International African American Museum in Charleston; (c) IAAM/Sahar-Coston-Hardy/Esto
International African American Museum
DESCRIPTION: Top-tier historical & cultural museum located at a sacred place where enslaved Africans arrived in the North America
ADMISSION: $$
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sat 10a-5p, Sun 11a-5p
ADDRESS: 14 Wharfside Street, Charleston, SC MAP
PHONE: 843-872-5352
WEBSITE: https://iaamuseum.org
International African American Museum Review
Founded in 2023, the 41,800 square foot IAAM explores the history, culture, and impact of the African American journey in Charleston, South Carolina, the nation, and the world. Located at the historically sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf, the LEED-certified IAAM honors the untold stories of enslaved African journeys to America. Its 9 galleries demonstrate how enslaved Africans and free Blacks shaped economic, political, and cultural development in the region. Galleries include the Transatlantic Experience, the Atlantic Worlds Gallery, the South Carolina Connections Gallery, the Gullah Geechee Gallery, the American Journeys Gallery, the Carolina Gold Gallery, the African Roots Gallery, The Theater, and the Special Exhibitions Gallery. The African Ancestors Memorial Garden sprawls across the museum grounds and reflects on the historic significance of Gadsden’s Wharf, where an estimated 45% of enslaved Africans entered this country. The South Carolina Connections Gallery includes an interactive table digital map that highlights where history happened throughout the state and the Lowcountry. The Center for Family History actively helps community members find connections between themselves and their ancestors. This department stores photos, marriage records, archival tools, and the largest collection of United States Colored Troop records outside of the National Archives. Visitors can explore genealogical resources and educational tools to help discover more about their own stories. The African Ancestors Memorial Garden, a collection of gardens and artistic installations that sprawls across the IAAM grounds is free and open to the public.