Information on current and
past exhibits.
Exhibits
Overview
Since it's opening in 1985 the Harrison Museum of African American Culture has offered historical and art exhibitions in it's galleries and in the Hazel B. Thompson Exhibition Room.
Thanks to the generosity of several donors, the Harrison Museum owns an impressive collection of African masks, bronze sculptures, paintings, furniture, jewelry and textiles from Kenya, Nigeria, Mozambique, Liberia, Rwanda, Zaire and South Africa. Also donated is the museum's permanent local collection, which has grown from a few objects to several thousand. This collection consists of medical, educational, and political memorabilia, as well as visual art and is housed in the museum's Archival Annex.
Schools and other organizations should contact our office at (540) 345-4818 about the availability of the African Traveling Trunk and other exhibits or displays.
Upcoming Events
December 1, 2009: MR. WILLIAM DABNEY: Our Home Town Hero
The Board of Directors of the HARRISON MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE
Invites our friends to join us in recognizing
MR. WILLIAM DABNEY
Our Home Town Hero
Already recognized by President Barack Obama for patriotism & bravery during the D-Day Invasion
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
6:00 pm
Support the Museum by joining us for this special occasion
• Honor our Hometown Hero with a Key to our City
• Say a fond farewell to the historic Harrison School facility
• Be part of the Annual Meeting
• Participate in the SILENT AUCTION!
• Make a donation
The Museum will be moving Operations to Center in the Square in February 2010 to begin the next phase of developing the new African American Museum so this will be our LAST EVENT at our 523 Harrison Ave. facility.
For more information call the Museum at 540-345-4818.
Fall Exhibitions
Women of a New Tribe: A Photographic Celebration of the Black Woman
by Jerry Taliaferro
April 2009 through October 2009
With a profound sense of dedication, Jerry Taliaferro directs the lens of his camera to share with us the stunning physical attributes, elegant majesty bearing, and inner spiritual strength that constitute the hallmarks of beauty intrinsic to African American womanhood. This exhibition of photographic images is a joyous public celebration. But to fully participate in this celebration, the photographer tells us to look with our hearts, as well as with our eyes to see the beauty of women of all ages, body types, and hues. The photographs have been grouped into six different categories: “The Soul of a People”, “Ancestral Homage”, “Grace and Elegance”, “Wisdom of the Ages”, “Poise and Strength”, and “Intergenerational Beauty”. In addition, Roanoke women are featured in a local component aptly called ‘The Roanoke Lineage”.
(Main Gallery and the Hazel B. Thompson Gallery)
Women of a New Tribe: Educational and Public Programs (Download Schedule)
Summer Programs
Celebrating Your Crown of Glory
Learn to celebrate the natural textures of your hair with healthy and aesthetically pleasing styles. Shawanda Muhammad, who is featured in the exhibition, conducts this insightful, engaging, and fun-filled workshop.
July 11, 2009, 2:00 p.m.
The Women in Our Community: Photographic Workshop Series for Youth
Tour the exhibition, Women of a New Tribe. Thenparticipate in a workshop with the award winning, former military photographer Cedric Rudisill of southwest Virginia. Learn the fine points of making a successful photographic portrait before using the camera issued to you. With the workshop conductor, you will select one of your images for installation in an exhibition at the Museum.
(West End Center for Youth as a partner.)
Wednesdays, July 15 and 22, 2009, 2:00 p.m.
Gallery Tour - Women of a New Tribe: The Ancestral Heritage
Let Museum Director Bamidele Demerson take you and your family on a journey exploring the beauty, grace, and strength of African American women as revealed in photographic portraiture by Jerry Taliaferro.
Saturday, July 25, 2009, 2:00 p.m.
Nurturing Your Spirit: A Workshop for Women
Gain an understanding of the ways to nurture your spiritual growth and development during times of hope and stress. Rev. Brenda Brown Grooms, the conductor of this workshop, is featured in the exhibition.(Please call the Museum to reserve your space.)
Thursday, August 6, 2009, 6:30 p.m.
Portraits of Black Women in Literature and Art
Examine portraits of black women as revealed in literature and art. Then tour Women of a New Tribe. Select one of the photographs and write your impressions about the woman and the role of the artist in creating this image. This program is created in partnership with the Roanoke Public Library, Youth Services-Summer Reading Program. (This program is offered for groups by appointment.)
