Founded in 1976, this was the first museum in the country built by a major city to house exhibitions on the life and work of African Americans. Exhibits include ones on notable African American Philadelphians, such as Richard Allen and Octavius Catto, and the Underground Railroad, which assisted slaves in their search for freedom.

　　Unlike many institutions, it is open on Martin Luther King, Jr Day, with special activities and exhibitions about the iconic leader.