The International African American Museum (IAAM) concludes a successful March 2025, marked by impactful programs honoring Women's History Month and fostering deeper understanding of the African American experience. The museum now looks forward to a vibrant April, filled with educational and culturally enriching events.
March Highlights:
- Increased Community Engagement and Visitor Milestone: IAAM saw a rise in community participation throughout March, proving the public's desire to learn more about African American and African Diaspora history. IAAM also has officially welcomed over 300,000 visitors since its grand opening in June 2023!
- Women's History Month Celebrations: IAAM honored the remarkable contributions of African American women through a series of dedicated programs; including lectures, panel discussions, and film screenings. These events highlighted the resilience, leadership, and achievements of women throughout history and in contemporary society.
- Community Workshops and Educational Sessions: The museum hosted interactive workshops and educational sessions that engaged diverse audiences, fostering dialogue and promoting intergenerational learning.
- Continued Exploration of Permanent Exhibitions: Visitors continued to immerse themselves in IAAM’s powerful permanent exhibitions, gaining deeper insights into the African American journey.
Looking Ahead: April 2025 at IAAM
IAAM is excited to continue its mission of education and cultural enrichment with a diverse lineup of programs and events in April 2025.
Upcoming April Programs and Events:
- [REGISTRATION STILL OPEN!] IAAM Summer Camp 2025: Get ready for a summer of joy, creativity, and exploration at the International African American Museum! Our 2025 Summer Camp, “Full Op Wid Joy,” runs from June 23 – July 18 and offers weekly themed experiences inspired by the Gullah Geechee tradition of resilience and well-being. Secure your child’s spot early.
For sponsoring a child or scholarship information email education@iaamuseum.org.
- April 10 from 6:30PM - 8:30PM -- Unsettled & Unfinished: The Ongoing Story of Black Southern Artistry: We invite you to join us on April 10, 2025, as we bring this powerful special exhibition to life through an evening of conversation and reflection. Begin the night with a tour of the exhibition from 6:30PM – 7:00PM, followed by a thought-provoking discussion led by Martina Morale, IAAM’s Director of Curatorial & Special Exhibitions. Joining her are Charleston sweetgrass specialist Corey Alston and southern artist and quilter LaToya Thompson, who will share their artistic journeys and explore how Southern Black traditions continue to shape contemporary artistry.
- April 18 from 5:30PM - 8:00PM -- Liberty Hill: An Unpolished Jewel (2nd Film Screening): As part of the International African American Museum’s IAAM Somebody Film Series, we invite you to join us for a second screening of Liberty Hill: An Unpolished Jewel. Our Film Series showcases films that highlight themes and topics related to African American history. Liberty Hill: An Unpolished Jewel shines a spotlight on the storied past and promising future of Liberty Hill, a historic neighborhood in North Charleston, South Carolina, founded in 1871 by four (4) freedmen.
- Ticket purchases include complimentary popcorn, refreshments, and snacks.
- April 19 from 11:00AM - 3:00PM -- Jazz in the Garden: Ft. Charlton & Friends: Experience the rhythms, history, and joy of jazz at Jazz in the Garden, a family-friendly program at IAAM. This year’s program highlights the deep connections between jazz and Gullah traditions, featuring a special Ring Shout workshop led by Grammy Award winning musician Charlton Singleton. The day continues with a Creative Dance Workshop led by acclaimed movement artist Jordan Benton, culminating in an electrifying performance from Charlton & Friends.
- This program is made possible through the generous support of The Cravens Foundation.
- April 19 from 1:00PM – 2:30PM -- Routes to Liberation: Freedom Rides, Protests, and the Fight for Civil Rights | Podcast: Tune in to our latest podcast episode, “Routes to Liberation: Freedom Rides, Protests, and the Fight for Civil Rights,” where we delve into the defining events and figures of the Civil Rights Movement. Join our distinguished panelists as they reflect on the enduring legacy of resistance and its impact on today’s pursuit of equality. Whether you’re a historian, educator, or simply passionate about understanding the civil rights struggle, this discussion will inspire and enlighten.
- April 23 from 6:30PM - 8:30PM -- Ubuntu: Healing Souls and the World Through Fierce Love and Collective Humanity: Join us for a powerful and interactive discussion led by Rev. Jacqui Lewis, a prominent pastor, author, and public speaker renowned for her work in progressive Christianity and social justice. In this engaging session, Rev. Lewis will guide us through the profound concept of Ubuntu — an ancient African philosophy that reminds us of our shared humanity: “I am because we are.” Rev. Lewis will discuss the powerful intersection of spirituality and politics, highlighting the importance of collective healing, compassion, and justice in creating lasting change.
- April 26 from 10:00AM – 3:00PM -- IAAM History Free Document Scanning Day | Liberty Hill, North Charleston [OFF-SITE]: Join us on Saturday, April 26th for a special family and community history event at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church! Preserve your family’s history with the IAAM’s Center for Family History, Faith-Based team, and Vivid-Pix. The public will have the opportunity to scan and digitize up to 10 family photos (pre-1970s) and documents* using scanning software from Vivid-Pix (to use the scanner, photos, and documents need to be 11”x17” or smaller). [To guarantee a scanning spot during the day, the public is encouraged to sign up for a 15-minute scanning spot by visiting North Charleston IAAM History Harvest 26 April 2025 scanning]
- This event is sponsored by the Liberty Hill Historical and Genealogical Society.
- This scanning event is a FREE, drop-in event and will be held at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church. Please bring a USB drive.
- Ongoing Special Exhibition -- Unsettled Things: Art from an African American South: Visitors can continue to explore IAAM’s latest exhibition though May 4, which features 44 works by 28 artists that challenges traditional hierarchies and showcases the brilliance of often-overlooked Black artists from the South. Our latest exhibit is organized by the Ackland Art Museum at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with the help of national tour sponsor Bank of America. Additional support comes from the Major Sponsor, Tim W. Hughes and Gail Coutcher-Hughes, and Contributing Sponsor, the Herzman-Fishman Charitable Fund.
- Educational Programs: IAAM will continue to offer engaging educational programs for all ages, including guided tours, workshops, and lectures.
- IAAM offers youth and families the opportunity to learn more about African American history and culture in an informal, relaxed environment through our Young Griots Drop-In Workshops every Tuesday from 10:30AM to 1:30PM. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. This program is located in Studio Time and is included with your purchase of a ticket for museum admission. No reservation is required, however spacing is limited on a first come basis.
- Join us for an enlightening 20-minute presentation on “Getting Started with Genealogy,” followed by a 10-minute Q&A session, where your curiosity about tracing your family’s roots can be explored and answered. The presentation is offered Tuesday through Friday, at 11:00AM and 2:00PM in the Center for Family History Conference room. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into your family’s history, connect with your ancestors, and discover stories that have shaped who you are today. This class is included with your museum admission ticket.
- Membership Month: We have extended our Member Month March promotion, which offers 10% off all memberships, until the end of April! Members enjoy unlimited visits for one year, plus exclusive benefits, and invitations to exciting programs and events year-round!
- Renew, join, and give the gift of membership by using the code “IAAM25” at checkout to apply the 10% off savings. *Excludes Museum Circle and other promotions
- Visit iaamuseum.org/member-discounts/ for more information about perks and discounts for members
For a complete list of upcoming programs and events and a look back at past programs and events, please visit iaamuseum.org/events.
