Overview
- The Washington Park institution hosted a noon program with remarks from museum leaders and a ceremonial cake-cutting at 740 E. 56th Pl.
- Founded in 1961 by Dr. Margaret Taylor Burroughs and Charles Burroughs in their Bronzeville home, the museum began as the Ebony Museum of Negro History and Art.
- Recognized as the nation’s first independent museum dedicated to Black history and culture, the institution was later renamed for Chicago founder Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable.
- Representatives say they are in active talks to coordinate programming with the Obama Presidential Center, which is scheduled to open in June 2026, to draw additional visitors.
- Now located in a former Chicago Park District building since 1973, the museum houses roughly 15,000 pieces with permanent shows such as The Harold Washington Story and Freedom: Origin and Journey, alongside the new Paris in Black exhibit.