The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

The DuSable Museum is proud of its diverse holdings that number more than 15,000 pieces and include paintings, sculpture, print works and historical memorabilia. Special exhibitions, workshops and lectures are featured to highlight works by particular artists, historical events or collections on loan from individuals or institutions.

In 1961, with a few dedicated colleagues and a dream, the artist/educator/writer/activist Margaret Taylor Burroughs established our nation’s first independent museum celebrating Black culture. The Ebony Museum of Negro History and Art was inaugurated that very year in the Burroughs’ home on Chicago’s iconic South Side. Burroughs was proud that the Museum was “the only one that grew out of the indigenous Black community.”  At its 60th anniversary, the Museum—since named to honor Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable, the Haitian-born founder of Chicago—has welcomed millions of visitors to its home in Chicago’s historic Washington Park to experience its innovative and timely exhibitions and powerful and transformative educational programs, which together place the African American narrative firmly within the broader context of U.S. history. The DuSable is a convener; a point of connection; and a place where difficult conversations lead to reconciliation and renewal. And, as a beacon of strength and a refuge of reason, the Museum is a vital part of a socially equitable reconciliation of our nation’s historic divisions.

At this time of profound transformation, the DuSable is taking steps to solidify its position as a place where together, we can make good history. As part of this effort, it is focusing its outreach efforts on a sustainability campaign that will allow the Museum to imagine its next five years, while preparing it for its next sixty.

Our Mission

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is a Chicago community institution and the first non-profit Museum dedicated to the collection, documentation, preservation, study and the dissemination of the history and culture of Africans and African Americans. As an educational institution, DuSable attracts school groups from Chicago and surrounding areas. More than 100,000 visitors attend or utilize the facility yearly. Through exhibits, educational programs, the archives, and special activities, the Museum continuously explores the African American experience and accomplishments of the past and present to further advance the education of the future.

Founder’s Story

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center was founded in February 1961 by husband and wife team, Dr. Margaret Taylor Burroughs and Charles Burroughs, on the ground floor of their home. Its purpose was to educate the public about Black history, culture, and art. The museum was originally named the Ebony Museum of Negro History and Art.

Board of Trustees

Patricia Knazze, Chairwoman
Sandya Dandamudi, Vice Chair
John C. Sciaccotta, Esq., Vice Chair
Franz Mullings, Treasurer
Lisa Pilot, Assistant Treasurer
Wendy Walker Williams, Secretary
Patrick McGee, Assistant Secretary
Sheila Wilson-Freelon, Esq., MDiv., Parliamentarian
Perri L. Irmer, Esq., President & CEO
Patrick Arbor
U.S. Amb., U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley Braun (ret’d.)
Andrea Berry
Paula Jill Krasny, Esq.
Jack Lynch
Wendi Taylor Nations
Timothy Rand
Sen. Donne E. Trotter
Hon. Desireé Watkins

HOURS

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Last admission 3:30 PM

LOCATION

740 East 56th Place
Chicago, Illinois 60637
Phone: (773) 947-0600