An Iowa treasure

In the works since late 2019, the African American Museum of Iowa is excited we are nearing the light at the end of the renovation tunnel! The Museum’s multimillion-dollar renovation project is almost complete. While we are still looking forward to the finishing touches and the return of the collection to its home, we are excited for the opportunity to showcase this project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 27 at 10 a.m.

As a statewide museum, we are grateful to have representatives from the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, the Marion Chamber of Commerce, and the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce joining us as we mark this important step. The event is open to the public and the Museum encourages communities from across the state to participate in the momentous occasion.

The fully renovated Museum boasts a modern and welcoming new entrance, expanded lobby, new roof, sprinkler system, as well as updated and modern features throughout. The Museum is grateful for the support of our members, donors, and especially to our Voices Inspiring Progress capital campaign supporters, including the City of Cedar Rapids, Hall-Perrine Foundation, Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust, and the state of Iowa. A full list of campaign supporters can be viewed at blackiowa.org/VIP.

When the Museum officially reopens (anticipated for early April), we will celebrate by taking patrons down memory lane with our new exhibit Thirty Years of the AAMI. This exhibit will feature highlights from the museum’s 30-year history. The museum’s milestone anniversary in 2023 included an eastern and a central Iowa celebration and statewide programming and collaborations. These commemorations were great lead-ins to the long-awaited reopening.

The African American Museum is an Iowa treasure and has been a voice for the voiceless for more than 30 years. It leads the effort to tear down the walls that confine us to a limited history. The AAMI provides its audiences with the richness of Iowa’s full history. No other institution in the state understands the scope of that history and has the resources to make it available to our youth, families, and communities like the African American Museum.

The continuing need for inclusive and authentic history is why the African American Museum of Iowa was founded and why it is necessary for all Iowans today and tomorrow.

This work would not be possible without the dedicated support of the community, especially the many individual donors, corporations, and foundations who have helped support the museum’s capital campaign, Voices Inspiring Progress. With just $1 million left to raise, which will increase our endowment and cement our long-lasting legacy for generations to come, we are quickly approaching our $6 million goal. To join us in this ambitious campaign, visit blackiowa.org/VIP. to make a year-end gift.

LaNisha Cassell is executive director of the African American Museum of Iowa.