Summer 2009
April 2009 - June 2009
Obama's Lincoln: A Nineteenth Century Icon for a Twenty-first Century President
Our Voices Television TapingThursday, April 2, 2009, 6:00 pm
President Barack Obama has expressed a profound affinity with Abraham Lincoln, the country's sixteenth head of state who served during the tumultuous years that witnessed the Civil War and the official abolition of slavery. Local educator Mac McCadden will interview Virginia Tech sociologist Ellington Graves, Ph. D., regarding the nineteenth century icon for the current president. The interview, along with questions from the audience, will be recorded at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and televised on Our Voices, a program of the Roanoke Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Space is limited. To reserve your seat, please call (540) 345-4818.
This program is part of the observance-Roanoke's Tribute to Lincoln: Man. Icon. Legacy. The observance of the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth is spearheaded by the Roanoke Public Libraries and includes the participation of the History Museum of Western Virginia, the Jefferson Center, and the Roanoke Arts Festival.
Women of A New Tribe
Opening Reception
Thursday April 30, 2009 at 6:00 pm
This stunning national exhibition celebrates the physical and inner beauty of African American women presented in the 1930s to 1940s glamour, fine art black and white photography styles through the award winning lenses of Jerry Taliaferro. A group of local women have been photographed by Mr. Taliaferro, and will also be featured as part of this exhibition.
An Afternoon Tea and Tour
Join Mrs. Shirley Brown, First Lady of Garden of Prayer #7, who hosts an afternoon community tea and tour of the exhibition. Mrs. Brown's distinguished portrait is part of Women of a New Tribe.
Saturday, June 27, 2009, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Women and the African American Family
Explore new perspectives on the roles of women in black extended families with cultural anthropologist Niara Sudarkasa, author of The Strengths of Our Mothers: African and African American Women and Families. (This program is created in partnership with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Beta Chi Omega Chapter.)
Jayne H. Thomas Auditorium
Saturday, June 6, 2009, 2:00 p.m.
March 2009
Thursday After School Drop-in Workshops
Thursday, March 19, 2009, 5:00 pm-6:00 pm
Come learn about the meaning of the symbols and colors of flags representing African countries. You will also make a flag to take home.
Thursday, March 26, 2009, 5:00 pm-6:00 pm
Make your own musical "rain stick" and learn about this wonderful and unique instrument played in Africa and the African diaspora.
A Black Woman's Journey in the Academy
A Women's History Month Luncheon
Friday, March 27, 2009, 1200 noon luncheon
Join in a celebration of Women's History Month with Dr. Barbara Pendergrass, retired Dean of Students at Virginia Tech, who will speak on A Black Woman's Journey in the Academy. Space is limited. To reserve your seat, please call (540) 345-4818. The program is sponsored by the Friends of Harrison.
February 2009
Black History Month Programming
Take a journey across history and discover the dynamic culture, courageous people, key places, and momentous events that are part of the enduring African American legacy.
Gallery Tours and Arts-and-Crafts Workshops (Daily)
Gallery tours of our current exhibitions are available daily:
- Eclectic: Paintings, Prints, and Photographs in Roanoke Collections: Main Gallery
- A Child's Journey Through Africa: Selections from the Permanent and Teaching Collections: Hazel B. Thompson Exhibition Room
Arts-and-crafts activities (make and take workshops) for children are offered daily.
To schedule tours and workshops for your group, please call the Harrison Museum of African American Culture at (540) 345-4818.A Trek Across African American History and Culture (Saturdays)
Gallery Talk
Join Curator Wanda Alston (Harrison Museum of African American Culture) as she takes you on an excursion into the black experience with a viewing of the exhibition, "Eclectic: Paintings, Prints, and Photographs in Roanoke Collections."
Saturday, February 7, 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Slide-Illustrated Lecture
Explore the dynamics of creative expression with Executive Director Bamidele A. Demerson (Harrison Museum of African American Culture) as he offers a slide illustrated presentation, "Africa Remembered, Africa Reclaimed: Heritage, Cultural Identity, and the Art of Black America."
Saturday, February 14, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Puzzle Games Hour (with prizes too)
Come learn about African American history and culture through crossword puzzles and word searches. Solve puzzles and win prizes too.
Saturday, February 21, 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Jazz Performance
Enjoy an afternoon of the mellow moods and energetic riffs of America's classical music with The Bob Hale Jazztet of Roanoke.
Saturday, February 28, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Free Admission
Click here to download Event flyer.
