Our Fieldwork

In 1983, the first official directory of Black professionals in the museum field was published. ADMI is revisiting this directory to document the impact and career paths of these pioneers.

Goals:

• Expand our archival collection.
• Produce a documentary and a traveling exhibition.
• Honor the pioneers of the Black Museum Movement.

The JWW Center for Applied Anthropology is being established in honor of Dr. Jerome Wendell Wright, a founding member of the Association of Black Anthropologists. This center will serve as a hub for research and innovation in Black museology.

Goals:

• Develop the JWW Collection as a study resource.
• Launch a Summer Institute focused on Black Museum Anthropology.
• Establish a research network with 20+ core scholars and advisors.

This special initiative encourages participants to explore 20 Black museums across the U.S. in 21 days—either virtually or in person—promoting deeper engagement with Black cultural institutions.

Goals:

• Foster a museum-going habit and expand knowledge of Black museums.
• Participants receive a BMA Certificate and ADMI Swag upon completion.

In memory of Mrs. Leona A. Williams, a cherished ADMI founding board member, this initiative supports students and researchers in African Diaspora Museum Studies.

Goals:

• Provide scholarships for students in African Diaspora Museum Studies & Anthropology.
• Develop a comprehensive resource library and archive.
• Create traveling museum trunks to make Black history more accessible.

This initiative honors the Kiah Museum and its founders by engaging youth in Black Museum Anthropology through the Kiah Kids Kulture Klub (4Ks). Youth participants will learn about museum administration and anthropology through hands-on experiences.

Goals:

• Involve youth in museum operations and cultural preservation.
• Equip young participants with skills in Black Museum Anthropology.