As the U.S. approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the International African American Museum is continuing a slate of programs, interpretive displays, and community initiatives in partnership with SC250. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-ho...

IAAM announces the addition of a significant donation to its South Carolina Connections gallery. The donation includes a shadow box of military medals belonging to Medal of Honor recipient Private First Class Ralph H. Johnson. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-to...

The International African American Museum is proud to announce its participation in the Blue Star Museums program for 2026 and 2027. As a Blue Star Museum, IAAM will offer free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families beginning May 16 to Sept. 7: iaamuseum.org/news/interna...

Guided by this year’s theme, “Soul(Food) of Freedom,” the International African American Museum (IAAM) continues the month of May with a focus on the cultural and historical enlightenment found within the African American journey. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/whats-n...

On Saturday, May 2, the International African American Museum (IAAM) invites the community to experience the 2026 Charleston Air Show from one of the city’s most unique vantage points. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/experie...

Following a vibrant start to the spring season, the International African American Museum announces its April programming lineup. Ranging from genealogy workshops to jazz performances, our April programs are designed to feed both the soul and the community. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/whats-n...

This March, the International African American Museum (IAAM) enters Women's History Month alongside the debut of its 2026 main theme: “Soul(Food) of Freedom.” Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/whats-n...

The International African American Museum (IAAM) enters February 2026 with a robust slate of programming dedicated to Black History Month. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/whats-n...

The International African American Museum is thrilled to announce that applications are now OPEN for our 2026 IAAM Sankofa Fellowship! iaamuseum.org/event/2026-i...

IAAM announces its upcoming special exhibition, “middle of somewhere: the art and legacy of Black Southern makers.” "middle of somewhere" will officially open to the public on Saturday, February 7, and will be on display until Sunday, February 14, 2027. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/iaams-u...

The International African American Museum (IAAM) announces the launch of “The Renewal Series,” an annual winter programming series shaped by cultural practices found across the African Diaspora. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/iaams-t...

The International African American Museum (IAAM) will be hosting an engaging community #GivingTuesday on December 2, as the museum will be hosting both a special free admission day and a signature evening event. Read more for full details: iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-gi...

The International African American Museum (IAAM) and Charleston Literary Festival have formalized a strategic, collaborative partnership through a memorandum of understanding to elevate the literary arts of African American and African Diasporic stories. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-an...

IAAM will be co-presenting a special, one-night-only culinary event, “Dine on a Mat,” on Friday, March 6, 2026, in collaboration with Charleston Wine + Food for the festival’s 20th anniversary. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-an...

IAAM's new Speaking Truth exhibit serves as a national archive on family oral histories about the impact of slavery. The exhibit will be open on Tuesday, October 28, and can be visited Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/speakin...

Prior to the Supreme Court of the United States beginning its new term for 2025, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson made an exclusive visit to the International African American Museum (IAAM) on Monday, September 1. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/supreme...

The International African American Museum has received a new, significant $2.284 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. This grant will strategically enhance the museum’s mission to deepen its Learning and Engagement Division’s Faith-Based initiatives. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/interna...

Free admission to the International African American Museum (IAAM) will begin at noon during Labor Day on Monday, September 2, sponsored by long standing supporter and active board member Charlamagne Tha God and The Black Effect Podcast Network. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/charlam...

So looking forward to being a panelist for “Rooted & Connected – Faith, Identity & the African Diaspora,” the interfaith dialogue on Thurs, 8/14, 6:30pm at @iaamuseum.bsky.social ! 55170p.blackbaudhosting.com/55170p/Roote...

The International African American Museum (IAAM) will be OPEN on Independence Day, Friday, July 4 from 10:00AM to 5:00PM, with last entry time at 4:00PM. Bank of America cardholders can also receive free general admission this weekend! Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-op...

It’s been 10 years since the tragedy at Mother Emanuel AME Church on June 17, 2015. Today, we honor the #Emanuel9. Let us remember the Emanuel 9, who are featured in our American Journeys Gallery, and continue to reflect on the lessons of unity, faith, and the ongoing pursuit of a more just world.

Effective June 2, the International African American Museum (IAAM) formally announces the appointment of Dr. Harry H. Singleton III as its new Lilly Director of Faith-Based Education and Engagement. Read our full announcement here: iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-ne...

We are extremely honored to be one of seven sites recognized for inclusion in the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network! www.nps.gov/reer/learn/n...

The International African American Museum is excited to announce its upcoming special exhibition, re/Defined: Creative Expressions of Blackness from the Diaspora, opening to the public on June 12, 2025, with a special public program, and running through January 4, 2026. iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-up...

Today, we announce our profound gratitude and acceptance of the 175-year-old daguerreotypes depicting ancestors Renty and Delia, enslaved individuals whose images were commissioned by Harvard biologist Louis Agassiz in 1850. Our full official statement: iaamuseum.org/news/welcomi...

IAAM delighted to announce its upcoming program on Sat., April 19, “Jazz in the Garden: Featuring Charlton & Friends:” A vibrant afternoon of live music set against the backdrop of the museum’s African Ancestors Memorial Garden. Read up on how you can join us Saturday! iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-to...

The anticipated 2025 Black Food Truck Festival (BFTF) will kick off its celebration of culinary excellence and community spirit with its Opening Soiree held at the International African American Museum (IAAM) on Friday, April 25. iaamuseum.org/news/interna...

