Evansville has had a continuous human presence in the area for thousands of years, from paleo-Indian people to Native American tribes, long before the Europeans came. The first European people here were French fur traders but, eventually, the economy grew and Evansville became a hub for trade in the pre-Civil War era. After the war, it saw an increase in population, mostly from immigrants from Europe but also newly freed men and women from Western Kentucky. Evansville African American Museum sits in a building from 1938, and its aim is to educate the public and serve as a place to preserve the cultural traditions of African American families in Indiana. Here is a guide to Evansville African American Museum.
Things to do
Evansville African American Museum is located in a building that is essentially a relic in itself. During the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, public projects across the country were instituted as part of the New Deal. For Evansville, this meant the building of Lincoln Gardens, a federal housing project that was built in 1938. In August of 1997, fear that the Lincoln Gardens complex would be torn down became an issue, until Sondra L Matthews saved most of it from destruction by appealing to a committee to preserve Lincoln Gardens on the grounds of historic and educational purposes. By 1999, Evansville African American Museum was officially opened here.
Explore the museum
If you’re going to a museum, you might as well explore it and see what is on display. Evansville African American Museum tries to showcase life for African Americans during the period when Lincoln Gardens was built - the late 1930s - in one of their sections. Take a look at period-authentic clothing and artifacts from that time that was donated to the museum. The remaining sections of the museum have been dedicated to the more modern eras of life, with a permanent exhibit by local artists and citizens, as well as a celebration gallery that’s great for hosting events and meetings.
Attend an event
All throughout the year, Evansville African American Museum hosts numerous events that bring the people of the community together for different occasions. Celebrate Women’s Heritage Month in March, or Black History Month in February, with events going on from the 4th to the 28th. Evansville African American Museum also hosts parties and speaking events from prominent African Americans in the community.
Things to buy
Posted by Evansville African American Museum on Tuesday, 26 March 2019
Evansville African American Museum has a gift shop on-site that carries several different products you can buy to support the community and the museum financially.
Clothes
T-shirts with a picture of the museum’s facade are available in a variety of sizes, as well as being available in both women’s and men’s cuts. Traditional clothing can also be bought here - all made by locals in the community.
Soaps and cosmetics
These items are also available at the gift shop, and they are all sourced from African American-owned businesses. If you’re shopping for someone and you don’t know what to get them, you can always pick up a card from the shop.
Travelers tips
Check the Calendar
Aside from their permanent museum exhibits, Evansville African American Museum also promotes and hosts events all throughout the year. Be sure to check out the calendar on their official website and see if there are any events being hosted soon so you can plan your trip accordingly.
Schedule a special showing
If you’re looking to get a special showing and be toured through the exhibits by a museum guide, then make sure to book an appointment ahead of time. The curators and people of the museum are very helpful with those looking to learn, so don’t be afraid to call ahead and schedule a date for your upcoming visit.
How to get there
By car
Getting here by car is your best option, as the public transportation service is lacking. Take note that there’s no parking lot on-site, but there are plenty of parking spaces on the street nearby.
Bus
If you’re coming in from out of town, there is Greyhound bus service to downtown Evansville. From the station, you can book a ridesharing app to the museum, which is on South Garvin Street.
Ridesharing apps
Apps like Uber and Lyft operate inside Evansville, so if you’re someone looking to visit Evansville African American Museum and don’t have access to a vehicle yourself, consider this as an alternative.
How to book tickets
Tickets for Evansville African American Museum are very affordable and make for a great way to spend an afternoon in Evansville if you’re on a budget. Tickets, however, can only be bought in-person when you arrive.
Admission is 5 USD for adults and 3 USD for children under the age of 12. Be sure to check their calendar for other events taking place that may charge a different price.
Evansville African American Museum information
Evansville African American Museum
Address: 579 S Garvin St, Evansville, IN 47713, United States
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Cost: 3 - 5 USD
Website: Official Website
Board of Tourism Visit Evansville
History
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