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“To create a
community of lifelong learners who explore, experience and
embrace Missouri’s rich and enduring African-American heritage.”
Our Vision
“To
be the premier
resource for Black history and culture in the Midwest.”
The Griot Story
Only the second
of its kind the country, The Griot Museum of Black History & Culture opened as
The Black World History Wax Museum in February 1997.
After 10 years of being variously known, we hit upon what
seems to be the perfect name “The Griot Museum of Black
History & Culture” (The Griot”).
Our new name more accurately reflects our mission and
purpose—the keeper of the stories, culture, and history of Black
people. In some
African countries, the “griot,” (pronounced “GREE-OH”) is
a highly respected member of the community who collects,
preserves and shares the stories and objects of the community.
Expanding on the role of the griot in our society, the
Griot’s mission is to
“create a community of
lifelong learners who explore, experience and embrace
Missouri’s rich and enduring
African-American heritage.”
Our vision is to be
the premier
resource for Black history and culture in the
Midwest.
The Griot Museum of Black History and Culture
interprets stories and features life-size likenesses of African
Americans with a Regional connection whose life activities
influenced the state, region, and sometimes the entire country.
Visitors can “meet” and learn about Carter G. Woodson,
Josephine Baker, Dred and Harriet Scott, Elizabeth Keckley,
William Wells Brown, James Milton Turner, Clark Terry, Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr., the Rev. Earl. E. Nance Sr., Miles
Davis, Madame C.J. Walker, York, Percy Green, and others.
The Griot
also features an authentic slave cabin, originally built on the
Wright–Smith Plantation in Jonesburg,
Missouri.
Visitors can solve puzzles, view documentary videos, and
“board” a scale model section of a ship that is the actual size
used to transport Africans to
America
during the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
The Griot’s “Motherland
Museum Shop,” offers
Afrocentric clothing, jewelry, figurines, sculptures books,
videos, and greeting cards.
In addition to its permanent collection, life-size wax figures,
other art, artifacts and memorabilia,
The Griot hosts
traveling art exhibits by local and national artists. To enhance
its community outreach,
The Griot sponsors community education projects, gallery
talks, and cultural celebrations.
It also operates the Heritage Intern Project
(HIP), a youth
training program that focuses on heritage preservation, museum
management and career preparation.
Griot Member Benefits
Annual memberships are
available to individuals, and provide an
excellent opportunity to teach children and
youth to support cultural institutions. Click
here to complete your membership/volunteer form
As a member of
The Griot Museum of Black
History and Culture, you can enjoy 10% off purchases in the
Griot’s “Motherland Museum Shop,“ along with the following
benefits:
Growing Griot ($15)---Villager ($50)—Elder’s
Circle Members ($35):
Official membership card, subscription to
“The Griot“
our official newsletter and advance notice to public
lectures, programs, workshops.
Sankofa Circle
($100-$300): All
“Villager” benefits, plus invitations to select exhibit
previews, plus a $25 gift certificate
Heritage Circle ($350-$500):
All “Sankofa” benefits, plus a $50 gift certificate for
the “Motherland Museum Shop” and two tickets to one
Griot-sponsored
opening reception.
Chieftain’s Council ($1000):
All “Sankofa” benefits, four guest admissions to
“The Griot“ ; your
choice of a Griot t-shirt, coffee mug or tote bag; two tickets
to The Griot’s annual
“Griots Gala and Tribunal Honors.”
Griot’s Tribunal ($2500):
All “Chieftain’s Council” benefits, plus four
tickets to Griot-sponsored
events, your choice of a Griot t-shirt, coffee mug or tote bag,
and 10 tickets to the The
Griot’s annual “Griots Gala and Tribunal Honors.”
For more information e-mail us at
membership@thegriotmuseum.com
or
volunteer@thegriotmuseum.com
Group Tours
Board a section of a slave
ship
To
make a reservation, click here to complete a reservation form,
then just fax or e-mail it to us.
You may also call Erika N. Humphrey, manager of community
education and interpretation, at 314-241-7057; e-mail us at
tours@thegriotmuseum.com
or send a fax to 314-241-7058 with your proposed dates/times at
least three business days in advance of your planned visit.
Groups of 30 or more get a 10% discount off the total when paid
at least three days prior to your tour.
Please include your name, address, phone number and the number
of visitors at each age group on the reservation form provided.
If you have a group of 30 or more, deduct 10% off the
total, and return to The Griot Museum of Black History and Culture, 2505 St. Louis Ave., St. Louis,
MO 63106.
Reservation and full,
non-refundable payment must be received no later than three days
prior to your visit in order to take advantage of the group
discount.
There is an additional cost for
docent-lead tours.
Refunds will not be made for members of your group who are
absent the day of your tour.
All members of your group, must arrive with your group,
the day and time of your tour.
Full admission will be required for any additional
members of our group not included in your original reservation
(the group tour discount will not apply). A written confirmation
of payment in full will be provided upon request. Payment in
full is required to confirm and secure your tour.
For more information, e-mail us at:
tours@thegriotmuseum.com
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