Nestled on a street once known as The Richest Negro Street in the World (Fortune Magazine, 1956); sitting directly across from a 107 year old business started by a former slave (Alonzo Herdon), and housed within a 100 year old building erected brick by brick by African-American masons; lies the APEX Museum.
The APEX Museum is the oldest Black History Museum located in the city of Atlanta. It was founded in 1978 by veteran filmmaker Dan Moore Sr., who was inspired by the life of Dr. Benjamin Mays. Over 65,000 individuals visit the APEX Museum from all 50 states as well as 50 foreign countries. The museum maintains a diverse and educating display by routinely changing its exhibits on a quarterly schedule and is the only museum in Metropolitan Atlanta solely dedicated to telling the rich and often untold story of people of the African Diaspora.
The name APEX is an acronym for African American Panoramic Experience, and thus provides visitors with a complete view of African and African American history and culture.
The mission of the APEX Museum is to interpret and present history from an African American perspective to help all Americans and international visitors better understand and appreciate the contributions of African Americans to America and the world.
SWEET AUBURN STREET OF PRIDE
The first Black Registered pharmacist in Georgia was Moses Amos. He established the Gate City drug store, which later became the Yates & Milton Drug store in 1922. Peer into the window of the Yates & Milton Drug Store once a staple on the Avenue. It is a showcase and meeting place where residents shared their thoughts, ideas and experiences. Located in the center of Atlanta, Sweet Auburn Street pulsates, with the beats of culture, business and community. According to John Wesley Dobbs description this renowned street is known as the ” African American thoroughfare globally ” serving as a symbol of Black achievement, strength and entrepreneurial spirit.
AFRICA: THE UNTOLD STORY
Dedicated to Professor Asa G. Hilliard, III, Africa the Untold Story fulfills his admonition, “Never let them begin our history with slavery.” Learn about the richest continent in the world, its people, its contributions and its culture throughout the last 6,000-plus years. Africa often celebrated as the birthplace of civilization possesses an abundance of resources. It boasts reserves of minerals and metals as well, as fertile lands that are abundant and ready for cultivation. Additionally Africa’s diverse array of cultures, languages and traditions represents a wealth of capital, each region within the continent contributes its heritage to the world.
THE MAAFA (THE AFRICAN HOLOCAUST)
The “Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade,” or more appropriately “The MAAFA,” or African Holocaust, was one of the worst tragedies to happen to people of African descent. This exhibit presents graphic details of the enslavement of African people, so that we may never forget the struggle they faced to gain freedom.
WOMEN IN STEM
Get Inspired by some of the many African American women working in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Learn more about Alice Ball a groundbreaking chemist and pharmaceutical researcher by the age of 24. On display now through December 2018.
