African American Folk Art in Dallas

Housed in a beautiful ivory building, the Dallas African American Museum is a culturally important destination on your holiday in South Western United States. For more than a quarter of a century the museum has represented one of the areas minorities and their cultural heritage to visitors and residents alike and has been a beacon of cultural exchange and integration between communities. Started in 1974 as a part of the Bishop College Special Collection, the Museum has operated independently since 1979.
The significance of the museum in Dallas over numerous others that also represent the culture of African Americans through out the USA is that it is the only such institution in South Western United States that is devoted to the preservation and display of African American artistic, cultural and historical materials. It is also one of the largest African American folk art collections in the country.
The main objective behind the establishment of the museum was the meaningful dispensation of information pertaining to African American culture to adults and children. The rich heritage of black art and history is housed in four vaulted galleries, and is further enhanced by a research library. Living African American culture is experienced through entertaining and educational programs presented in the theater, studio arts area and classrooms.
Among the permanently housed exhibits in the museums are African American art works by contemporary African American artists. Exhibits depicting African art a small, but rich collection of African art objects such as masks, sculpture, and textiles. Texas African American history, artifacts related to African American history in Texas. It also houses one of the largest African American folk art collections in the U. S., the collection includes works by Clementine Hunter, David Butler, and George White. A small collection of African American inspired musical styles such as jazz and information pertaining to its development.
An archival section is also on display by the museum that can be accessed after permission is obtained by researchers from the museum. Archives include papers of prominent African American citizens from Dallas and Texas; records depository for Bishop College; Sepia Magazine collection, 1945-1983; photo archives of 43,000 images; archives from Freedman's Cemetery Collection; Texas Black Women's archives; and Dallas County Black Political Archives.

The museum which is located at Fair Park just across from the Music Hall is in the vicinity of a number of Dallas hotels. Hotels in Dallas varying in quality can be found in the area and some offer guided tours of the museum.