African American Museum of Nassau County, New York

African American Museum of Nassau County, New York

African American Museum of Nassau County promotes the understanding and appreciation of African American culture, art and tradition through education, interpretation, exhibitions, collections and programs for the enrichment of the public; with an emphasis on Long Island.

The museum’s vision is to continue to be an outstanding regional resource for African American historical information and preservation.

In February 1968, Professor Leroy Leonardo Ramsey set up a Black History exhibit at Nassau Community College, in celebration of Black History Month. At February’s end, the exhibit was left in place (due to popular demand) and Professor Ramsey used his personal collection of artifacts to change the exhibit from time to time.

Before long, the exhibit outgrew its space and he established the Black History Exhibit Center in a store front at 106-A Main Street, in Hempstead.

In 1984, Deputy County Executive Russell Service convinced Professor Ramsey to agree to the conversion of the the African American Museum of Nassau County. In that same year Nassau County purchased the building at 110 North Franklin Street. The building was renovated and the museum was moved to that location, in September 1985.