Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is a beacon of cultural preservation and education in Detroit. Nestled in Midtown's Cultural Center, the museum is one of the world’s largest and oldest independent institutions dedicated to African-American history and culture. Since its founding in 1965 by Dr. Charles H. Wright, a Detroit-based obstetrician and gynecologist, the museum has grown into a 125,000-square-foot facility housing over 35,000 artifacts.

Dr. Wright’s inspiration for the museum came from a visit to a World War II memorial in Denmark, sparking his vision to create a repository that honors the African-American struggle for freedom and achievement. Originally called the International Afro-American Museum (IAM), the institution began in a modest house on West Grand Boulevard. It featured exhibits on African art, Civil Rights activists, and the inventions of African Americans like Michigan’s own Elijah McCoy.

The museum evolved significantly over the decades, relocating twice before settling at its current location on Warren Avenue in 1997. Designed by Sims-Varner & Associates, the expansive museum became home to the groundbreaking exhibit "And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture", a 22,000-square-foot interactive display chronicling African-American experiences.

Key highlights of the museum include the Ford Freedom Rotunda with its 65-foot glass dome, the Ring of Genealogy by Hubert Massey, and notable collections like the Blanche Coggin Underground Railroad Collection, Harriet Tubman Museum Collection, and the Sheffield Collection. The museum also features a 317-seat theater, a library, a research center, and a store offering African and African-American art, books, and merchandise.

The Wright hosts programs, performances, and events like the African World Festival, celebrating African diaspora cultures. It also honors community icons, such as Rosa Parks and Aretha Franklin. For over 50 years, it has been a cultural hub, inspiring unity and pride in African-American history.