AAAM Conference Highlights the Power of Preserving Black History

Written and Photos By: Bill Allen

Museum professionals, historians, educators, curators and supporters from across the country gathered in Philadelphia Aug. 19-22 for the 2026 Association of African American Museums (AAAM) Conference, an annual event focused on preserving, interpreting and sharing African American history and culture.

The conference brought together many connected to institutions dedicated to documenting the experiences and contributions of Africans and African Americans in the United States and around the world.

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This year's gathering came at a time when questions surrounding historical accuracy, misinformation and the preservation of factual records have become increasingly prominent. Against that backdrop, conference participants emphasized the importance of museums as trusted institutions for preserving historical documents, artifacts and firsthand accounts.

The conference provided members of the Association of African American Museums with educational programming, organizational guidance and information about grant opportunities designed to strengthen their institutions and expand their ability to serve their communities.

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Beyond the conference sessions, attendees had opportunities to experience Philadelphia's rich cultural landscape. Neighborhood tours, regional cuisine and visits to some of the city's renowned cultural institutions were among the activities available to participants.

Attendees visited the Philadelphia Zoo, the nation's first zoo, as well as the Barnes Foundation and the African American Museum in Philadelphia. The excursions offered conference participants an opportunity to explore the city's history while connecting with fellow museum professionals.

Philadelphia's designation as the host city also carried particular significance. Known as the "City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection," the city has long been a center for African American history, culture and activism.

The conference highlighted the important role museums play beyond their galleries and exhibitions. They serve as repositories of collective memory, educational resources and places where future generations can encounter the people, events and experiences that shaped the nation.

For members of the AAAM, that responsibility is especially significant. The organization's board members and officers serve as stewards of institutions entrusted with preserving some of the nation's most important African American cultural treasures.

As the 2026 conference concluded, attention turned toward next year's gathering. The 2027 Association of African American Museums Conference will be held in Chicago, home of the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center and the Obama Presidential Center, which recently became an AAAM museum member.

The next conference will continue the organization's mission of supporting museums and cultural institutions dedicated to preserving African American history ensuring that the stories, artifacts and achievements of generations past remain accessible to generations to come.