Morgan County African American Museum

05/20/2026

04/03/2026

Announcing the winners of the 2026 Raymond Andrews Prize for Creative Writing................

Tenley Gaddy, a sophomore at MCHS, wins top prize for her story “Love Katy,” a tale about a young teacher embarking on a new life in the aftermath of WWII. Guest Judge Valerie A. Smith says “Love Katy” is “more than a love story,” and that “the writer’s careful attention to setting, skillful character development, and first person POV, readers are invested in Katy’s relationships and life choices that follow the plot through heart-rending rising action, climax, and resolution.” Tenley Gaddy earns $400 for winning this year’s Raymond Andrews Prize for Creative Writing.

Serenity Wimbush, a junior at MCHS, wins $200 for her story, “An Emphatic Flower in Bloom.” Senior Catie Malcome takes the next slot and wins $100. Malcome graduates as the only student to place in the top four finishers every year of her high school career. Lillie Leege takes fourth and also wins $100. Honorable mentions go to Carlee Odom, Avery Howell, and Miriam Sadler-Stevenson.

2026 Guest Judge Valerie A. Smith is the author of Back to Alabama, a deep, transformative examination of the Black American narrative. Smith’s poems explore the complexities of identity, family, cultural heritage, womanhood, and faith. She has a PhD from Georgia State University and a MA from Kennesaw State University where she teaches English. Above all, she values spending quality time with her family. Her work can be found at https://valeriesmithwriter.com/

Valerie A. Smith will be in Madison to share her work, and to support all of the finalists. The public is invited to attend the reading on Monday, April 27, at Buggy Works (AKA temporary Betty Gene's location) at 4:30 PM.

Congratulations to Tenley and all the finalists!

02/21/2026

The Morgan County African American Museum invites you to a powerful afternoon of history, reflection, and community.

Join us for “Memory and Meaning in the Rural Black Church: Revival in the Past and Today” — a special panel conversation exploring the legacy and impact of the rural Black church across generations.

🗓 February 21, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Morgan County African American Museum, 156 Academy St., Madison, GA 30650

02/10/2026

Casey from Acworth, GA stopped by the MCAAM for a tour today. The tour was guided by museum director, Cheryl Bland. We hope you enjoyed your visit!

02/06/2026

We’re Participating in Super Museum Sunday!

The Morgan County African American Museum is proud to participate in Super Museum Sunday 2026, a statewide celebration of history, culture, and education.

🗓 Sunday, February 8, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
🎟 FREE Admission

Join us as part of the annual Georgia History Festival, where museums and historic sites across Georgia open their doors to the public at no cost. This is a perfect opportunity to explore, learn, and celebrate the rich African American history preserved right here in Morgan County.

Experience history, culture, and community with us.