DuSable Museum of African American History: Preserving a Legacy
Explore the pioneering story, collections, and ongoing educational mission of Chicago’s iconic DuSable Museum of African American History.
DuSable Museum of African American History
The DuSable Museum of African American History stands as a cornerstone of cultural preservation on Chicago’s South Side. Since its founding in the early 1960s, the museum has devoted itself to celebrating, preserving, and teaching the multifaceted history, art, and culture of the African diaspora. Its pioneering journey, collections, engaging exhibitions, and vibrant role in activism have made it not only Chicago’s pride but also a model for similar institutions nationwide.
Overview and Mission
The DuSable Museum’s overarching mission is the collection, preservation, interpretation, and dissemination of African and African American history and culture, emphasizing access and education for all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. The museum answers crucial questions about identity and heritage: “What is American about Americans?” and “What shall I tell my children who are Black?” by weaving together themes of resilience, creativity, achievement, and diversity.
- Location: Washington Park, South Side, Chicago.
- Founding Year: 1961.
- Named after: Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, Chicago’s first nonnative settler of African descent.
- Type: Nonprofit museum and educational center.
Founding and Early History
The DuSable Museum’s story begins with the vision of Margaret Goss Burroughs, an influential artist, educator, poet, and civic leader, and her husband Charles Burroughs. Deeply concerned with the lack of representation of Black history in mainstream institutions and school curricula, they established the museum in their own home—transforming a South Side mansion, previously a boardinghouse for Black railroad workers, into a vibrant cultural space.
- Original Names: Ebony Museum, later the Museum of Negro History and Art.
- Original Site: 3806 S. Michigan Avenue—the home of Margaret and Charles Burroughs.
- Community Partnership: The South Side Community Art Center, located nearby and founded in 1941, helped form a small but powerful Black cultural corridor in Chicago.
The museum quickly became a nerve center for social activism and education, at a time when options for the Black population in Chicago were severely limited.
Development and Naming
After more than a decade of growth, in 1973 the museum moved to its current home, a former Chicago Park District facility in Washington Park. Margaret Burroughs and a diverse group of educators and activists—including Eugene Pieter Feldman, Gerard Lew, Marian Hadly, Ralph Turner, James O’Kennard, and Wilbur Jones—were central to this transition. Upon relocation, the museum was officially renamed in honor of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, the first permanent settler in Chicago and an Afro-French trader whose contribution to Chicago’s founding had long been overlooked in favor of John Kinzie.
Role in Social Activism & Community Life
The museum’s role extended well beyond curation:
- Political Fundraising: Hosting events for community leaders and activists.
- Festivals and Civic Engagement: Annual community festivals, cultural events, and social gatherings.
- Educational Outreach: Providing resources for schools and teachers, hosting lectures and workshops for students.
- Black Arts Movement: Serving as a hub during the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s.
Margaret Burroughs and the museum soon rose to national prominence, and the DuSable model was emulated in cities across the United States, such as Boston, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles.
Expansion and Facilities
As the museum grew, its facilities expanded to better serve the community and enhance its offerings:
- Harold Washington Wing (1993): Dedicated to Chicago’s first African-American mayor, this expansion added new galleries and a theater to support performing arts, film screenings, and lectures.
- Washington Park Historic District: In 2004, the museum’s building became a vital part of the Washington Park District’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Support: Receives partial public funding through Chicago Park District tax levy.
Collections and Exhibitions
DuSable Museum boasts a rich collection with broad historical and artistic significance, drawing on:
- Slave-Era Relics: Personal artifacts offering tangible links to America’s complex past.
- 19th and 20th Century Artifacts: Everyday items, documents, and memorabilia shedding light on Black life across eras.
- Archival Materials: Diaries of sea explorer Captain Harry Dean, letters, photographs, and memorabilia from luminaries like W. E. B. Du Bois, sociologist St. Clair Drake, and poet Langston Hughes.
- African American Art: Works by artists including Charles White, Archibald Motley Jr., Charles Sebree, Marion Perkins (all connected to the South Side Community Art Center), and notable figures Henry O. Tanner, Richmond Barthé, and Romare Bearden.
- Traditional African Art: Sculptures, textiles, masks, and ceremonial objects celebrating Africa’s diverse artistic legacy.
- Prints and Drawings: Extensive collections from the WPA era and Black Arts Movement.
