Chicago,United States of America
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is a non-profit museum located in Chicago, Illinois, dedicated to the collection, documentation, preservation, and study of the history and culture of Africans and Americans of African descent. Founded in 1961 by Dr. Margaret Taylor-Burroughs and her husband Charles Burroughs, it was originally established as the Ebony Museum of Negro History and Art in the couple's home.
In 1973, the museum moved to its current location in Washington Park, a building designed by D.H. Burnham & Co. that originally served as the administration building for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. The institution was renamed in honor of Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a Haitian-born pioneer who is recognized as the first permanent non-indigenous settler of Chicago.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Stone, Brick
- Civilization
- American
- Accessibility
- Fully wheelchair accessible
- Date(s)
- 1893
- Condition
- Active museum and educational facility
- Original Function
- Administration building for the World's Columbian Exposition
- Key Figures
- Margaret Taylor-Burroughs, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable
Founding and Early Years
1961Dr. Margaret Taylor-Burroughs and Charles Burroughs founded the museum in their Bronzeville home to address the lack of representation of Black history in mainstream cultural institutions. It served as a community hub for art and historical education.
Relocation to Washington Park
1973The museum relocated to the historic administration building in Washington Park. This move allowed for significant expansion of its collections and public programming, cementing its role as a major cultural institution in Chicago.
Expansion and Recognition
2000s - PresentThe museum has undergone several expansions and renovations to modernize its facilities. In 2022, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its significant contribution to the preservation of African American history.
Cultural Significance
The DuSable Museum serves as a vital repository for African American history in the Midwest. It plays a critical role in community education, hosting exhibitions that highlight the contributions of Black individuals to American society, politics, and the arts. It remains a central site for cultural discourse and heritage preservation in Chicago.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Visitors are encouraged to check the official website for current exhibition schedules and holiday hours.
Best Times to Visit
Weekdays during the morning hours are generally less crowded. The museum hosts special programming during Black History Month in February.
Photography
Personal photography is permitted in most galleries without flash. Tripods and professional equipment require prior authorization from the administration.
Nearby POIs
10 shownKey Facts
- Materials
- Stone, Brick
- Civilization
- American
- Accessibility
- Fully wheelchair accessible