After School Drop-In Drumming Workshops (Thursdays)
The Drum-Heartbeat of the African Continent
Muhandes Salaamallah, Musician and storyteller (Workshop conductor)
Come learn about the history of drums as a musical instrument and as a mode of communication in the societies of Africa and the African diaspora. Enjoy learning about the "mathematics of music" while recognizing and playing distinctive rhythms.
February 19 and 26, March 5 and 12, 2009 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
JANUARY 2009
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Activities for Children
Monday, January 19, 2009
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Come learn about the Civil Rights activist Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his contemporaries through several fun filled educational activities designed for children and their families.
Film (for adults and children)
"King - Montgomery To Memphis"
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
View a documentary classic and look back on King's life during the 1950s and 1960s, his quest for full citizenship of all Americans, and his vision of a society free of racial prejudice and discrimination. How do we measure the progress of a nation from that time until now? Following the film, we will briefly discuss King as visionary and symbol, and his significance for the twenty-first century.
Activities for Children (and Families)
Songs and Stories of the Civil Rights Movement
1:00 pm
Join in singing songs that expressed the desire for freedom and dignity, while also encouraging marchers, picketers, and rally gatherers to continue their righteous struggle for Civil Rights. (For everyone.)
Let Your Dreams Soar
1:30 pm
Dr. King had a dream. Do you have a dream for yourself, your community, or the nation? Help create a mural installation by writing your dream inside the pre-cut dove that you will creatively decorate with color pens, pencils, and markers. You may place the dove on the wall or take it home with you. Remember, the dove is a bird that symbolizes peace. And remember that Dr. King called himself a "drum major for peace." (For early elementary age students.)
Puzzles and Prizes for Peace
2:00 pm
Build your recognition of words used by Dr. King's, his associates, and historians who study and write about the Civil Rights Era. We will award prizes to those who complete the word search, cryptogram, cross word puzzles with accuracy and swiftness. (For late elementary, middle, and high school age students.)
King in His Own Words
2:30 pm
Explore the philosophy and moral stance of Dr. King by examining selected quotations from his speeches and writings during the 1950s and 1960s. Choose one of these quotations and create a poster (8.5" x 14"). Make sure you understand the quotation and that you create a stunning image. (We will give out 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd prizes for the best posters. For middle and high school age students.)
Happy Birthday to You!
3:00 pm
Join in a salute to Dr. King with an energetic singing of Stevie Wonder's well-known tribute, Happy Birthday to You! (For everyone.)
President Elect Barack Obama Takes the Oath of Office
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
12:00 pm
Televised Viewing of Barack Obama as He Takes the Oath of Office of the President of the United States
During 2008, the year the nation observed the fortieth anniversary of King's death, the people of the United States made history by electing Barack Obama-an American of African ancestry-to serve as President. And in 2009, the year the venerable National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will celebrate its 100 th anniversary, Obama will take the oath of office as the President of the country. If you are not going to Washington, D.C., come by the Museum for continuous televised coverage and spirited discussion of the events on this historic day.
Virginia Commission for the Arts:An Applications Assistance Workshop
Jayne H. Thomas Auditorium
January 21, 2009
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Current Exhibits
Tours
Tours of the exhibitions are offered daily. Please call the Museum to schedule your visit for school groups, family reunions, block clubs, and other organizations.
Eclectic: Paintings, Prints, and Photographs in Roanoke Collections
Main Gallery
October 1, 2008-April 18, 2009
Sixteen collectors-friends of the Harrison Museum-share their favorite depictions of black life and lore, including works by artists who portray family and leisure activities, the struggle for freedom and dignity, spiritual traditions, and the African ancestral heritage.
A Child's Journey Through Africa
Hazel B. Thompson Exhibition Room
October 24, 2008-April 18, 2009
Africa can be experienced through the art created by the many people who live on that continent. The masks, woven and painted textiles, dolls, household items, pottery, and musical instruments-from the Museum's teaching collection (i.e. the Traveling Trunk educational outreach program) provide insights on African family life, spirituality, leisure activities, and aesthetics.
Women Of A New Tribe
Exhibit Opening April 28, 2009 through September 26, 2009
A Photographic Celebration Of The Black Woman by Jerry Taliaferro.