- Books and Records: Literature and audio materials on African and African American history and culture.
| Collection Type | Examples & Highlights |
|---|---|
| Slave-era relics | Freedom papers, shackles, household objects |
| Archival Materials | Captain Harry Dean’s diaries, Du Bois letters |
| African American Art | Works by Charles White, Archibald Motley Jr., Romare Bearden |
| Traditional African Art | Masks, sculptures, ceremonial textiles |
| Books and Records | Volumes on culture, history; historical music recordings |
Educational Outreach and Programming
Education is a central pillar of the DuSable Museum’s mission. The museum provides:
- School Programs: Curricula, lectures, and guided tours for students of all levels.
- Workshops: Art-making, oral history collection, and historical inquiry for children, youth, and adults.
- Festivals and Cultural Events: Annual celebrations such as Black History Month, Juneteenth, and the DuSable Festival.
- Performing Arts: Theater, music concerts, and dance performances, highlighting contemporary and traditional forms.
- Film Programs: Screenings and discussions on African American cinema and documentaries.
By partnering with the Smithsonian Institution since 2016, the museum has broadened its resources and reach.
Significance and Impact
- Pioneer Institution: DuSable is America’s oldest museum dedicated to African American history and culture, predating the National Museum of African American History and Culture (Washington, D.C., opened in 2016).
- Model for Others: Its approach has inspired similar museums nationwide, including those in Boston, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.
- Resilience: The museum has survived periods when public support flagged, thanks to community engagement and flexibility.
- Cultural Preservation: Through oral histories, art, and communal storytelling, DuSable preserves heritage that might otherwise be marginalized or erased.
African-American Art and Culture
According to Executive Director Antoinette Wright, African-American art has developed as a vital medium for preserving history and motivating the community, especially in response to obstacles to documentation and past erasure. The museum grapples with whether to present painful histories, balancing remembrance with celebration and renewal.
- Oral Tradition: Storytelling, poetry readings, and spoken word events reinforce heritage and affirm identity.
- Motivation: Celebrating achievements like Bessie Coleman (first Black female aviator), Tuskegee Airmen, Major Robert Lawrence (first Black astronaut), and Harold Washington inspires and empowers visitors.
Architecture and Landmarks
- Historic Structures: The original museum site (now a Chicago Landmark) and its current Washington Park building are integral to South Side heritage.
- Washington Park District: The museum’s location underscores its accessibility and central role in Chicago’s cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the DuSable Museum’s main mission?
The DuSable Museum aims to preserve, interpret, and teach African and African American history and culture through its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.
Who founded the DuSable Museum?
Margaret Goss Burroughs and Charles Burroughs, joined by Bernard Goss and other educators and activists, established the museum in 1961.
Why is it named after Jean Baptiste Point DuSable?
The museum bears DuSable’s name to honor Chicago’s true first permanent settler of African descent, whose historical significance was long marginalized.
What can visitors expect to see?
- Historical artifacts and relics from the slavery era.
- Art collections from renowned African American and African artists.
- Archival documents, letters, diaries, and photographs.
- Rotating exhibitions on Black achievement, activism, and heritage.
- Education workshops, performances, and community festivals.
How is the museum connected to broader movements?
DuSable played a pivotal role during the civil rights era, served as a hub during the Black Arts Movement, and continues to engage in social and civic activism. Its model has influenced cultural preservation across the country.
Does the museum affiliate with other institutions?
Yes, since 2016 the DuSable Museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, opening doors for collaborative exhibitions and resource sharing.
Is the museum accessible and open to all?
DuSable is committed to access, diversity, and inclusion—providing programs for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Visiting Information and Community Impact
The museum offers dynamic programming year-round for schools, families, and community organizations. Its spaces are designed for reflection, learning, celebration, and dialogue. The continued support from local and national partners ensures its vital role as both a historical archive and a living center of Black culture.
- Located in an accessible park setting, surrounded by art installations and historical monuments.
- Special exhibits and public events inspire cross-cultural learning and foster unity.
- Regular workshops and lectures for students, artists, educators, and history enthusiasts.
Conclusion: The Everlasting Legacy of DuSable
The DuSable Museum of African American History remains an indispensable force in America’s journey toward recognizing and celebrating Black contribution, resilience, and creativity. From its humble beginnings in a family home, through decades of expansion and activism, to its present role as a national leader, the museum is a testament to the power of community-driven cultural preservation. Its ongoing mission inspires, educates, and invites all who enter to reflect on both history’s burdens and its possibilities.
