What are the opening hours?

Tuesday 12pm - 4pm Wednesday 12pm - 4pm Thursday 12pm - 4pm Friday 12pm - 4pm Saturday 12pm - 4pm

Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum

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Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum

AAHM's mission is to tell authentic stories about African American life in Springfield & Central IL!

The Springfield African American History Foundation (SAAHF) began communicating with Springfield natives in October 2003, hoping to gather oral histories of local African Americans. Interviewers were trained and a total of 31 tapes revealing African American history were transcribed. From these first interviews, those involved in the SAAHF gained enthusiasm and determination concerning this compel

ling part of Springfield's history that had, until then, been relatively unnoticed. Efforts and Accomplishments
The Springfield African American History Foundation is gathering oral histories from African American families who have lived in the Springfield area for three to five generations. They are also interested in any inspiring historical information about local African Americans. Interview tapes depicting these oral histories are stored currently in the Special Collections Department of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. This foundation has already proudly recorded a local historical landmark in the National Register of Historic Places. Foundation members dedicated their efforts to register the Lincoln Colored Home, the first orphanage for African American children, in August 1998. Goals
The main goal of the Springfield African American History Foundation is to continue to tape oral histories, provide transcripts, and eventually establish an African American history museum in Springfield. Volunteer opportunities always exist for members of the community who are interested in supporting or assisting with the foundation. The SAAHF can benefit from individuals who are interested in researching grants that may be available for the group's many projects. They also welcome those willing to assist with writing these grants for submission.

05/26/2026

Final week to experience the remarkable Lucy McWorter dress, handcrafted by Mary Helen Yokem. This extraordinary piece will remain on display through Saturday, May 30.

Visitors are also encouraged to view the accompanying documentary, which explores both the meticulous construction of the dress and the history of the McWorter family. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Illinois State Museum for the opportunity to showcase this important work, and to Mary Helen Yokem for her continued support of AAHM.

05/23/2026

🌥️ It’s a cloudy day, but you don’t have to carry the weight alone. Join us today for meaningful community conversations centered around Mental Health Awareness 💚

Come connect, share, listen, and support one another in a safe and welcoming space. Every conversation matters, and every voice is valued.

🗣️ Let’s talk about healing, hope, and mental wellness together.
📍 Everyone is welcome
💚 Because mental health matters every day

05/22/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we invite the community to join us for an important conversation about mental health, wellness, and access to support services.

This special Community Conversation will bring together local mental health organizations and advocates, including NAMI Illinois, Springfield Memorial Hospital, and Rock for Mental Health, to discuss available resources, community needs, reducing stigma, and how we can support one another through education, awareness, and compassion.

Together, we will explore:
• Mental health resources and services available in our community
• Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health
• Supporting youth, families, and caregivers
• Building stronger partnerships for community wellness

Whether you are seeking information, support, or simply want to learn more, all are welcome to attend and participate in this meaningful discussion.

Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: 2 PM
Location: 1440 Monument Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702

Let’s come together to strengthen awareness, encourage dialogue, and promote healing in our community during Mental Health Awareness Month.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day!

Today, we celebrate and honor the incredible individuals who have nurtured, loved, and guided us through life's journey. It's a day to express our gratitude and appreciation for all the sacrifices and endless love they offer. Whether it's through a heartfelt card, a bouquet of flowers, or simply spending quality time together, let's make sure to show them how cherished they truly are. Here's to all the amazing mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers out there, you are loved beyond words!

05/08/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum 🌹

Join us this Saturday as we celebrate the mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers who help preserve the stories that shape our lives and communities.

Visitors will receive a complimentary single rose stem while supplies last. We look forward to welcoming you for a day of history, reflection, and appreciation.

04/25/2026

📢 Join Us Today for Community Conversations!

Our community voices matter and this is your chance to be heard.

We’re bringing together local organizations Black Lives Matter SPI, Clean Slate Advocates, and Primed for Life, to talk about real impact and what’s next for our community. More importantly, this conversation is about you; your experiences, your ideas, and how you can get involved.

✨ Learn what’s being done
✨ Share what matters to you
✨ Find ways to take action

Whether you want to listen, speak up, or find ways to get involved, this space is for you.

🗓 Today, April 25, 2026
📍 AAHM (1440 Monument Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702)
⏰ 2 PM

Come be part of the conversation and the change!

04/24/2026

Happy World Book Day! 📚✨

There’s no better time to get lost in a great story, discover a new favorite author, or revisit a classic you love. Whether you’re into thrillers, romance, fantasy, or nonfiction, there’s a book waiting just for you.

Stop by our bookstore and explore something new. We’d love to help you find your next read!

🌟 Staff Picks:
• Used Books (We have a great selection for under three dollars!)
• The Man Who Stood Up to Be Seated by Roland W. Burris
• Sundown Town by Kevin Corley & Douglas E. King

📖 Featured Titles:
• 100 Things to Do in Springfield Before You Die by Penny Zimmerman-Wills
• Madame CJ Walker Builds a Business
•Free Joe: A Story of Faith, Love and Perseverance by Earnest Edward Lacey

Tell us in the comments—what are you reading today?

04/23/2026

Join us this Saturday for a powerful Community Conversations event featuring local nonprofits making a real impact 💬✨

We’re bringing together voices from:
• BLM-SPI
• Intricate Minds
• Soap to Hope
• Amplified Fathers

This is a space to connect, listen, and engage in meaningful dialogue around community, advocacy, and change. Whether you’re looking to learn, get involved, or simply be part of the conversation... your voice matters!

🗓 Saturday, April 25, 2026
📍1440 Monument Ave., Springfield, IL 62702
⏰ 2 PM

Come be part of something meaningful. Bring a friend, an open mind, and your perspective.

04/11/2026

History just made 🚀🌕

Victor J. Glover has officially etched his name among the greats. As pilot of the Artemis II mission, he journeyed around the Moon, becoming the first Black man to travel beyond low Earth orbit and one of the few humans ever to venture that far from Earth.

From naval officer and test pilot to NASA astronaut, Glover’s path has been nothing short of extraordinary. Now, alongside his crewmates, he’s helping lead humanity back toward deep space exploration for the first time in over 50 years.

Congratulations to Victor Glover and his fellow Artemis II astronauts, Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, for this incredible achievement. Your courage and dedication are inspiring the world 🌍✨

This mission isn’t just about distance! It’s about progress, representation, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The future of space exploration is here, and it looks more inspiring than ever.

Address

1440 Monument Avenue
Springfield, IL
62702

Opening Hours

Tuesday	12pm - 4pm
Wednesday	12pm - 4pm
Thursday	12pm - 4pm
Friday	12pm - 4pm
Saturday	12pm - 4pm

Telephone

(217) 391-6323

Website

https://spiaahm.org/membership-and-donations

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