America's Black Holocaust Museum

America’s Black Holocaust Museum in Milwaukee’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood traces Black history in America from the African slave trade to the present. Its exhibits examine slavery, civil rights and racial injustice through four themes: remembrance, resistance, redemption and reconciliation. Founded by lynching survivor James Cameron, the museum carries forward his work of education and remembrance. Allow time to read the displays, and ask the knowledgeable staff about the stories behind them. The museum also has a virtual version online.

A museum founded by James Cameron

America’s Black Holocaust Museum was founded in 1988 by James Cameron, who survived a lynching. The institution grew from his commitment to teaching the history of racial injustice and preserving the experiences of Black Americans.

The museum closed temporarily in 2008 during a period of reduced funding. A foundation established in 2012 continued Cameron’s legacy, and the museum reopened in its current form in 2022 after receiving an anonymous donation. Its return to Milwaukee’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood places it in an area with a close connection to the city’s Black history.

Four themes across Black history

The exhibits cover a long span of history, from the African slave trade to the present. Displays address slavery, auction blocks and the civil rights movement, presenting United States history through the experiences of African Americans.

Four themes guide the museum: remembrance, resistance, redemption and reconciliation. Together, they frame accounts of injustice alongside stories of struggle and the work of confronting the past. The visit is reading-intensive, so set aside enough time to take in the material. Staff can add context through storytelling, and the museum’s exhibits are also available online.