The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History is pleased to announce that Bank of America has partnered with the Museum for the upcoming showcase “The HBCU Experience, Past, Present and Future” from August 4th to September 25th.  This partnership will enable the museum to provide free admission! This new exhibit examines the role that historically black colleges and universities have played in shaping many of the iconic figures of Augusta.  In addition to the physical exhibit at the Museum, several free virtual and interactive components will be implemented.

“At Bank of America, we are continuing to identify new ways to meet the needs of our neighbors and help create lasting change,” said Ora Parish, Augusta market president for Bank of America. “Partnering with Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History is one of the ways we are helping to enrich our Augusta community in the area of culture and education.”

Post-Civil War America saw the creation of dozens of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, from Atlanta University in Atlanta to Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina.  Some HBCUs are large, like Southern University in Baton Rouge, while others have a more intimate campus setting, like Paine College in Augusta.  Corey Rogers, Historian with the Laney Museum pointed out “no matter the size or geographic location of the school there is one thing that is for certain, the HBCU experience is a collegiate experience unlike any other.”

In September a virtual panel discussion will be held about the history of HBCU's and their importance in the 21st Century. The panelists will include representatives from various historically black colleges and universities. The panel will be moderated by Augusta’s own Dee Griffin, a Fisk University graduate.

Due to Covid-19 safety precautions, admission is limited to tours of four people. Available tour times are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10:30am and 2:30pm. Admission is ONLY by pre-scheduled tour.

For more information about this exhibit as well as important information on our tours please contact 706-724-3576.