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Tuesday 10am - 5pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 5pm

International African American Museum

Name: International African American Museum
Address: 14 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC, 29401, US
Telephone: +18438725352
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.9

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International African American Museum

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Located on the site where almost half of all African captives arrived in the U.S., the International African American Museum will share the untold stories of the African American journey at one of our country's most sacred sites. Located on the site where almost half of all African captives arrived in the U.S., the International African American Museum will present the largely untold experiences and accomplishments of Americans of African descent.

09/02/2026

IAAM will be OPEN on Labor Day! 🏛️🇺🇸 Active-duty military personnel and their families have until Monday, September 7 (Labor Day) to take advantage of free general admission at IAAM through the Blue Star Museums program.

Before summer wraps up, bring your family to explore the profound legacy, resilience, and untold stories of the African American journey. It is our absolute honor to welcome those who serve our nation.

IAAM’s participation in the Blue Star Museums program is made possible by a generous grant from the Ellison S. and Noel P. McKissick Foundation, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families.

Plan your upcoming visit now through Labor Day weekend at iaamuseum.org.

08/26/2026

The American South has long been a powerful incubator for artistic expression. Its innovation is defined by profound resilience, boundless creativity, and enduring cultural impact.

At IAAM, your visit takes you into the depth, detail, and dialogue of “middle of somewhere,” our current special exhibition celebrating Black artists from and inspired by the South.

“middle of somewhere: the art and the legacy of Black Southern makers” is currently on view through February 2027.
Plan your trip to visit and experience this exhibition through art, textures, and storytelling at www.iaamuseum.org.

Learn more about "middle of somewhere:" https://iaamuseum.org/special-exhibition/middle-of-somewhere/

08/12/2026

What if the missing pieces of your family's story are already waiting in an undiscovered document or your DNA?

In this upcoming episode of the African American Untold Stories Podcast, our Center for Family History (CFH) team sits down with acclaimed authors Melvin Collier, Michael Willis, Kathy Marshall, and Orice Jenkins. They will discuss how genealogy and DNA testing transform family research into powerful published narratives—from books and stage plays to documentaries and digital media.

If you value reclaiming family legacies and bringing hidden history to light, this will be a essential space to join in on the conversation. Tune in online Saturday, August 15, for the CFH podcast episode "The Importance of Telling African American Stories Through Genealogy and DNA."

Details: https://iaamuseum.org/event/the-importance-of-telling-african-american-stories-through-genealogy-and-dna/

08/10/2026

Honor living traditions and celebrate Black artistry.✊🏿🌹

Inspired by our special exhibition “middle of somewhere: the art and the legacy of Black Southern makers,” join us for a special edition of our Young Griots Workshop Series: The Art of the Palmetto Rose!

Learn the historic Lowcountry craft directly from master artisans of the Palmetto Rose Company. Discover and learn more on the rich Gullah Geechee history behind the palmetto frond and gain hands-on experience weaving your very own bouquet to take home!

🗓️ Dates: Saturday, August 15 & Saturday, September 5
⏰ Times: 11:00 AM – 2:15 PM (Three 45-min sessions)

Workshop access is included with museum admission, but spots are limited for each session! Plan your visit at iaamuseum.org.

(🎥: Wright’s Production LLC)

08/08/2026

Living legends walking our halls! ⚾️✊🏿
Today, we had the profound honor of welcoming members of the historic Cannon Street All-Stars to the International African American Museum.

They were joined by our President and CEO, Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, and Chief Learning and Engagement Officer, Malika N. Pryor, to reflect on a legacy that forever changed sports history.

In 1955, this all-Black Little League baseball team from the Cannon Street YMCA right here in Charleston was denied the opportunity to play in the state tournament. When all 61 white Little League teams in South Carolina boycotted rather than integrate, the All-Stars were declared state champions by default—yet they were still heartbreakingly barred from competing on the field at the Little League World Series. At IAAM, our core mission is to illuminate these untold stories of unimaginable resilience, dignity, and the enduring pursuit of equality.

