The African American Civil War Museum has reopened its doors in Washington’s historic U Street Corridor following a five-year renovation. The museum, which honors the 209,145 Black soldiers and officers who fought in the Civil War, celebrated its grand reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by about 100 people.
The redevelopment process, which began five years ago, faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and budget challenges. The museum is housed in the 130-year-old Grimke School, a building that previously served as a school for Black Americans after the Civil War.
Frank Smith Jr., the museum’s founding director, expressed his satisfaction with the reopening, emphasizing the importance of preserving the stories and heritage of Black soldiers. "They kept this story alive when nobody else cared about it," Smith stated, gesturing to attendees and descendants of Civil War soldiers. "They kept the stories, they kept the photographs, they kept the love letters, and they kept the heritage alive."
The museum's primary exhibit, "Glorious March to Liberty: Civil War to Civil Rights," traces the history of Black soldiers in the Civil War and their impact on the Civil Rights Movement. It also features a Men of Honor display highlighting recipients of the Medal of Honor, such as William Harvey Carney, one of the first Black officers to receive the award. A bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln signing the Emancipation Proclamation stands at the building's entrance.
A new exhibit within the museum focuses on the enslaved ancestors of former first lady Michelle Obama, including her great-great-grandfather Caesar Cohen and great-grandmother’s stepfather Jerry Sutton, who both served in the United States Colored Troops.
The African American Civil War Museum operates as a private nonprofit, independent of the Smithsonian Institution. Its renovation was supported by funding from the D.C. government, private donations, grants, and partnerships. Smith noted that while financial contributions are welcomed, volunteer time is also crucial for the museum's operation.
The reopening arrives at a significant moment, as concerns grow about efforts to erase Black history. Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau highlighted the museum's importance in preserving this history, especially in the current political climate. "At a time when the highest, most powerful leader in our country is trying to erase the history of African-American people in this country, what better way to show them and show him than to cut a ribbon on a monument that will forever enshrine what the African American soldiers did for our country," Nadeau said.
Smith, a veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, stressed the need to protect and cherish the museum as a vital reminder of the contributions of African American soldiers to American history and the ongoing fight for freedom.