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.

We’re Renovating 

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History will be closed for major renovation work in the Museum from July through September 2021. Thanks to all our supporters, sponsors and friends who have helped us achieve this much needed milestone.

While the Museum is closed, we will continue to offer the Golden Blocks Walking Tour, virtual exhibits on our website, and keep you up to date with history and art news on our social media platforms. The Museum looks forward to welcoming you back this Fall to our new and improved building.

If you have a research question, or would like to schedule a school group tour for the Fall of 2021 or the Spring of 2022, please call 706-724-3576.

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 DiamondOrnate Acorn
$2500 Emerald/Acorn
$1000 Gold/Gold Leaf
$500 Silver/Silver Leaf
$250 Bronze/Bronze Leaf

To find out how you can help the Museum and get your leaf, acorn or stone, call Linda Johnson at 706-724-3576.

Book a Tour of the Historic Golden Blocks

The Golden Blocks Tour includes 33 key locations that comprise The Golden Blocks in the Laney-Walker District of downtown Augusta. Highlights include The grave site of Lucy Craft Laney and the Black History Museum that is located in her home; the grave site and home of Reverend C.T. Walker; Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Company National Office; the Golden Blocks Legacy Mural; Golden Block Marker for the Burruss Sanitarium; the historic Lenox Theater and Mother Trinity CME Church, established in 1840.

To schedule a guided tour please call the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History at 706-724-3576.

To find out how you can help the Museum and get your leaf, acorn or stone, call Linda Johnson at 706-724-3576.

Donation from Murphy Auto Group

Thank you also to our museum partner, Murphy Auto Group, who continuously gives back to our community. During the Juneteenth Celebration, they generously committed to donating a percentage of revenues from all cars sold on Juneteenth to the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. Mr. Rodney Carter, Market Area President, CSRA, is presenting a check in the amount of $1025.00 to Linda Johnson.

To find out how you can help the Museum and get your leaf, acorn or stone, call Linda Johnson at 706-724-3576.

Happy Summer! 

A Note from Linda Johnson, Executive Director

Summer is here and it is hot! Thank you so much to our Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and Conference Center supporters in Augusta and the River Region, and supporters throughout the nation. The museum’s Virtual Heritage Gala was a huge success and because of your donations and support, we met our goal of $100,000.00 for the elevator project. We could not have done this without each of you and we are so grateful. I am pleased to report that renovations on the museum and conference room have started. We are officially closed for tours in the museum and conference room use, however, we are continuing the Golden Block Tours throughout the Historic Laney Walker District. Also, we will have a new tour feature when we open. Visitors will be able to do Self-Guided Tours! We will continue to provide our scheduled guided tours, and visitors will also be able to do Self-Guided Tours. We are excited about the opportunities that this will provide for increased tours.

For ongoing updates, please visit the museum’s website and social media pages. Stay cool and hydrated in this summer heat.

Linda F. Johnson
Executive Director

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