Updated: 3/16/2011 
Central Pennsylvania African American Museum
Reading, Pennsylvania
Description

The vision of Frank Gilyard, Sr., a local historian is the impetus behind the Central Pennsylvania African American Museum. For over 30 years, Frank has collected and catalogued the art, documents, court records and books which focuses on local African American history in the Reading and Berks County area. It has long been a dream of Mr. Gilyard to establish an African American Museum in the city of Reading. His collection is a journey through the last 177 years and a critical, but undiscovered chapter in our community's development.

Mission

To establish, preserve and maintain a collection of objects, artifacts, arts, papers, books, photographs, etc. that document and describe the history and culture of African Americans in the new World, with an emphasis on our local and regional (Reading, Berks and surrounding counties) African American history and culture, and to create an appropriate environment for exhibition of the collection, to foster understanding of the history and culture of Africans in the New World, and to encourage education and research. The mission of the museum also includes the preservation of the Underground Railroad located on the lower level of the Old Bethel A.M.E. Church in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Library

Access: General Public

Appointment required: False

Services
Gift Shop
DISCLAIMER
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Virginia Association of Museum's 2025 Annual Conference!

March 15 - 18, 2025

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Ohio Museum Asociation 2025 Annual Conference - Athens

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North Carolina Museums Council 2025 Annual Conference

March 30 - 31, 2025

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Arkansas Museums Association 2025 Conference

March 31 - April 3, 2025

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New York Museum Association 2025 Conference in Ithaca, NY

April 5 - 8, 2025

Ithaca, New York

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