Home - Harrison Museum of African American Culture | African American Museum in Roanoke, VA

More than a museum,

A Cultural Experience.

Never the same museum twice, the Harrison rotates exhibits every season, taking a deep dive into one overarching theme and focusing on the lived experiences of everyday people.

We share the story of African American culture through art, memorabilia, and community memory. More than a reflection of the past, the Harrison is a catalyst for starting important conversations that shape the future.

ONGOING AT THE MUSEUM

Step into a living tapestry of the Harlem Renaissance as the Harrison Museum of African American History brings together the era’s history, artistry, music, poetry, and cuisine. This three‑event series invites guests to experience the Renaissance through immersive storytelling, cabaret performance, blues and jazz traditions, and era‑reflective food and service inspired by Harlem’s legendary social clubs and Gainsboro’s vibrant cultural life. Each event honors the brilliance of African American creativity — from the intellectual spark of Harlem to the Southern renaissance that flourished in Roanoke’s Gainsboro community.

Event Dates:

October 24th | November 14th, December 5th

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Healing Hands

This exhibit explores how African American communities practiced healing and care across generations—often in the absence of formal systems or institutional support. The exhibition brings together history, visual art, storytelling, and contemporary voices to examine medical care, midwifery, mutual aid, spiritual practice, community response, and everyday acts of survival.

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Always engaging with
our community

Join us throughout the year as we honor Black milestones and holidays, celebrate Family Days and Museum Nights, even hold workshops with other Melrose Plaza partners. Check our Facebook page daily or click below to stay informed.

See Events Calendar

The Mother of Modern Medicine

Henrietta Lacks and her evolving legacy.
Healing Born Out of Tragedy

See how the death of Dr. Issac Burrell inspired a hospital for Black patients.
A LOCAL JAZZ LEGEND

As a pianist for Charles Mingus, Don Pullen borrowed from the past to create the future of jazz.
Passing in the Deep South

D. Harry T. Penn toured the South to learn about integration. Because of his phenotype, he could "pass" as a white man.
A HERO OF DESEGREGATION

Oliver Hill argued in the historic U.S. Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas.
THE ROSA PARKS OF ROANOKE

Nine years before Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat, Margie Jumper from Roanoke was arrested for refusing as well.
AMERICA’S FIRST MAJOR BLACK FILMMAKER

Oscar Devereaux Micheaux was the most successful black filmmaker in the early 20th century.