A Beautiful Newly Renovated Museum

The scope of the Museum renovation project consisted of both interior and exterior work to the museum, conference room and administration buildings. It included removing the old roof and applying a new roof for museum, conference room and re-coating the roof on the museum; waterproofing & painting exterior siding & foundation; ensuring for the integrity of interior and exterior walls, floors and all foundations; replacing damage to exterior siding & wood panels; rebuilding and insulating the front porch; sanding and refinishing all wood floors; replacing ceiling 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; Installing museum quality windows; technological upgrades to include new equipment (new projector) and software; complete renovations to ensure compliance with ADA codes/regulations for bathrooms, ramps and sidewalks; and of course repairing the elevator.

Stop by and see all the improvements for yourself!

Women of Excellence Exhibit is Open!

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History is proud to announce our next exhibit, Augusta’s Women of Excellence. This exhibit began its annual run at the museum in March of 2020. The purpose of the exhibit is to shine a spotlight on many of the movers and shakers that have made Augusta great. This exhibit will include individuals like Dr. Justine Washington, Margaret Louise Laney, Rosa C. Tutt, Marjorie Carter, Carrie Mays, Lucy Craft Laney, Rosa T. Beard as well as many others.

This year we will also pay tribute to Sigma Gamma Rho, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta and Delta Sigma Theta sororities, along with The Links, Incorporated. The exhibit will run from July 19th through August 27th.

Stop by and see all the improvements for yourself!

Jim Dent Inducted to Hall of Fame

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History celebrates the golfing legacy of Jim Dent and applaud his induction into the Caddie Hall of Fame.

Professional golfer Jim Dent was inducted into the Caddie Hall of Fame on Friday, May 20, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the game of golf and society through caddying and using caddying as a stepping stone to professional success.

The Caddie Hall of Fame highlights the tradition and importance of caddying by recognizing and celebrating individuals who have devoted their lives to the game of golf through caddying or by supporting the role of caddies, or who have used their experience as a youth caddie for future professional success. The Western Golf Association in 2011 took over formal administration of the Caddie Hall of Fame, which was first established in 1991 by the Professional Caddies Association. Dent was inducted during a reception at The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History in Augusta, Georgia, on Friday, May 20. The museum also paid tribute to 50 Years of Augusta National Black Caddies, honoring Dent and others, at its annual golf tournament on Saturday.

“We are honored to welcome Jim Dent as the newest member of the Caddie Hall of Fame,” said Jeff Harrison, WGA senior vice president of advisory and special initiatives. “Jim embodies the gold standard of hard work and professionalism, and we are inspired by how he utilized his time as a youth caddie to propel himself to the highest level in the game of golf.”

A native of Augusta, Georgia, Dent caddied as a young man at Augusta National Golf Club and Augusta Country Club where he fell in love with the game of golf. He caddied in his first Masters at age 15 and later caddied in the event for major championship winner Bob Rosburg and Masters Champion Bob Goalby. For Dent, every loop was an opportunity to closely study players like Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson and Sam Snead, and apply their techniques to his own swing.

Stop by and see all the improvements for yourself!

Summer Camp was a HUGE Success!

Summer Campers at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History had a fun-filled and educational camp experience. This year, one of the things they learned about was the process of African Mudcloth and how it’s made. They also had an opportunity to create their own stenciled designed pillows.

Guest visitors and learning how to create a performance were just a few of the many fun activities. Camp Artist was Salonika Rhyne, Camp Director was Destiny Smith and Camp Volunteer was Joshua Gayle.

Our Giving Tree is Live

The Museum is thrilled to unveil the brand new Giving Tree that honors all of our cherished supporters who have purchased a leaf or stone. The “Giving Tree” sculpture provides 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.

Contact Linda Johnson at 706-724-3576 to find out how you can be a part of the Giving Tree!

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 Summer! 

A note from Linda Johnson, Executive Director

Summer is here and it is hot! Thank you so much to our museum supporters in Augusta and the River Region, and supporters throughout the nation. The museum’s Heritage Fundraiser was a huge success because of your donation and support. We could not have done it without each of you and we are so grateful. We were happy to see you here at the Grand Re-opening and Sponsor/Donor Thank You Event. I am pleased to report that renovations on the museum and conference room are completed and the elevator will soon be ready for use. We are officially open for tours in the museum and conference room is available for use.

We have a new tour feature. Visitors can now 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. The museum’s Giving Tree is growing! There is still opportunity for you to have a leaf, acorn or stone on the tree. Please stop by the museum and see this beautiful new sculpture, which provides permanent recognition and advertisement for our museum sponsors and donors.

I’d like to give a “Very Special Thank You” to our summer camp sponsor, Wing Stop Charities, Francine Scott, and Wife Savers. The children had a fun-filled summer art camp in June. Each camper created their own art project and proudly displayed them at the end of camp.

Stay cool and hydrated in this summer heat.

Linda Johnson
Executive Director

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