LCL Museum Board Member Leon Maben Recently Honored 

Many of our museum’s supporters know Mr. Maben well from his role as Chair of our Annual Golf Tournament and vigorous support of both the T. W. Josey High School and the Ft. Valley Alumni Associations. He holds several other civic leadership positions.

At the December 16, 2021 meeting of Augusta-Richmond County Historic Preservation Commission, historian LTC (Ret.) Joyce G.D. Law, CSRA Region Co-Representative of Georgia African American Historic Preservation Network (GAAHPN) Board, presented two (2) awards to Mr. Maben on behalf of other local organizations. Museum Board of Directors President Rosa Clemons and Museum Executive Director Linda Johnson attended the surprise presentation.

Veteran award-winning sports journalist Stan Byrdy gifted an autographed copy of his latest historical work The Donnie Hixson Story, in recognition of Mr. Maben’s countless contributions to the county’s character districts. Mr. Maben’s high school classmate running back Joe Jackson appears in the biography. Sand Hills Neighborhood Association honored Mr. Maben’s year-long dedicated participation in city-wide cleanup/beautification campaigns by gifting a certificate of appreciation, along with a picture collage depicting the 2021 Inaugural Veterans Day Recognition at Summerville Fitten Street Cemetery.

Commenting on Mr. Maben’s singular leadership as Vice-Chair of the HP Commission, LTC Law remarked: “Mr. Maben doesn’t just point the way, he brings his gloves, equipment, and works alongside others to work; then, is attentively present for successive cultural events.”

CLICK HERE to read more about Leon Maben, “The history of everyone: how one man tells the forgotten Black stories of Augusta, GA” by Kasey Pooley.

Quilting the HBCU Experience Exhibit

On display in early 2022!

The date will be determined based on completion of the Museum Renovations.  A virtual exhibit of a selection of these amazing quilts will be featured on the Museum’s website and social media in February.

The exhibit will feature quilts that represent many of the historically black colleges around the country as well as quilts inspired by the African American Greek-letter organizations.

Winter Camp Was Wonderful!

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum’s Winter Camp was held on December 21, 2021 at the Wallace Branch Library.  Students from all over the River Region took part in the day-long camp, facilitated by museum historian Corey Rogers and local artist Salonika Rhyne.  Destiny Smith, a nursing student at Augusta University served as the camp manager.  The students, ranging from 6th to 12th grade, began the initial work on what will culminate in a mural to honor the life and legacy of Lucy Craft Laney.  Students from the Winter Camp will come back in the Spring of 2022 for Part Two, which will take place at the newly renovated Laney Museum.  Students and Salonika will paint the mural in the Laney-Walker community.  For more information on upcoming events at the Laney Museum or to inquire about enrolling your child in our 2022 Summer Camp please call 706-724-3576.

We send a special thank you to our camp sponsor, Wingstop Charities.  Through your continued support we look to make 2022 another successful year at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History.

Renovations Project

The renovations here at the museum are progressing very well.  The Scope of the Project consists of both interior and exterior work to the museum and conference center. Specifically, the work involves the following: removing old roof and applying new roof for museum and conference room; repairing, waterproofing, painting siding and foundation; ensuring for the integrity of interior and exterior walls, floors and all foundations; sanding/finishing all wood floors; replacing ceiling in conference room; new flooring in conference room; installing new LED/museum quality lighting; upgrading existing HVAC and ductwork; upgrading all attic installation; upgrading electrical system and electrical panel; repairing basement ceiling and water closet; replacing windows; technological upgrades to include equipment and software; renovations to ensure compliance with ADA codes/regulations for bathrooms, ramps and sidewalks.

The museum’s current audio-visual system does not interface with the internet or have wireless access points for internet on all floors. Thanks to a grant from the Creel-Harrison Foundation, we are also upgrading all of the museum’s audio-visual equipment and date points to all areas of the museum and conference center. This will allow the facilitation of more effective tours, classes and professional presentations that are in-line with current technology. Grant funds will also be used to purchase 2 new laptops.

We are super excited!  It is going to be absolutely beautiful when renovations are complete. Stay tuned for more exciting news on the museum’s renovations and the date for the grand re-opening.

Lucy Craft Laney Museum Giving Tree

The “Giving Tree” is a new sculpture that is being designed for the Museum. It will be placed in the main entrance and will provide permanent recognition and advertisement for the museum sponsors and donors at specific levels. Sponsors and donors can help to preserve the legacy of Lucy Craft Laney through art, history and the preservation of her home throughout the year. Based on the level of giving, sponsors/donors will receive an engraved leaf (bronze, silver, or gold), an acorn, or a large stone.

Sponsorship Levels/Giving Tree Presentation (Leaf)
$10,000+ Presenting/Platinum Large Stone
$5000 Diamond/Ornate Acorn
$2500 Emerald/Acorn
$1000 Gold/Gold Leaf
$500 Silver/Silver Leaf
$250 Bronze/Bronze Leaf

The People, Businesses and Institutions of Augusta’s Golden Blocks 

During the time of segregation, the area nicknamed the Golden Blocks was the heart of Augusta’s black business community. In the Laney Walker and Bethlehem neighborhoods, black-owned banks, insurance companies, theaters and other businesses worked to offset discrimination and thrived, creating a strong sense of community. Find out more about the people who were a key part of Augusta’s Golden Blocks.

Happy New Year! 

A note from Linda Johnson, Executive Director

Year 2022 is officially here! We start the new year with resolutions, goals, and exciting plans for the year. Thank you so much for your support of the museum in 2021 and we are counting on your continuous support in 2022. This is going to be a great year here at the museum, with new exhibits from current, new, and emerging artists. A new exhibit, “The Perfect Gift”, will focus on a specific health related topic that impacts the African American Community.

The renovations are almost complete. We are scheduled to have a final walk-through with our architect and the contractor within the next two weeks to check all areas for completion. The elevator installation will begin in February. Our moving company has been notified on the move-in timeframe so that we can get the furniture transported back to the museum and exhibits set up. One of our exciting plans is the official Grand Re-Opening of the museum, which is tentatively scheduled for March 1, 2022. We cannot wait for you to see the beautiful renovations. Stay tuned for additional information.

Have a Blessed New Year.

Linda Johnson

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