Past Exhibits
Cannaday's V.I.A.L. Hall of Fame, Sports Legends: Heroes, Heritage, Honors, & Hope
An exhibit recognizing individuals who played in the Virginia Interscholastic Athletic League, an organization created in 1928 to serve all African American high shcool sports teams during the era of segregation until 1969. Opening reception on Saturday, May 3, 2008 - 1:00 p.m. (featuring gospel music by the Moyers Brothers).
6th Annual “Bay” Hale Photography Exhibit Opens February 1, 2008
The Harrison Museum of African American Culture kicks off Black History Month with an exhibit held in honor of the late Sonny “Bay” Hale, well-known photographer in Roanoke for many years. Mr. Hale took pictures for the schools, organizations, and documented many events especially in the black community. The exhibit features local photographers and begins Friday, February 1, 2008 with an Opening Reception from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Bill Hoffman Trio will provide music and refreshments will be served. The public is invited.
The Harrison Museum is located on the ground floor of the historic Harrison School, 523 Harrison Avenue, NW, Roanoke, Virginia. Museum hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and until 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays.
"A Generational Journey" - An Exhibit by local artists
“WAR: The Beginning” – An Exhibit by Artist Robert Henry Graham
This exhibit of abstract art opened on June 20th and will extend through September 1, 2007. The artist, also a Professor of Art and Art History at VA Tech in Blacksburg, VA, has been working on this project which at its completion will consist of at least sixty paintings. Mr. Graham states that he is “using color, texture, and form to create emotionally charged images conveying the pain, suffering, and despair that the innocent experience in events and terrors of War.”
A “Meet the Artist” Reception will be held at the museum on Sunday, July 29, 2007 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. The public is invited.
For more information, please click here (PDF document)
African Americans of Achievement in the Roanoke Valley
The Harrison Museum of African American Culture is pleased to announce a new exhibit in its main gallery: "African Americans of Achievement in the Roanoke Valley" beginning Sunday, January 21, 2007 with an Opening Reception on Sunday, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Local persons are recognized in the exhibit for their various accomplishments. The public is invited.
The museum will also kick off Black History Month in February with "Thursdays at Harrison", Live Jazz every Thursday during February and March 2007 from 5:30pm to 8:00 pm. Local jazz artists will perform, and a donation of $5.00 will be accepted at the door. A cash bar with beer and wine will also be available.
A "Black History" exhibit will be on display from the museum's permanent collection in the Hazel B. Thompson Gallery.
Both exhibits will run through April 15, 2007.
"Lisa Beane - A Retrospective"
Exhibit featuring the works of artist Lisa Beane, recognized by /The International Review
of African American Art /in 2005 as one of the "rising generation" of younger artists to watch.. Lisa's work has been exhibited and collected nationally.
This exhibit was on display from October 15 - December 23, 2006.
Language of the Cloth-Works By Christine Logan Powell
Featuring works of art created from African fabrics, particularly mud cloth from West Africa, and acrylics.
The Language of the Cloth-Works exhibit ended on the week of October 8th, 2006.
Dr. John Henry Pinkard - African American Legend of the Roanoke Valley
An exhibit honoring the life and career of Dr. Pinkard; businessmen, developer of "Pinkard's Court", well known for his herbal remedies such as "Pinkard's Great Liniment".
The Pinkard exhibit ended December 23, 2006
Henry Street Live Exhibit
FIRST STREET, THE YARD, HENRY STREET was the heart of the African American community of the Roanoke Valley from early nineteen hundreds, until urban renewal. It was where people shopped, dined, socialized, sought medical attention, legal advice, and cavorted with their peers. Henry Street was about one eighth of a mile, from the Martin Luther King Bridge, to Gilmer Avenue. This exhibit included the names of over 200 businesses found on Henry Street from 1915 until it no longer existed. Also, for those visitors not familiar with Oscar Micheaux, the film maker, we displayed his first silient film, Within Our Gates, 1919.
The Hunton Life Saving Crew Exhibit
The Hunton Life Saving Crew, was organized by Mr. Alexander A. Terrell on December 21, 1941, two weeks after the attack of Pearl Harbor. Mr. Terell's decision to start this organization was based on the inevitable fact that much had to be done in this time of war and destruction.
The purpose of the Hunton Life Saving Crew, was to prevent accidents, teach safety, give first-aid classes and training to the general public and to train schools and factories and others in the use of first aid equipment and to save lives.
The Hunton Life Saving Crew was the only African-American Life Saving Crew in the world at the time of its inception.