Exploring the African-American Journey in Long Island
The African-American Museum in Hempstead recently hosted an exhibition of a doll collection owned by Judith Krownin. The exhibit included celebrity dolls of such performers as Michael Jackson (second photograph) and Beyonce Knowles and tennis pros Venus and Serena Williams.
By Megan Salzano
Nassau News Staff Writer
Behind a facade of plainly-colored concrete with red and green accents lies an extensive visual diary of the past. This crème-colored mask, which some passersby in this now predominantly Hispanic and Asian community may deem common, veils an exquisite collection of African-American heritage from Long Island.
The African-American Museum was founded during the height of the civil rights movement by Dr. Leroy Ramsey. The museum, at 110 North Franklin St., in Hempstead, first opened its doors on Sept. 14, 1970, as the Black History Exhibit Center. It is the only African-American history museum on Long Island.
“We had no representation on Long Island at that time period,” said Mildred Calyton, a tour guide at the museum.
When the museum first opened it was located one block from its current location, in a store front.
“Through the efforts of a community based organization, the African-American Heritage Association, we were able to negotiate with the county and acquire this building,” Calyton said.
The move took place in 1985, and offered more staffing and programming. The 6,000-square-foot space now offers programs, events and hands-on exhibitions for community members and visitors in the hopes of advancing understanding of African-American history, culture and societal contributions.
The recent exhibit was a famous doll collection owned by Judith Krownin that dates back to the 1700’s. The exhibit included celebrity dolls such as performers Michael Jackson and Beyonce Knowles and tennis pros Venus and Serena Williams. The collection also included action figures and Civil War soldiers.
“They go wild. Not just girls, boys as well,” Calyton said of reactions to the exhibit.
According to Calyton, on opening day the exhibit attracted around 200 people, and after that attracted students from most of the neighboring school districts.
In past years the African-American Museum has been home to many major traveling exhibitions such as, A Slave Ship Speaks: Henrietta Marie and The Dreaming of Timbuctoo.
The Henrietta Marie told the story of the triangular slave trade.
“It’s exciting when you can listen to tapes and come through areas of the ship where the slaves actually were taken. You had a chance to see some of the hardships the Africans had to endure,” Calyton said.
The Dreaming of Timbuctoo honored the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It was a hands-on exhibit that helped visitors understand the hardships African-Americans faced.
“We had visitors, visitors, visitors,” Calyton said. According to Calyton, students from most of the Nassau County school districts visited the exhibitions. “They even came from Brooklyn, the Bronx and Manhattan.”
The south wing of the building houses the museum’s rotating exhibits, which are usually showcased for three months. Permanent collections are also on display.
The museum hopes to soon display The Long Island Story. This exhibit was founded to trace the history of African-Americans on Long Island, with changing exhibitions to portray Africans in the Diaspora.
James Hubert “Eubie” Blake’s piano is also housed as a permanent exhibit at the museum. Blake was a prominent African-American pianist and lyricist. Musicians are often honored by being allowed to sit at the piano and play for an audience.
Annual celebrations run from December through March. Kwanza is celebrated in December as a celebration of the fresh fruit of the harvest. “It’s not a religious holiday. It has nothing to do with government. It is a cultural holiday, celebrated by African-Americans in the African tradition.”
January begins the commemorative exhibit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Photographs of Dr. King as well as letters and other documents from his life are showcased, as well as readings of his speeches.
For more information about current exhibits or group tours, call 516-572-0730. Or, on the Internet, go to: http://aamoflongisland.org. It is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“It has been a rewarding and an educational experience. It’s been a wonderful, a wonderful journey,” Calyton said.
