The International African American Museum will be open to the public for Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 17, 2025.
Plan your visit and purchase your admission tickets today to explore the museum.
14 Wharfside StreetCharleston, SC 29401
Museum open 10am to 5pm (last entry 4:00 PM) Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Monday.
14 Wharfside Street — Charleston, SC 29401
Jan 22, 2025
January 22, 2025 PRESS RELEASE : Event Recap Contact: Paul Holston, IAAM Marketing & Communications Manager, [email protected] ; IAAM Marketing Division, [email protected]
Charleston, South Carolina – Former President Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, visited the International African American Museum (IAAM) on Sunday, January 19, as part of his last official visit as current sitting president. Historically, Biden launched his second-term 2024 presidential campaign by starting in the historic Charleston, S.C.
The IAAM is located at Gadsden’s Wharf, a historically significant site where nearly 40 percent of all enslaved Africans brought to North America first arrived. The museum’s location itself serves as a “sacred ground” for African American history.
“This was an extraordinary and powerful Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend for IAAM – and for our community,” said Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, IAAM’s president and chief executive officer. “From commemorative breakfasts at congregations that anchor historic Black communities, to parading through the streets of Charleston alongside our neighbors, to hosting the outgoing President of the United States for his final official remarks at this sacred site of American history: the weekend epitomizes empathetic reckoning with our nation’s storied past.”
“The International African American Museum rose to the occasion to reflect not only the dream and vision of Dr. King, but also our mission to honor the stories,” Matthews said. “We certainly made some joyful noise! The journey continues – let’s keep our community, our nation moving forward.”
During Biden’s visit, U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn of the 6th district of South Carolina presented Biden a gift by IAAM’s CEO on behalf of museum, with the engravement: “On the historic occasion of the first visit of a U.S. President to the International African American Museum at the sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf, we present this Carolina maple wood and hand-woven sweetgrass to President Joe Biden, 46th President of the United States, on January 19, 2025.”
“On behalf of Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, CEO of the International African American Museum, and myself and the full community of South Carolina we are deeply honored to present President Biden with this extraordinary gift,” said Clyburn. “Crafted by the hands of skilled Charleston artisans. This award is framed by the timeless art of sweetgrass weaving – a tradition rooted in African culture and maintained in the Lowcountry through Gullah Geechee traditions. The plaque is made of wood carved from a Carolina maple tree, dating back to the early 1800s. This reclaimed wood comes from land where enslaved individuals labored. These two things are now blended into this powerful symbol of resilience and hope.
“This gift serves as a profound reflection of our nation’s history, acknowledging both the tragedy of oppression and the enduring triumphant spirit of resilience and achievement,” Clyburn said. “It celebrates the extraordinary contributions of African Americans – honoring the past while embracing the promise of a brighter future which your presidency – your 50 + years of public service – have reminded us.”
The IAAM Presidential Award was created by three separate artists outside of IAAM. The design concept was created by IAAM Marketing leadership with the design mockup by Jon Lessans from Indigo Ink. The first piece, the sweetgrass rice platter woven, was created by local artist Corey Alston (and family). The second piece, the woodwork disk, was created by artist Steven Aycock II. The reclaimed maple wood was gathered from the Carolinas in the early 1800s. Both pieces are affixed by an epoxy.
Key features and highlights of IAAM include:
The museum’s permanent exhibitions focus on several key themes:
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About the International African American Museum
The International African American Museum (IAAM) explores the history, culture, and impact of the African American journey on Charleston, South Carolina, the nation, and the world, shining light and sharing stories of the diverse journeys, origin, and achievements of descendants of the African Diaspora. Located at the historically sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf, IAAM honors the untold stories of the African American journey.
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