The Albuquerque Museum has opened a new traveling exhibit that places the history of the Jim Crow era and the steadfast resistance of African American citizens at the forefront of local cultural education. Titled “Overcoming Hateful Things: Stories from the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery,” the exhibit runs through April of next year and offers visitors a chance to view roughly 151 objects, photographs, and pieces of propaganda that illustrate the systemic oppression of the period.
What the Exhibit Shows
Curators from the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery—based at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan—have selected items that span the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among the artifacts are segregation-era signage, newspaper clippings, school textbooks, and personal belongings that reveal how African American families were marginalized in public life, education, and employment.
Each piece is presented with contextual information designed to foster understanding and empathy for those who suffered under racially motivated laws and customs. The exhibit’s narrative emphasizes not only the cruelty of the era but also the ways in which African American communities organized, advocated for civil rights, and laid the groundwork for later advances in equality.
Local Relevance
Albuquerque residents have a unique opportunity to engage with this national traveling exhibit without leaving the city. The museum’s education staff plans a series of supplemental programs, including guided tours for school groups, panel discussions with historians, and family‑friendly workshops that explore themes of justice, resilience, and the importance of remembering history accurately.
By bringing the exhibit to New Mexico, the Albuquerque Museum reinforces its commitment to presenting diverse perspectives and encouraging community dialogue about the nation’s past. The museum’s director noted that “understanding the painful chapters of our history helps us build a more compassionate and united future for all families in Albuquerque.”
Visiting Information
The exhibit is open to the public during regular museum hours, with free admission for children under 12 and discounted tickets for seniors and students. Additional resources, including a downloadable guide and a list of recommended reading, are available on the museum’s website.
For families seeking a meaningful educational outing, the exhibit offers a chance to connect local heritage with broader national narratives about civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of liberty and justice for every citizen.
Community Support
Local civic groups, faith‑based organizations, and heritage societies have expressed strong support for the exhibit, emphasizing its role in promoting historical literacy and reinforcing the values of family, faith, and individual liberty that underpin the community. Several churches have scheduled group visits, underscoring the exhibit’s relevance to discussions of moral responsibility and the biblical principle of loving one’s neighbor.
Overall, the traveling exhibit provides Albuquerque a valuable educational resource that aligns with the city’s dedication to preserving history, encouraging thoughtful dialogue, and strengthening the bonds that hold families and neighborhoods together.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
