Past Exhibits
Buried Treasures: Art in African American Museums
Closed December 31, 2012
Approximately 50 works of art including canvas, paper, sculpture and other mixed media from 19th and early 20th century artists...
Word, Shout, Song: Lorenzo Dow Turner
Closed December 31, 2012
On view are rare photographs, recordings, and artifacts collected by Turner from those Gullah communities in the United States, Brazil, and West Africa.
Journey of Hope in America
Closed May 9, 2012
Journey of Hope in America: Quilts Inspired by President Barack Obama. Each of the works serves to educate the viewing public about the historic significance of the presidential election of 2008.
The Making of Invisible Man
Closed February 19, 2012
Explore the process of bringing this iconic story from the page to the stage with a behind-the-scenes look at the scenic design, costumes, props, music, and script.
Spread the Word! The Evolution of Gospel from Chicago to the World
Closed June 24, 2012
With Chicago being the “home” of Gospel, Spread the Word!: The Evolution of Gospel from Chicago to the World, recognizes some of the greatest Gospel singers of all time...
Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight
Closed September 25, 2011
The show will cover significant figures, events, and themes associated with African Americans in aviation and aerospace history.
For all the World to See: Visual Culture and the Struggle for Civil Rights
Closed May 16, 2011
The exhibition is comprised of over 250 objects, including posters, photographs, graphic art, magazines, newspapers, books, pamphlets, political buttons, comic books, toys, postcards, and clips from film, newsreels, and television.
Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits
Closed March 6, 2011
The exhibition’s title was inspired by the rallying cry of celebrated abolitionists Henry Highland Garnet (1815-1882) who challenged African Americans to rise up and emancipate themselves. “Let your motto be resistance.” he exclaimed. “Resistance! Resistance! No oppressed people have ever secured their liberty without resistance!”
The Black Panthers: Making Sense of History
Closed August 6, 2010
The exhibition explores one of the 20th century’s most controversial and inspirational organizations.
Freedom’s Sisters
Closed April 4, 2010
Freedom’s Sisters, a collaboration between SITES and Cincinnati Museum Center, brings to life 20 African American women, from key 19th-century historical figures to contemporary leaders, who have fought for equality for all Americans.
Forgotten Roots: Muslims in Early America through the 20th Century
Closed December 31, 2008
Explore the impact of Muslims through this thought provoking exhibition.
Soul Soldiers: African Americans and the Vietnam Era
Closed July 27, 2008
Soul Soldiers explores the issues, actions, reactions, and expressions of life and culture of African Americans as they were impacted by Civil Rights and the war in Vietnam.
And Freedom for All: Martin Luther King & the Civil Rights Movement
Closed June 1, 2008
"And Freedom For All" contains 50 unpublished photographs from the archives of LOOK Magazine taken by photographer Stanley Tretick.
381 Days: The Montgomery Bus Boycott Story
Closed May 20, 2007
One unyielding individual sat down to take a stand against racism. That simple act sparked 50,000 people to stand against a segregated system and force it to open its doors equally and respectfully. Those 50,000 inspired many more to continue in a fight for equality that began America’s modern civil rights era.
Chisel + Stone
Closed December 15, 2007
A selection of sculptures from the DuSable Museum collection created with simple tools from organic materials.
From Dreams to Determination: The Legacy of Doctors Percy and Anna Julian
Closed December 15, 2007
An intimate look at the lives of two leaders and their impact on society.
Images of America: African American Voices
Closed August 13, 2006
Selections from the Collection of Mr. & Mrs. Darrell Walker