The anticipated 2025 Black Food Truck Festival (BFTF) will kick off its celebration of culinary excellence and community spirit with its “Rhythms & Booze” Opening Soiree held at the International African American Museum (IAAM) on Friday, April 25. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/interna...

Our renowned “Unsettled Things" special exhibition will conclude its successful run at IAAM on Sun., May 4, 2025. Please join us tomorrow from 6:30PM to 8:30PM for our upcoming program "Unsettled & Unfinished: The Ongoing Story of Black Southern Artistry." Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-sp...

Following an overwhelmingly positive response to IAAM's premiere film screening during BHM earlier this year, our 2nd screening of the powerful documentary film, “Liberty Hill: An Unpolished Jewel,” will be hosted on Friday, April 18 from 5:30PM to 8:00PM. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-to...

IAAM concludes a successful March, marked by impactful programs honoring Women’s History Month & fostering deeper understanding of the African American experience. The museum now looks forward to a vibrant April, filled with educational and culturally enriching events. iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-ce...

Effective March 17 the International African American Museum is excited to announce the appointment of Sheila McDaniel as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). McDaniel brings over 30 years of extensive nonprofit management experience. Read our full announcement here: iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-we...

We are excited to announce the launch of our 2025 summer programs! Participants can immerse themselves in history, culture, and community with the “Full Op Wid Joy” Summer Camp for ages 8 to 14 years old, or IAAM’s collegiate opportunity with our Sankofa Fellowship. iaamuseum.org/news/apply-t...

Conversation, adaptation, & being brave: innovation in exhibits. Judith Zissman of @bluetelescope.bsky.social, Malika Pryor of the @iaamuseum.bsky.social & Amanda Mayne of the British #Museum shared their insights at the Festival of Innovation 2025. tinyurl.com/3zujwj6n

On Thursday, March 27, IAAM will host “Women of the Diaspora,” featuring Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the 1st woman elected Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and Kenya Dunn, entrepreneur and founder of The Power-Filled Woman. Details: iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-pr... #chsnews

IAAM is proud to recognize its annual Member Month: A dedicated time in March to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of its members. This celebration emphasizes the critical role that membership plays in supporting the museum’s mission. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/interna...

This is so cool - we called and listened to a story as I was writing about it! Through the Charleston County Public Library's Dial-A-Story, listeners can now access the @iaamuseum.bsky.social Hidden Gems stories.

IAAM and Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) are proud to announce a collaboration to highlight African American history and culture through CCPL’s Dial-A-Story and IAAM’s Hidden Gems initiatives. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-co... #chsnews

IAAM CEO Dr. Tonya M. Matthews has been recognized & featured within the prestigious HistoryMakers Digital Archive, as a testament to her significant contributions to preserving & promoting African American history & culture. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-ce... #chsnews #womenshistorymonth

The International African American Museum (#IAAM) has received a generous $750,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation, furthering the museum’s objective to become a leading international connector and crusader within the African American and Black Diaspora. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/mellon-...

The International African American Museum (IAAM) proudly reflects on a successful February 2025 that honored Black History Month. IAAM is excited to continue its mission of education and cultural enrichment with a diverse lineup of programs and events in March 2025: iaamuseum.org/news/februar...

“Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission to the International African American Museum through the ‘Museums on Us’ program March 1 and 2.” Come visit us this weekend! www.counton2.com/news/local-n...

Our retail store is now available ONLINE! We have launched a beautiful IAAM Branded Collection featuring a crewneck, T-shirts, IAAM tumblers, a reversible bucket hat, and many more products to choose from. Link to our store: www.shop.iaamuseum.org Full announcement: iaamuseum.org/news/interna...

Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, President and CEO of the International African American Museum (IAAM), was selected as one of two inaugural Trailblazer Awardees during the 5th Annual Black Excellence Brunch – Charleston Edition, held on Sunday, February 9. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-ce... #chsnews

On Friday, February 28, IAAM proudly presents "An Architect & A Poet," an insightful discussion between renowned architect Walter Hood and IAAM CEO Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, a renowned poet who also has a background in biomedical and electrical engineering. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-bh...

Charleston ‼️ Tomorrow 2/15 at the International African American Museum: Madeline Anderson's seminal labor doc I AM SOMEBODY. Learn more @iaamuseum.bsky.social 🎟️ iaamuseum.org/event/i-am-somebody-1969-charleston-hospital-workers-strike-documentary/

Join IAAM at the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church on Sunday, Feb. 16 for a powerful evening celebrating the rich heritage & enduring legacy of African Am culture. Our “Awakening of the Ancestors Through Music” Program will feature the Fisk Jubilee Singers! Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/awakeni...

IAAM will be open on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 17th, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry time at 4:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased online HERE: bit.ly/IAAMPresiden.... Read our entire announcement here: iaamuseum.org/news/iaam-op...

MAJOR DONOR RECOGNITION: IAAM has received a $200,000 gift for education and programming from TD Bank (@tdbankus.bsky.social), to sponsor the TD Bank Program Series at the museum. TD Bank’s third gift to the IAAM is a donation total of $700,000. Read more: iaamuseum.org/news/salute-...

Today marks 57 years since the Orangeburg Massacre, when SCHP officers opened fire on over 200 protesters gathered on the campus of SC State University to oppose the continued segregation of a local bowling alley. Three people were killed and dozens more injured. I wrote about it here: