Detroit’s Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has officially celebrated its 60th anniversary this year. Founded in 1965 by Dr Charles H. Wright and first opened in January 1966, the museum began in a modest house on Detroit’s West Grand Boulevard. From those humble origins, it has grown into one of the world’s largest and most respected independent museums dedicated to the Black experience.

Today, the museum is home to more than 35,000 artifacts, spanning a wide range of African-American history, culture and art. Its two-story main exhibit, “And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture,” offers an immersive narrative from ancestral Africa through the Civil Rights Movement and into contemporary achievements.

In celebration of this milestone, the museum hosted “History in the House Day” on March 8, which featured panel discussions, live performances, storytelling and a birthday celebration. The anniversary year also marked the launch of the “I Am a Dr Wright Baby” initiative, inviting descendants of Dr Wright’s patients to share their stories, thus honouring the founder’s legacy personally and community wide.

Institutionally, the museum has been an exemplar in narrating African-American history. Having served as a model for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, it pioneered inclusive storytelling decades ago.

The Wright remains a cultural hub in Detroit, hosting the African World Festival each August and annually producing 300+ educational and performance programmes, cementing its role as a communal gathering space.

As the Ann Arbor–based institution reflects on its storied past, it also looks ahead with a deepened commitment: to uphold Dr Wright’s mission of opening minds, celebrating heritage, and ensuring that African-American voices continue to be heard and remembered.

Sources:

• Forbes – Celebrating 60 Years at Detroit’s Charles H. Wright Museum hyperallergic.com+8forbes.com+8forbes.com+8

• Detroit PBS / American Black Journal – Anniversary celebration details detroitpbs.org

• Wikipedia – Charles H. Wright Museum institutional profile thewright.org+3instagram.com+3hyperallergic.com+3

• Detroit ClickOnDetroit – Community event coverage