Museum Reviews
Loved my experience at this museum. I visit an African American museum in almost every city/state I travel to, and I loved how this one told a lynching story from a personal perspective. I also appreciated the history about Milwaukee and Wisconsin in regard to the Black experience. Highly recommend.
Wisconsin is a northern state that fought against the southern Democrats who were trying to keep slaves, right? Why is this Museum up here? We had nothing to do with this evil.
Quaint with quiet charm, the American Black Holocaust Museum offers an experience that feels both intimate and deeply impactful. From the moment you walk in, there’s a sense that every artifact, photograph, and story has been thoughtfully curated with care and purpose.What stands out most is how the museum balances education with emotion. The exhibits didn’t overwhelm me with volume, but instead guided me through powerful moments in history with clarity and intention. Personal stories, local connections, and carefully preserved pieces bring the past into sharp focus, making it feel relevant rather than distant.I feel the layout is easy to navigate, allowing visitors to move at their own pace and truly absorb each section. Informational plaques are concise yet meaningful, offering context without feeling like a textbook. It’s the kind of space where I paused often, not because I was confused, but because I was reflecting.The staff or volunteers were available to answer questions and share additional insight that weren't on display.While not be large in size, the museum makes excellent use of its space. Its strength lies in its storytelling. Focused, respectful, and quietly powerful.This is a place worth visiting not just to learn, but to connect—with history, community, and stories that more than deserve to be remembered and shared. Thank you to the late great Dr. James Cameron, staff, and donors.
An important and well presented look at American history some are trying to disappear.
A beautiful testament from a person who experienced unimaginable horror to help end that horror
This was very educational. I was able to show my grandchildren what are people went through, and how far we've come. Although it was a little sad, I am thankful that the museum was created.
Very impactful historical pictures, artifacts and quotes that will resonate in your heart..the resounding resilience and hope out of all the historical and current tramas...we need to teach our children, do better, and support our neighbors, friends, and anyone who is treated so wrong. In today's society our reality is an echo of the past...a reality we must improve for all.
Great little museum. It only took about an hour to walk through but lots of great information. Only down side is the parking.
A great slice of history & important to remember. I wish more artifacts were on display. Thank you for all that you!
What a jewel! It's a must visit! I was born in Milwaukee. I meet Dr. Cameron. I visited the DC African Museum and the Jackson Mississipp's African Museum also. I must say this museum show the tribal cities, governments, organizations, institutions, our systems and exceeding engineering, "the cradle. " Is unfolded. Hats off to the staff and the education given eloquently.
this museum was extremely special and educating to anyone that elected to go. The entry fee was relatively cheap, and you were giving back to a good cause. The panels of information were super helpful for visitors, not understanding the truth struggles as to what African-American people went through. I truly recommend for anyone to go visit this museum!
This museum is telling a difficult story through the very personal experiences of Dr. James Cameron. It's a beautiful and well executed tribute to his life-long mission to shine a light on painful history.
Left with a deeper understanding and a heavy heart. Would recommend to anyone who wants to learn and grow
Very enlightening. I would recommend for teenagers and older. Good learning experience. Admission was free because it was the week of juneteenth.
Not a very large exhibit, but well executed and curated through a very specific lens. I enjoyed my visit and was grateful to be reminded of how far we have come, and how far we have yet to go in ensuring equality for all.
A moving experience that I'll never forget. Everyone should come and experience!
Fabulous, educational, heart-rendering!!Dr. James Cameron was a visionary. 🕊 ❤ THANK YOU.As a caucasian attendee, I recommend to others:1) Experience this museum with an open mind and heart.2) Embrace this as an ugly part of American history, NEVER TO REPEAT.3) Vow to end racism once and for all--first in one's own heart, and extend that in respectful relations with others.🙏
A small but great museum. There's a lot of reading material, so you can end up spending a lot of time here if you wish. This museum highlights the history of black people in America really well, and they also give good detail about black history in Milwaukee too, which is nice. There is some highly graphic material here, so be careful with kids.
This location has a great new facelift on the outside, and in. It was loaded with facts. I was disappointed in the museum aspect. Usually when people are thinking of the word museum, you think you're coming to see actual artifacts, art work, etc. It didn't feel like a museum, it gave more like exhibit. Maybe it should be called Expo. Also it would be great to have deeper facts, my student group felt that the info there was surface. Get deep up in those facts. When I was a kid there was an actual exhibit you could walk through and touch. Its just a lot of pictures, and their attention was gone quick. Keep adding on, it will continue to be greater.
Milwaukee had 214 homicides in 2022. The overwhelming majority victims and suspects black men of which occurred in the neighborhoods directly west of the museum. Why don’t we know the names of a single victim? Do their lives not matter? Nothing in this museum comes close to even addressing this black elephant in the room.
I was blown away by all the history chronicled in visuals and written sources. This museum is a gem. I learned a lot today !
Took about 1.5 hours to thoroughly peruse the exhibits. Highly recommend!!!!!!
This is an excellently curated museum. The sections build upon one another. The information presented is so needed and deeply stirring.Take your time to take it all in.
Arrived half an hour before closing, so we kind of had to rush through, but this was a great stop for us while visiting Milwaukee! 10/10 recommend!
A good place to get to know more about Black History. The museum is well spaced to move about and absorb the information. 8;30
“Hatred is a disease that eats into the core of the whole body and destroys it from within. But if you have love in your heart, you CAN BLOSSOM as the sun shines everyday.” Dr. James Cameron, a founder this memorial museum, America’s Black Holocaust Museum. This museum does not only telling us about the history but also teach us how to live in love in this world.
I’ll never forget Dr. James Cameron visiting my middle school in Marion, Indiana to tell is about the story of the Marion lynching. I remember him talking about the need to have a black holocaust museum to talk about racial injustice in America. It was amazing to see his legacy alive at the ABHM. It’s a beautiful place. The gallery was well thought out. It was both truthful and hopeful. The staff are really nice. May God continue to bless the good work at the ABHM.
We took a small group and spent about 1 hour at the museum. The building was beautiful and the exhibit was organized well. Very informative and an amazing tribute to the black community. We were told they can also host small events/gatherings.
It's a small museum, but it was great. There's alot of reading so you could easily spend quite some time there. But the exhibit was very informative and well put together. I learned quite a bit. I encourage anyone in Milwaukee to stop by!
First off, they warn you about limited parking, we found that we could park on Garfield street, which was around the corner and by a school. Otherwise there is one hour parking in front of the building itself. Lots of reading, but very impacting. Dr. James Cameron is the founder and the way his story was embedded in the history is what made it become real for me because someone present day is telling of his part in the evolution of blacks in America. Would improve with more artifacts and art work. There is a booth that you can use to record your reaction/comments about the museum. They also have another booth that features different artists or speakers. I'm assuming it changes from time to time.
