The Harrison Museum of African American Culture preserves and illuminates the legacies of African culture with a special focus on Southwest Virginia and the Blue Ridge region. Our collection reflects a living system of cultural memory.
REGIONAL HISTORY
Artifacts from Roanoke’s Henry Street businesses, the Hunton Life Saving Crew, and Burrell Memorial Hospital, telling the story of resilience and innovation under segregation.
Diaspora Connections:
Artworks, documents, and objects linking African traditions with their evolution in Appalachia and across the United States.
Community Contributions
Family heirlooms, photographs, and oral histories donated by community members that ground the museum in lived experience.
Rotating Exhibitions
The collection is activated through quarterly and six-month exhibits, ensuring that objects are continuously reinterpreted in dialogue with contemporary themes and visitor reflection.
At Melrose Plaza, the museum’s collection will expand its role as a cultural anchor, not only safeguarding history but also inspiring future generations with stories of achievement, creativity, and healing.