Press Releases

Year of triumph: International African American Museum (IAAM) celebrates first anniversary with special programming from Juneteenth through the anniversary

Posted By: Melissa Pluta Parker | June 17, 2024

Festivities highlight year of progress, inclusivity, and empowerment Charleston, S.C. – The International African American Museum (IAAM) will celebrate its first anniversary with numerous special programs designed to promote the museum’s accomplishments and encourage residents across Charleston, the Lowcountry, and the state of South Carolina to embrace the iconic entity as a local treasure that is …

Secretary of the Smithsonian Lonnie G. Bunch III is first guest on the newly launched International African American Museum’s Salon Marronage speaker series

Posted By: Haley Metcalfe | June 12, 2024

Secretary Bunch and IAAM President and CEO Dr. Tonya Matthews will discuss how museums have become narrators of our collective journey and inspirations for future generations. Charleston, S.C. — The International African American Museum (IAAM) is proud to announce a new dynamic speakers series, Salon Marronage, that promises to ignite community conversations and inspire change. …

WCSC Channel 5: Lowcountry events to mark 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education ruling

Posted By: Melissa Pluta Parker | May 24, 2024

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – This week the nation is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the landmark decision Brown vs Board of Education, in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that laws establishing racial segregation in public schools were unconstitutional. Before he became the first Black person appointed to the high court, Thurgood Marshall argued the …

The International African American Museum names Grady L. Crosby as board chair

Posted By: Melissa Pluta Parker | May 6, 2024

Crosby succeeds Wilbur Johnson, long-time chair Charleston, S.C. — The International African American Museum (IAAM) board has elected Grady L. Crosby as its new board chair, succeeding Wilbur E. Johnson. Johnson is a founding board member of IAAM and served as board chair for 12 years following the term of U.S. Representative James E. Clyburn, …

International African American Museum Announces $1 Million Gift from The Duke Endowment

Posted By: Melissa Pluta Parker | April 30, 2024

IAAM CEO sees gift as a call to action for other major donors Charleston, S.C. – The International African American Museum (IAAM) is the recent recipient of a $1 million grant from The Duke Endowment, the largest private foundation in the Southeast. The grant includes $750,000 in unrestricted funding and $250,000 for the museum’s endowment. The …

The International African American Museum brings Momentum to the West Yard

Posted By: Melissa Pluta Parker | April 23, 2024

Momentum to perform in partnership with Charleston Jazz Charleston, S.C. – The International African American Museum (IAAM) will host its next “Keys & Conversations” event on Saturday, May 4, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Featuring Momentum, in partnership with Charleston Jazz, this special event will blend electrifying performances with engaging discussions, celebrating the rich tapestry …

International African American Museum seeks vendors to be showcased

Posted By: Melissa Pluta Parker | April 18, 2024

Charleston, S.C. – The International African American Museum (IAAM) has launched its Vendor Showcase Program to identify 10 local artisans to share their wares at the IAAM gift shop. The new annual initiative will spotlight and elevate the creative talents of area vendors while fostering a vibrant network of support and collaboration designed to boost …

IAAM hosts two photography workshops to explore capturing the moment

Posted By: Haley Metcalfe | April 15, 2024

International African American Museum dives into photography with two April events Charleston, S.C. – International African American Museum (IAAM) is holding two sessions of a photography workshop on Saturday, April 20, 2024, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the art of capturing the moment. The program is specially crafted to enrich the elements and themes …

IAAM launches groundbreaking genealogy resources at Center for Family History

Posted By: Melissa Pluta Parker | April 11, 2024

New research area and reference library expand access to millions of ancestral records  Charleston, S.C. – Historically, African Americans have faced significant challenges with discovering their ancestral history due to lost or difficult to find genealogical records. Now, the Center for Family History (CFH) at the International African American Museum (IAAM) is helping to bridge …

International African American Museum takes a novel approach to spring break

Posted By: Haley Metcalfe | April 3, 2024

  Charleston, S.C. – In early March, the International African American Museum (IAAM) welcomed students from the College of Charleston, Benedict College, and the College of the Holy Cross as participants in its first annual Alternate Spring Break (ASB) program. IAAM’s ASB program gives students an alternative to the typical spring break affording them the …