About the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History

Miss Lucy Craft Laney’s invaluable and widespread influence across the nation  inspired Delta House, Inc., a non-profit organization, to purchase her former home in 1987. Miss Laney’s niece, educator Margaret Louise Laney (1900-1986), spent the majority of her life as a resident of the home. In June 1991, the house officially opened as The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and Conference Center. In addition to touring the Laney home, visitors to the museum can enjoy the butterfly and period garden that surrounds the property. Each season displays vividly indigenous flowers, plants, shrubbery, birds, and butterflies in a natural habitat.

Guests can pay homage at Miss Laney’s eternal flame gravesite at the nearby high school and view the memorial stadium, also named in her honor.

An iconic scene on the grounds is the bronze bust of Miss Laney, created by the late international sculptor Norman Hughes. The bust towers above the commemorative brick inlay and is a favorite spot for commemorative photographs.

Museum Operating Hours

Tour Times:  Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Administrative Hours:  Monday-Saturday, 9:00-4:30 p.m.

Please note that the Museum Building is only open at tour times, during a pre-scheduled tour or for special events. Please call to setup a time to see us.

Admission Prices
Adults – $7.00
Seniors (62+); military members & family with authorized ID- $5.00
Youth ages 4-17 years – $3.00
Preschool and SEMC members – Complimentary
 
Parking
The museum’s parking lot is conveniently located at the corner of Laney-Walker Boulevard and Phillips Street. Certified public safety officers are on duty during evening and special events
 

Museum Features

The mission of the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and Conference Center is to promote the legacy of Lucy Craft Laney through art, history and the preservation of her home.

Tours and Exhibits

Guided tours through the museum's permanent exhibitions – the Lucy Craft Laney Exhibition, the Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Exhibition, and the Augusta Ebony Legacy Collection provide visitors with an overview of Black Augustans' contributions at the local, state, national, and international levels. The museum also displays a number of special rotating art, history and sports exhibitions, which feature well known and emerging artists. Educational forums with community leaders offer one-on-one dialogue on current topics. Annual exhibitions such as the Quilt Exhibition showcases regional fiber artists. Photography is allowed only by permission. Call to book your tour.

Outreach Programs

In the summer of 1930, Dr. Mordecai Johnson, President of Howard University, named Miss Laney “Mother of the Children of the People.” The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History organizes events and tailored presentations that uplift and enrich the Augusta community. The portable Traveling Exhibition, a condensed view of Miss Laney's life, can be loaned to hosting organizations. The museum sponsors presentations by visiting scholars, artists, filmmakers, and authors to further expand diverse perspectives on local history.

History & Art Exhibitions and Programming

“The children of the people” are served through the Lucy Craft Laney Museum Children’s Academy. The program supports state mandated curriculum. Students ages 6-12 acquire continuous learning experiences through field trips and other hands-on learning activities. Teens have the opportunity to gain leadership experience as volunteer staff assistants. Programming includes Summer and Winter Camps, as well as annual events like Brunch with Santa.

Preservation, Education and Public Art

Dedicated to the preservation of history and public education about the importance of Augusta's Black History, the Museum partners with many organizations. Public Art has become an important part of Augusta's appearance and storytelling. Murals, Sculptures, Historic Markers are just some of the projects the Museum has collaborated on.

Community Luncheon Series

The Monthly Community Luncheon Program features a heart healthy, vegetarian-friendly catered meal. Panelists from the community speak on contemporary and historic topics, including City Leaders, authors, artists, medical experts, and historians.

Period and Butterfly Gardens

While you’re visiting the Lucy Craft Laney Museum, take a moment to stroll through our beautiful Period Garden. The garden was encouraged by Mrs. Hertha Blount and created as an addition to the museum in 1995. A student from the University of Georgia Horticulture Department designed the space to include plants that would have grown there during Ms. Laney’s life time. These plants include Dogwoods, Irises, Roses, and Azaleas. A highlight of the gardens is the statue of Lucy Craft Laney, designed by Norman Hughes, a local artist. This section of the garden, dedicated to the memory of Ms. Laney, includes commemorative bricks with the names of all who purchased bricks in honor of Ms. Laney and others.

Museum News

Annual Events

Museum events promote cultural awareness. Some of our most anticipated annual events include:

  • Annual Heritage Fundraiser
  • Mental Health Summit, a partnership of Delta House Inc., Augusta Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Augusta University
  • Historian of the Year Award
  • The Laney Museum Quiz Bowl
  • Annual Laney Museum Bus Trip
  • Golden Blocks Health Summit
  • Lucy Craft Laney Museum Golf Tournament
  • Children Academy Summer Enrichment Camp and Fall Art Camp
  • Black Heritage Quilt Exhibition
  • December Holiday Brunch with Santa
  • Monthly Community Luncheon Program features a heart healthy, vegetarian-friendly catered meal. Panelists from the community speak on contemporary and historic topics.

Our Board & Staff

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History is able to serve the Augusta River Region because of the dedication of these people.

2024 - 2025 Board of Directors

  • Leon Maben, President
  • Linda Johnson, Vice-President
  • Kathie Johnson, Secretary
  • Joycelyn Vincent, Treasurer
  • Patricia Brown
  • Allison Campbell
  • Sara Cooks
  • Chris Cunningham
  • Mashell Fashion
  • Dr. Marquez Hall, Ph.D
  • Janice Allen-Jackson
  • Linda James
  • Kimberly Oliver
  • Rita Stubblefield

Museum Staff

  • Corey Rogers, Executive Director
  • Toni Dean, Program Manager
  • Cynthia Riley, Administrative Assistant

Contact Us

Corey Rogers, Exec. Director

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History
1116 Phillips Street
Augusta, Georgia  30901

Ph: 706.724.3576

Corey Rogers, Executive Director
[email protected]

Toni Dean, Programs Manager
[email protected]

Cynthia Riley, Administrative Assistant
[email protected]