The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum
Since its opening, the Museum has become a prominent, nationally recognized institution. It has also evolved into a powerful compendium of wax figures. The Museum houses approximately 150 figures of people from the past, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, and from the present, like President Barack Obama.
A primary motivation for establishing America’s first African American history wax museum was to “use education, history, and example to help culturally disadvantaged youth overcome feelings of alienation, defeatism, and despair.” The Museum’s mission is to stimulate an interest in African American history by revealing the little-known, often neglected facts of history; use great leaders as role models for youth; improve race relations by dispelling myths of racial inferiority and superiority; support and work with community groups, schools, and other organizations to provide opportunities for youth to pursue careers in the museum industry; and promote economic development in the East North Avenue corridor.