Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History

09/02/2026

Annual Frank Yerby Celebration begins TOMORROW!

The Annual Frank Yerby Celebration takes place September 3 - 5. September 3, Dr. Cheryl Corbin and Paine Professor Jeffrey Jones host a book discussion of Yerby's book The Vixens at the 5:30pm at the Yerby House on the campus of Paine College. On September 4, at the Laney Museum, there will be a screening of The Saracen Blade, adapted from Yerby's book of the same name. On September 5, at the Laney Museum, a panel discussion on writing historic novels will be held.

The panelists will be Bob Young, Former Mayor of Augusta; Hilde McQueen, USA Today Bestselling Author; Michael Dock, author; and Ramona Elmes, historical romance novelist. There will also be a reveal of the dress from the Yerby book A Woman Called Fancy.

09/01/2026

Local author Olivia Gaines was featured on WJBF, speaking with Karlton Clay about this week's Frank Yerby Celebration!

Click the link to watch the video: https://www.wjbf.com/csra-news/celebrating-legacy-of-author-augusta-native-frank-yerby/ #/questions/5294859

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Frank Yerby is a well-known novelist who has written and published 33 books, including The Vixens and The Foxes of Harrow, which was the first novel by an African Americ…

08/31/2026

In Memoriam

Robert “Cigarette” Jones

Augusta National Golf Course Caddy and saxophone player for notable musicians during the 60s/70s such as James Brown.
Credit Line: Photo by Ramona Harriet. Used with permission.

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Shama Cartwright was the 24-year owner of Rebel Lion Den, Lion of Judah Afrocentric Culture shop on Broad Street.

His shop provided health products, Afro-centric books, accessories and clothing for the Augusta Community.

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Phoebe Southward Ali was featured in the Laney Museum's 2020 exhibit, “I'm Every Woman": A Tribute to African American Women in Augusta" which celebrated their lives, resilience, and community contributions.

08/28/2026

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and Conference Center would like to thank Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones for her generous donation to the museum. Included in the donation is an April 19, 1979 edition of Jet magazine with the group Chic on the cover. Alfa Anderson, Augusta native, was a member of Chic. (pictured on the cover in the red blazer) Dr. Jones continues to be one of the biggest supporters of the Laney Museum. Her 1973 cotillion gown is on permanent display in our upstairs gallery alongside Rosa T. Beard’s iconic red dress. Come check out this and more at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, located at 1116 Phillips Street in Augusta

08/28/2026

08/28/2026

Thank you, Kamo!

Kamo Janitorial Products has been one of the Laney Museum's biggest supporters over the past few years, generously providing the museum with essential janitorial products. We appreciate Kamo's support, and its commitment to uplifting the Augusta Community. Thank you, Kamo!

08/26/2026

Congratulations!

Augusta native Da'Henri Thurmond, was elected in June as the 69th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church at the church's 41st General Conference held in Dallas, Texas.

Bishop Thurmond will preside over the 3rd Episcopal District which crosses ten states from Michigan on the east to Colorado on the west.

08/24/2026

Please be advised that we will only have the 2:30pm tour available on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday of this week. We will have morning tours this week on Thursday and Friday. Thank you.

08/24/2026

Upcoming Exhibit:
“The Scoop and The Tea”: A History of African American Beauty Salons and Barbershops in Augusta, Georgia

Entrepreneurship. Community. Politics. Pop Culture. The Beauty Salon and the Barbershop! Two institutions that have served as the backbone of the African American community for generations. These spaces are where people go to look good, but they also bring the community together. No matter your socio-economic background; janitor or preacher; teacher or domestic. Everyone is welcome. And no topic is off limits. Women go to beauty salons to spill the tea.

Fellas go to barbershops to hear the talk from the streets. The Laney Museum will host “The Scoop and The Tea”, from September 8th to October 31st. If you are a current or former beautician or barber or the relative of one, and would like to share their story or have photographs or items you are willing to donate or loan, please call 706-724-3576 or email [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you and come out in September and October to enjoy this exhibition at the Laney Museum.

08/21/2026

Annual Frank Yerby Celebration

The Annual Frank Yerby Celebration takes place September 3 - 5. September 3, Dr. Cheryl Corbin and Paine Professor Jeffrey Jones host a book discussion of Yerby's book The Vixens at the 5:30pm at the Yerby House on the campus of Paine College. On September 4, at the Laney Museum, there will be a screening of The Saracen Blade, adapted from Yerby's book of the same name. On September 5, at the Laney Museum, a panel discussion on writing historic novels will be held.

The panelists will be Bob Young, Former Mayor of Augusta; Hilde McQueen, USA Today Bestselling Author; Michael Dock, author; and Ramona Elmes, historical romance novelist. There will also be a reveal of the dress from the Yerby book A Woman Called Fancy.