The Carolina Gold Gallery will be named in honor of Congressman James E. Clyburn

The International African American Museum (IAAM) is pleased to announce that Congressman James E. Clyburn is receiving an honor befitting his lifelong service to South Carolinians.   Clyburn, 82, the first chair of the IAAM board and a long-term museum supporter, will be honored in the Carolina Gold Gallery, which will bear his name. He […]

Boeing doubles giving to IAAM with additional $1MM investment

Charleston, S.C. – The International African American Museum (IAAM) has received an additional $1 million donation from The Boeing Company. This contribution will help thousands of underserved children experience the educational aspects of the museum during its opening year while also helping to support the organization’s broader mission and operations. This most recent gift brings Boeing’s […]

CCPL, IAAM bring Gullah storytellers to library’s Dial-a-Story service

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) and the International African American Museum (IAAM) are working together to connect the Charleston community with the stories and culture of the Gullah Geechee people. Thanks to this partnership, Gullah storytellers are bringing their tales to CCPL’s Dial-a-Story service, providing free on-demand access to the recorded stories […]

IAAM’s CEO named one of Charleston’s “50 Most Influential People of 2021”

Charleston, S.C. – Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, president and CEO of the International African American Museum (IAAM), has been selected by the Charleston Business Magazine (CBM) as one of the 50 Most Influential People of 2021. Designed to recognize those who have made an impact on their community, the program evaluates candidates based on leadership ability, professional […]

Bank of America Doubles Support to IAAM for Programming and Operations

Charleston, SC — Today, the International African American Museum announced a new gift from Bank of America, bringing its total investment in the museum to more than $1,000,000. This most recent gift builds on a 2018 gift of $500,000 to the museum’s capital campaign.  The additional $500,000 grant will be used to support development of […]

On That Verdict: An Open Letter to Aggressive Hopers

Guilty. That single word is an entire sentence. Descriptors are unnecessary here in Charleston, there in Minneapolis, back home in D.C. In fact, the entire world was hovering outside those court steps on April 20th and all were there when Derek Chauvin was found guilty of the murder of George Floyd on all counts. I […]

IAAM names Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, <br> national leader in African-American History <br> and STEM education, as new CEO

The International African American Museum names Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, national leader in African American history and STEM education, as new CEO CHARLESTON, S.C. —The International African American Museum has found the final piece for the massive global project that will change the landscape of African American history and its curation. Seventeen months after breaking ground […]

<strong>Sony Corporation of America Announces $1.7 Million Donation to the International African American Museum</strong>

Creating a New Generation of Visitor Experiences CHARLESTON, SC⁠—January 12, 2021 – Today, the International African American Museum announced a $1.7 million product donation from Sony Corporation of America (SCA), on behalf of Sony Corporation and its U.S. affiliates. The Museum is scheduled to open in 2022 at the former Gadsden’s Wharf in Charleston, SC. Historians […]

The Impact of COVID-19 and Our Community Safety Response

Dear Friend, Like you, we are deeply concerned about the impact of COVID-19 in Charleston, South Carolina, and throughout the global community. Times like these require courageous inquiry and creative solutions. As we navigate the uncertainty of this public health dilemma, our highest priority is the health and safety of our community—staff, volunteers, members, museum stakeholders, and […]

Dominion Energy Gifts Nearly 1800 Museum Memberships to Students

Volunteers working together

Charleston, SC – Friday, February 7, 2020 – Today, teams from the International African American Museum (IAAM), Dominion Energy, and Charleston Promise Neighborhood (CPN) gathered at the museum’s headquarters to stuff and seal Charter Membership packages. The packages will be sent to nearly 1800 CPN students and their families, thanks to a generous donation from […]