Exhibits are curated to showcase the history, themes and culture of the African American diaspora in Iowa. (Photo: African American Museum of Iowa)
The African American Museum of Iowa is gearing up for a grand reopening party this Saturday to celebrate the end of a multimillion-dollar renovation that began five years ago. The festivities kick off outdoors at 10 a.m. with food trucks, family-friendly activities and refreshments in the parking lot.
From there, guests can take self-guided tours through “Endless Possibilities,” the museum’s permanent exhibit, which explores the history of Iowa’s Black community from its origins in West Africa through the Civil War, the Underground Railroad and the Civil Rights Movement.
For the first time, you can also check out a new exhibit called “Thirty Years of the AAMI,” which tells the history of the museum itself, from its start in a church conference room through the flood of 2008 and to the newly renovated building.
Along the way, you can enjoy live music from Orchestra Iowa and check out special exhibits from the Iowa Children’s Museum and Cedar Rapids Public Library. For details, see the full itinerary.
