Our Story

Harlem, New York, in 1972, a group of men and women of African descent came together to establish what became The Genesis Museum of International Black Culture. A 501(c)-(3)
nonprofit organization charted by the Education Department of the State of New York for the
purpose of providing history, arts and cultural educational programs and services by collecting,
documenting, disseminating, celebrating and exhibiting the rich history, culture, arts and
sciences of International Black & African peoples. Initially named The Genesis Museum is now
The Harlem International Museum
of Black History & Culture

Culture is Medicine

A major goal of Harlem International Museum is not only to demonstrate the universality of Black Culture but the interdependence of all cultures.

“If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition; it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”

- Dr. CARTER G. WOODSON, Father of Black History