Join us in celebrating these local heroes this weekend! 🏆 The Cannon Street All-Stars will be honored tomorrow during the Charleston RiverDogs Larry Doby Day game on Sunday, August 9.

Grab your tickets to be part of the celebration and support IAAM with each ticket purchase: https://www.gofevo.com/event/iaamlarrydobyday26

08/07/2026

History, heritage, and world-record artistry! 🌾🏅

A massive congratulations to our beloved Corey Alston Gullah Sweetgrass Baskets on officially achieving the Guinness World Records for the world’s largest sweetgrass basket with his masterpiece “Big Percy” at the South Carolina State Museum!

Sweetgrass basketry is a cornerstone of Gullah Geechee culture and South Carolina’s living history—an art form deeply woven into the narrative we help share every day at the International African American Museum. Seeing this craft recognized on a global stage reflects the enduring legacy, skill, and resilience of our community’s storytellers.

Congratulations, Corey, on making history!🎉 Make a trip to Columbia, SC to see this extraordinary piece in person.

08/05/2026

At the International African American Museum, serving our community means creating spaces for rest, reflection, and joyful connection.

Our “Unwind | A Family Wellness Day” on Saturday, August 1, honored African and African American traditions of healing and collective care to help local families recharge for the new school year.

This community effort was made possible through the generous support of the Cravens Foundation and our incredible partners. Thank you for growing and healing with us—as school begins this week, IAAM wishes all students an empowered return to the classroom! 📚🙌🏿

(📸: Wright’s Production LLC)

07/29/2026

Hey Charleston high schoolers! Want to make a real impact in your community? We've extended the application deadline for our 2026-2027 Youth Advisory Council!

This is your chance to become a cultural changemaker. Work directly with our museum staff and community partners to help preserve and share African American and African Diasporic history. Don't miss this unique opportunity to turn your passion into action!

Ready to get started? The new deadline to submit is Saturday, August 15. Learn more and apply today: https://iaamuseum.org/youth-advisory-council/

07/27/2026

✨ Pause, recharge, and prepare for the new school year. ✨

Join us for “UNWIND | A Family Wellness Day” this Saturday, August 1, from 11AM-3PM here at the IAAM (see a recap of last year’s program to get a glimpse of what it’s all about 🎥)!

As summer soon comes to a close, join us for a FREE afternoon dedicated to rest, reflection, and joyful community connection with interactive experiences for the entire family:

🎒 Back-to-School Resources | A community school supply giveaway to help students kick off the year successfully (available while supplies last).
🧘🏾‍♀️ Mindful Movement & Meditation | Grounding wellness sessions and guided practices to help you find your center.
🧼 Hands-On Creative Workshops | Interactive, culture-rich crafting and wellness activities for all ages.
🍛 Nourishment & Holistic Health | Live demonstrations and insightful conversations focused on healthy living, food, and community care.
🌱 Sensory Garden Walks & Art | Reflective, immersive experiences throughout our beautiful space to encourage mindfulness.

Register to attend: https://iaamuseum.org/event/unwind-a-family-wellness-day-2026/

(🎥: Your World On Film)

07/18/2026

Unlock a full year of discovery, heritage, and connection for just $18.65. 🏛️

For the rest of July, we are offering a special, on-site only promotion for first-time IAAM members. You can secure an individual IAAM membership—regularly a $60 value—for a price that honors a monumental year in American history.

Becoming a member means more than just free entry—it means joining a community dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the untold stories of the African American journey.

This limited-time offer is available in person only at our ticketing desk. Stop by this month, activate your membership, and make the museum a place you return to again and again. Plan your visit: iaamuseum.org/plan-your-visit.

Address

14 Wharfside Street
Charleston, SC
29401

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 5pm

Telephone

+18438725352

Website

https://iaamuseum.org/

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