Roots 101 African–American Museum

Roots 101 African–American Museum

Founded by Lamont Collins, the Roots 101 African-American History Museum is a place for visitors to see themselves in history, explore the African-American story in its entirety, and to grow a greater understanding of the achievements, cultural contributions, and the experiences of African-Americans.

The museum gets its name from the idea that the first-class taken on any subject in higher education is a 101, and applies that idea to the exhibits to create an immersive beginning to learning African-American history.

The museum has been named one of Architectural Digest’s 2020 list of the top 20 museums worldwide, one of USA Today’s Top 10 Best New attractions of 2021, and was a recipient of 2021 Ford Foundation Grant. Its new location at 124 N. 1st St. had its grand opening in June of 2021, and the museum continues to make patrons better ancestors through exhibits that raise awareness of the African-American experience from slavery to freedom.