-American art, the museum highlights people and events that we should know more about. Impressive artifacts on display include the Woolworth’s lunch counter and stools that once stood at the center of the civil-rights struggle in Richmond. The museum hosts traveling exhibits as well, covering such territory as Negro League baseball and the African-American experience in the military during Jim Crow. The gift shop has a wonderful selection of books and artwork for sale. Admission is $5 for adults, with discounts for seniors, students, and teachers. Admission for children 12 and under is $3.