If you’re looking for an enriching day trip from Columbus, the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center (NAAMCC) in Wilberforce is well worth the visit.
This museum is a treasure trove of African American history and culture, showcasing powerful exhibits that explore Black heritage, artistic expression, and social justice.
Since its opening in 1988, NAAMCC has been home to one of the largest collections of African American artifacts in the country. With over 9,000 artifacts, 350 manuscript collections, and thousands of photographs, the museum preserves and shares stories that span centuries.
Highlights include Alex Haley’s typewriter and final draft of Roots, a Buffalo Soldier’s buffalo hide coat, Gregory Hines’s tap shoes, and an incredible collection of Black dolls, including the recently donated Lillian Bartok Collection.
Must-See Exhibits
There’s no shortage of engaging exhibitions to check out this year:
Trailblazers of Innovation: African American Inventors Who Changed America (now open) – This new permanent exhibit spotlights lesser-known African American inventors whose groundbreaking innovations transformed fire safety, refrigeration, lighting, water management, and more. Developed in collaboration with Wright State University Public History graduate students and NAAMCC curatorial staff, the exhibit celebrates the enduring impact of Black innovation on everyday life.
African Art: Form, Function, and Fraught Histories – Drawing from the museum’s extensive African Art collection, this exhibit explores how African art has shaped global aesthetics while addressing modern conversations around cultural appropriation, representation, and repatriation.
African Americans Fighting for a Double Victory – A powerful look at African American service during World War II, featuring stories of the Tuskegee Airmen, the Red Ball Express, the Triple Nickels, Wilberforce-area veterans, and the civil rights advancements sparked by Black military service.
Queens of the Heartland – Part of the Ohio History Connection and NAAMCC Women’s Suffrage Centennial celebration, this exhibit honors 30 African American women from Ohio who played vital roles in the Suffrage and Civil Rights Movements, with portraits by New York artist Nichole Washington.
Rhythm of Revolution: The Transformative Power of Black Art (1619–Present) – This sweeping exhibition traces Black artistic, cultural, social, and political movements from 1619 to today, highlighting how artists, activists, and faith leaders shaped Ohio and the nation through creative expression.
Plan Your Visit
The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the average visit takes at least an hour—though you’ll probably want to stay longer. Admission details and nearby attractions can be found on the Ohio History Connection website. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just looking to expand your perspective, NAAMCC offers an unforgettable experience.
Wilberforce itself holds a unique place in African American history, with Wilberforce University being the nation’s oldest private historically Black university. Pairing a museum visit with a tour of the area makes for an afternoon well spent diving into history.
So, if you’re in the mood for a meaningful cultural outing, add the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center to your list. It’s a must-visit destination that brings history to life and honors the profound contributions of African Americans to our nation’s story.
The museum is located at 1350 Brush Row Rd, Wilberforce, OH 45384. For more info, you can visit ohiohistory.org.
