Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center

Pay homage to the African American culture and contributions to the state

by Judy Smith | August 14, 2011

For a unique experience, you need to bring the family to Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center. The museum is located just a short walk from the State Capitol building in downtown Jackson and showcases some of the artifacts of African American citizens that helped to shape the face of the Deep South.

At the museum, you will get to see a celebration of the art, artifacts, and photography of African Americans. The exhibits showcase the work, lifestyle, and artistic contributions of African Americans in the Deep South. Located in the former Smith Robertson School, the museum is housed in the first public school constructed for African Americans in Jackson. The school served the community from 1894 until 1971. The school was named to honor Smith Robertson, a slave from Fayette, Alabama, who moved to Jackson and began a very successful career as a barber. Robertson was also a major figure in local politics and was the first African American alderman in Jackson.

The Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center is unique in that it is one of very few museums in the country that is completely devoted to honoring the contributions of African Americans to the history of our state and nation and also enlightens visitors on the cultural and historical experiences which these individuals endured to help advance the South.

In the Hall of Fame exhibit and From Slavery to America, 1670-1864, impressive individuals that helped to advance the standing of African Americans in the state are featured and honored. Of those individuals, Robert Clark is honored for being the first African American elected to the Mississippi Legislature since 1894. The first African American woman elected as mayor in Mississippi, Unita Blackwell, is also honored. Reuben Anderson, the first African American to serve on the Mississippi Supreme Court, and many more notable figures are featured in these exhibits.

The Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Services organized exhibit, Field to Factory: The Afro-American Migration, 1915-1940, is a permanent exhibit at the museum. The exhibit features the movement of African Americans from the South to the North during that time period. Other permanent exhibits at the museum are Historic Farish Street District (1910-1970), the History of Smith Robertson School, Treasures of Africa, works from the Visual and Master Collection, African American Lifestyle in Mississippi, Mississippi Negro Scholars, Mississippi Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Mississippi African American Folk Art, Mississippi Black Doctors Gallery, and the Civil Rights Gallery.

The Smith Robertson Museum is a valuable treasure for the state because it highlights the struggles and sacrifices that African Americans endured during many turbulent times in the state so that future generations could have a brighter future. Also, the accomplishments of notable African Americans in the state are highlighted, offering inspiration to all people. This is a treasure that should be experienced by everyone.

Smith Robertson Museum is located at 528 Bloom Street in Jackson. It is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Admission for children 18 and under is $1.50, and it is $4.50 for adults. Senior citizens over 62 are $3:00. For more information, give them a call at (601) 960-1457.

http://www.city.jackson.ms.us/visitors/museums/smithrobertson