International African American Museum 


International African American Museum

The museum hovers 13 feet above the historic site of Gadsden’s Wharf, the port of arrival for nearly half of all enslaved Africans brought to North America.


The International African American Museum is home to 12 permanent exhibitions, including 9 galleries, one Special Exhibitions Gallery, which rotates between two and three exhibitions annually, and an ongoing series of digital exhibitions published via the Google Arts & Culture platform.

The permanent exhibitions feature more than 150 historical objects, more than 30 works of art, nearly 50 films and digital interactive experiences that bring history to life, framed by a gateway to the Atlantic Ocean.

  • African Roots/African Routes - Explore the diverse cultures of West and West Central Africa, and trace the movement of people of African descent throughout the Atlantic World.
  • American Journeys - Discover people, events, and stories that shaped United States history through the international lens of the African Diaspora.
  • Atlantic Worlds - Explore the nuanced historical connections throughout the Black Atlantic World and the deep inter-connectivity between Africa, the Americas, and Europe.
  • Carolna Gold/Memories of the Enslaved - Understand the transformative impact of enslaved people who labored on plantations in South Carolina and helped build the lucrative rice industry.
  • Creative Journeys - Follow a network of art throughout the building that provides alternative vantage points for understanding history and the role creative expression plays in both shaping and reflecting its arc.
  • Gullah Geechee - Define and demystify what it means to be Gullah Geechee by examining the history of the Gullah Geechee peoples and the contemporary issues facing their communities today.
  • South Carolina Connections - Experience stories of resistance and achievement from the many locally, nationally, and internationally influential African Americans in South Carolina’s history.
  • Theater Gallery - Take in video-based installations that use a narrative storytelling format to provide broad historical context and further orient visitors to the museum experience.
  • TransAtlantic - Immerse yourself in the journey of African cultural roots, from the tragedy of the middle passage to the enduring legacy of local and international diaspora scenes and traditions.


International African American
Museum Photos


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International African American
Museum Hours and Admission


Hours: 
Tuesday - Sunday: 10 am - 5 pm
Closed Monday
Closed Christmas Day and Thanksgiving

Admission:
Adults (17+) $19.95
Youth (6-16) $9.95
Child (Under 6) Free
Senior (62+) $9.95
Military (With ID) $11.95 
Residents (2023 Only)
Adults (17+) $5.96
Youth (6-16) $5.96
Child (Under 6) Free
Senior (62+) $5.96
Military (With ID) $5.96 


Internationa African American
Museum Address and Map


International African American Museum
14 Wharfside St
Charleston SC 29401
(843) 872-5352
International African American Museum


Current and Upcoming Events
at the International African 
American Museum


What: Getting Started with Genealogy – AM
When: Nov. 12, 2024
Time: 11 am - 12 pm
Where: International African American Museum
Admission: Included with your museum admission ticket

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. This engaging session will guide both beginners and those with some experience through the fascinating world of genealogy research.

In this presentation, we will cover the essential steps on how to embark on your genealogy journey, unraveling the secrets of your family’s past. We will share proven methods for genealogy research, including the use of online databases, traditional archival work, and more. Along with these, we’ll provide key tips to enhance your research, making your exploration more efficient and rewarding.

The presentation is offered Tuesday through Friday, at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM 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.

Come, uncover your roots, and be a part of this thrilling journey! See you there!


What: Getting Started with Genealogy – PM
When: Nov. 12, 2024
Time: 2 pm - 3 pm
Where: International African American Museum
Admission: Included with your museum admission ticket

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. This engaging session will guide both beginners and those with some experience through the fascinating world of genealogy research.

In this presentation, we will cover the essential steps on how to embark on your genealogy journey, unraveling the secrets of your family’s past. We will share proven methods for genealogy research, including the use of online databases, traditional archival work, and more. Along with these, we’ll provide key tips to enhance your research, making your exploration more efficient and rewarding.

The presentation is offered Tuesday through Friday, at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM 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.

Come, uncover your roots, and be a part of this thrilling journey! See you there!



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African American Museum 



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