New Exhibition at the Laney Museum: The HBCU Experience, Past, Present and Future

August 1 – September 25, 2020

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History will showcase “The HBCU Experience, Past, Present and Future” from August 1^st to September 25^th.  This exhibit examines the role that the historically black college and university have played in shaping many of the iconic figures of Augusta.  One need look no further than the namesake of the museum, Lucy Craft Laney, who graduated in 1873 in the first class of the Normal School of Atlanta University.  In addition to the physical exhibit at the Museum, there will be several virtual and interactive components.

The HBCU Experience: Past, Present and Future
DIGITAL EXHIBITION: CLICK HERE: https://lucycraftlaneymuseum.com/wonder-grid-type/hbcuexhibit/

Admission to the museum is limited to tours of four people and tours must be set up in advance. Available tour times are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10:30am and 2:30pm.

The Historically Black College and University, or HBCU, has been one of the foundational institutions in the African American community since the antebellum period.  Post-Civil War America saw the creation of dozens of HBCU’s, from Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia, to Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina.  All HBCU’s are not the same.  Some are large, like Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and others have a more intimate campus setting, like Paine College in Augusta, Georgia.  But no matter the size or geographic location of the school there is one thing that is for certain, the HBCU experience is a collegiate experience unlike any other.

A virtual panel discussion about the importance of the HBCU in the 21^st Century will be held Friday, October 2nd, 10:00 am.

Topic:  The HBCU Experience, Past, Present and Future

Hosted by Augusta’s own and Fisk University graduate Dee Griffin, news anchor from Channel 6. The panelists will include representatives from various historically black colleges and universities.

For more information about this exhibit as well as important information on our tours please contact 706-724-3576.

Bank of America Partners with the Laney Museum for The HBCU Experience Exhibit

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History is pleased to announce that Bank of America has partnered with the Museum for the upcoming showcase “The HBCU Experience, Past, Present and Future” from August 4th to September 25th.  This partnership will enable the museum to provide free admission! This new exhibit examines the role that historically black colleges and universities have played in shaping many of the iconic figures of Augusta.  In addition to the physical exhibit at the Museum, several free virtual and interactive components will be implemented.

“At Bank of America, we are continuing to identify new ways to meet the needs of our neighbors and help create lasting change,” said Ora Parish, Augusta market president for Bank of America. “Partnering with Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History is one of the ways we are helping to enrich our Augusta community in the area of culture and education.”

Post-Civil War America saw the creation of dozens of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, from Atlanta University in Atlanta to Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina.  Some HBCUs are large, like Southern University in Baton Rouge, while others have a more intimate campus setting, like Paine College in Augusta.  Corey Rogers, Historian with the Laney Museum pointed out “no matter the size or geographic location of the school there is one thing that is for certain, the HBCU experience is a collegiate experience unlike any other.”

In September a virtual panel discussion will be held about the history of HBCU’s and their importance in the 21st Century. The panelists will include representatives from various historically black colleges and universities. The panel will be moderated by Augusta’s own Dee Griffin, a Fisk University graduate.

Due to Covid-19 safety precautions, admission is limited to tours of four people. Available tour times are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10:30am and 2:30pm. Admission is ONLY by pre-scheduled tour.

For more information about this exhibit as well as important information on our tours please contact 706-724-3576.

Annual Quilt Exhibition: “Quilting the HBCU Experience”

October 1 2020, January 24, 2021

This year the Annual Quilt Exhibit is a very special showcase of quilts from the renowned Brown  Sugar Stitchers that highlight the HBCU experience.

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. Call early to schedule your tour: 706-724-3576.

“I’m Every Woman: A Tribute to African American Women
in Augusta

Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History is currently featuring a wonderful display of portraits, books, art and historic documents in celebration of women. Due to the necessary safety precautions in place we are making the exhibit available on social media in a series of posts that will enable people to enjoy learning more about the amazing women in this collection.

We have added  the images to our website for the digital exhibition as well. We hope you enjoy this virtual display and come see us in the Laney Walker District of Augusta once life returns to normal.

Schedule a Tour