Gems from the Wright Museum

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History collects objects, papers, and artworks to preserve the history of African Americans and the African diaspora. Dr. Wright's original mission was to collect these items in the hopes of correcting "the distortions and filling in the deletions of the recorded Black experience." Today, we continue to collect to preserve Black identities, legacies, and stories.

This exhibition highlights the cherished heirlooms, family traditions, and stories passed down by Black Detroiters. Divided into 6 sections, our collection spans multiple countries and decades, preserves American history, documents important people and places, and captures everyday life.