Lucy Craft Laney Museum | Augusta

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, located at 1116 Phillips Street in Augusta, Georgia, is a vital cultural institution dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and educating the public about the history, achievements, and contributions of African Americans, with a special focus on the legacy of Lucy Craft Laney, an influential African American educator and civil rights leader. Established in 1991, the museum holds the distinction of being the only African American museum in the Central Savannah River Area, serving as a cornerstone for cultural heritage and community engagement in Augusta.

Historical Background and Significance

Lucy Craft Laney was born in 1854 in Macon, Georgia, shortly before the Civil War. Despite the immense social and economic challenges of the Reconstruction era, Laney became a pioneering figure in African American education and empowerment. In 1883, she founded the Haines Normal and Industrial Institute in Augusta, an educational institution that offered not only basic schooling but also vocational training. Her school was revolutionary for its time, providing the first kindergarten program for African American children in Augusta and establishing the city’s first nursing school for Black women.

Laney’s impact extended well beyond education. She was an advocate for civil rights and community development, tirelessly working to improve the social and economic conditions for African Americans in the South. Her work earned her national recognition, including the honorary title “Mother of the Children of the People,” which was bestowed upon her in 1930 by Dr. Mordecai Johnson, then president of Howard University.

After Laney’s death in 1933, her home on Phillips Street remained in the family for decades. However, a fire in 1986 severely damaged the property. Recognizing the importance of preserving Laney’s legacy and the history of African Americans in the region, the Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., through its non-profit arm Delta House, Inc., purchased and restored the house. The site was officially opened as the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History in 1991, transforming the former home into a public institution dedicated to education and cultural preservation.

Architecture and Facilities

The museum occupies Lucy Craft Laney’s historic home, which has been carefully restored to reflect its original character while accommodating museum functions. The building itself serves as a tangible link to the past, allowing visitors to connect physically and emotionally to Laney’s life and work.

Within the museum, a series of thoughtfully designed galleries and exhibition spaces present a wide array of artifacts, photographs, documents, and multimedia displays that narrate the rich history of African Americans in Augusta and beyond. The preservation of the home and its conversion into a museum reflect a broader effort to maintain African American historic sites, which are often underrepresented in the preservation field.

Exhibitions and Collections

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum features both permanent and rotating exhibitions that explore diverse aspects of Black history and culture, emphasizing local Augusta heritage within the broader context of African American struggles and triumphs. Some of the key permanent exhibitions include:

The Lucy Craft Laney Exhibition: This exhibit offers an in-depth look at Laney’s life, her educational philosophy, and her lasting impact on the community. It includes personal artifacts, photographs, and documents that provide insight into her achievements and challenges.

The Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Exhibition: One of the first African American-owned insurance companies in the region, Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance played a significant role in Black economic empowerment. This exhibit details the company’s history and its importance to the local Black community.

The Augusta Ebony Legacy Collection: This exhibit celebrates notable African American individuals from Augusta, highlighting their contributions to cultural, political, and social life in the city.

In addition to these, the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions and events such as the Women’s History Exhibit, Quilt Exhibits, and the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club exhibition, which commemorates the history of an important cultural institution within the Black community.

Educational and Community Programs

Education and community involvement are central to the museum’s mission. The museum offers a range of programs designed to engage diverse audiences, from children to adults, and to foster an appreciation of African American heritage:

Golden Blocks Tour: This walking or virtual tour highlights 33 historic sites in the Laney-Walker district, a historically significant African American neighborhood in Augusta. The tour educates visitors about the district’s rich history and its importance in the cultural and social fabric of the city.

Black Caddies – Men on the Bag: This immersive program honors the legacy of African American golf caddies who contributed significantly to Augusta’s golfing history, including their involvement in the prestigious Masters Tournament.

Community Luncheon Series: Monthly luncheons provide heart-healthy meals and feature guest speakers who discuss contemporary issues and historical topics relevant to the African American community.

Children’s Academy: Designed for youth ages 6 to 12, this program offers summer and winter camps, educational field trips, and leadership development activities aimed at fostering pride and knowledge in African American history.

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

Visitors to the Lucy Craft Laney Museum can expect an engaging and educational experience that combines historical exhibits with community programming. The museum offers guided tours on Tuesdays through Saturdays at scheduled times, with reservations encouraged to enhance the visitor experience. The museum’s administrative offices are open six days a week, providing support and information to visitors and the community.

Admission fees are structured to be affordable and inclusive, with discounts for seniors, military personnel, families, and youth. Preschool children and members of the Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC) are admitted free of charge.

Practical Information

Location: 1116 Phillips Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901

Hours:

Museum Tours: Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 2:30 p.m. (reservations recommended)

Administrative Office: Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission:

Adults: $7.00

Seniors (62+), Military, Families with authorized ID: $5.00

Youth (ages 4–17): $3.00

Preschool and SEMC members: Free

Contact: (706) 724-3576

Summary

The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History serves as a profound tribute to one of Augusta’s most influential African American figures and as a vital repository for the history and culture of Black communities in the region. Through its well-preserved historic home, compelling exhibitions, and dynamic educational programs, the museum honors Lucy Craft Laney’s legacy while fostering greater understanding and appreciation of African American history. The museum plays an essential role in preserving Augusta’s African American heritage and inspiring future generations to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans to the social, cultural, and political fabric of the United States.