Exhibit Guide: Gallery Themes & Interpretation

A – African Cultures
B – Village Life
C – Middle Passage
D – Lost At Sea
E – Slave Life
F – Jim Crow/Civil Rights
G – The Underground Railroad
H – African-American Coal Miners
I – West Virginia Thru Time

A. Appreciate authentic African artifacts that illuminate ancient creative skills of African craftsmanship ranging from bronze, stone and wood sculptures to revered ivory ornaments and tapestries embellished in the traditional designs and symbols of the African Kingdoms.

B. Replica of an African hut with a mural of a village livestock farm reminiscent of practice dominant prior to introduction of western civilization. Handmade domestic utensils used for daily living and a Doggon door provide visitors with a sense of the ornate craftsmanship of African artisans.

C. Thought provoking, tearful and heartbreaking artist impressions of slave trade in Africa encompassing stories leading to the Middle Passage. The infamous Trans-Atlantic trade is a tell tale of tragedies of insurmountable proportion that lasted more than 300 years.

D. This gallery incorporated props from the Henrietta Marie slave ship exhibition and new artifacts similar to ones used by European traders during that period. Lost at sea depicts items such as metal currency, shackles, sailors treasure chest/trunk etc.

E. Take a peek into a log cabin replica of a slave quarter and imagine yourself on display on a wooden platform auction block used here as an illustration of life in bondage for African Americans thru 1861. Before emancipation, human auctions in North America were commonplace and “Auction Blocks” served the purpose.

F. Experience the museum UNISEX restroom facilities. A reminder of the Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Era. The struggle for equality has come along way at a high price. When in doubt, this exhibit will get your attention.

G. The Underground Railroad is famous for it’s fugitive slave activity spanning several decades. Trace West Virginia’s missing link to the port cities of Parkesburg and Huntington along the Ohio River. Harriet Tubman, though not from West Virginia was instrumental in facilitating this operation.

H. Entertain memories of Black Coal Miners in the Appalachia Mountains of West Virginia. On display are tools and equipment used by miners dating back to the days of carbide lit headlamps. African American miners often endured very harsh working conditions. See pictures of coal camps and shift crews, sometimes predominantly black.

I. Discover the enchanting West Virginia African American timeline. Chronologically presented are major events and contributions that impacted the lives of black people through to the 21st Century.

We respectfully request our visitors cooperation with the following rules:

No cameras
No video or audio recording
No outside food or drinks are permitted within the facility.
No leaning on glass display cases

Feel free to ask questions