Collection Corner

Collections are the heart of the Museum. We use objects, photographs, oral histories and other collection items to tell the stories of African Americans in Iowa. Some are used in exhibits and others are kept in the collection room for preservation. Our collection and archives contain more than 1600 objects with approximately 450 archival collections in 50 linear feet, as well as microfiche of historical documents and records that represent a variety of professions and lifestyles of African Americans from across the state of Iowa.

In 2001, the Museum received a grant from the document section of the State Historical Society of Iowa Historical Resource Development Program to organize our archival collection. As a result of that organization, the Museum is able to offer finding guides for major archival collections electronically. The Museum also highlights its collection in the Iowa Griot. Click on the links below to learn more about the Museum's collections.

Finding Guides
Collection Corner Articles

The photos above are a sample of the items used in our permanent gallery. While the Museum's collection contains many items, we are alway looking for items to enhance our exhibits and document the history of Iowa's African Americans. Please see our wish list, and if you or someone you know has any of these items that you would like to donate to the Museum, please call curator Susan Kuecker at 319-862-2101 ext 17.