The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History has succeeded where other organizations with a similar mission have not.
“This wasn’t the first attempt to start a black history museum in Augusta,” said Corey Rogers, museum historian. The museum will mark its 30th anniversary with a special exhibition this summer.
Housed in the former residence of Lucy Craft Laney, the museum has permanent collections as well as offering temporary exhibitions honoring the legacy of black Augustans.
In 1987, the Phillips Street home was damaged by a fire. Members of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority created a non-profit organization called The Delta House Inc. Through The Delta House Inc., the home was purchased, restored and developed into a museum. It opened in 1991.
Lucy Craft Laney was one of Georgia’s most influential educators, creating Augusta’s first school for black children in 1883 in the basement of Christ Presbyterian Church, according to the museum’s website.
She had six students the first year, but two years later, she had outgrown the facility with 234 students. After speaking at a convention in Minnesota, Laney received $10,000 from Francie Haines, president of the Woman’s Department of the Presbyterian Church USA.
Laney built a school and named it the Haines Normal and Industrial Institute. It was chartered in 1886 and located on Gwinnett Street. After her death in 1933, the school was renamed the Lucy Craft Laney Comprehensive High School, and Gwinnett Street was named to honor her and the Rev. Charles T. Walker, founder of Tabernacle Baptist Church.
Laney also started the first kindergarten for black children and the city’s first black nursing school, the Lamar School of Nursing.
Not only does the museum honor Laney’s legacy, it honors other black Augustans for their contributions to all sectors of life in the city.
A conference room was added to the back of the original structure. It’s been used for luncheons, parties, conferences as well as being the site for the temporary exhibitions that rotate through the museum, said Rogers.
An exhibition paying tribute to influential women is on display through March 27.
From April 1 through May 22, there will be a special exhibition called “Happy Birthday, Ms. Laney!” to celebrate her role as educator and civil rights activist. Guest speakers are also scheduled in conjunction with the art.
The museum is open by appointment. Because of COVID-19, tours are held at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
For more information, call (706) 724-3576 or visit www.lucycraftlaneymusuem.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
[adrotate banner=”17″]
