Odell S. Williams Now and Then African American Museum
1 / 10

Odell S. Williams Now and Then African American Museum

4.6
Β·10 reviewsΒ·Baton Rouge, United States

A vibrant folk art installation and history museum celebrating African American culture and resilience in Baton Rouge.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Experience the vibrant outdoor art

CrowdLow
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Odell S. Williams Now and Then African American Museum

Odell S. Williams Now and Then African American Museum

Best Time

Daytime

Experience the vibrant outdoor art

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant folk art installation and history museum celebrating African American culture and resilience in Baton Rouge.

4.6
(10 reviews)

"A vibrant, hopeful, and hidden gem celebrating African American history and inventiveness."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Opening Hours

The museum may be closed unexpectedly; confirm hours before visiting. :clock1:

Walk the Grounds

Even if closed, walking the grounds offers a glimpse of the vibrant art. 🚢

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 Β· 10 reviews

Type

Museum

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Folk Art Installation

Folk Art Installation

A vibrant and colorful outdoor space filled with folk art, celebrating African American history and creativity.

African American History

African American History

Explore the rich diversity and inventiveness of Africans and African-Americans through compelling exhibits.

Founder's Legacy

Founder's Legacy

Learn about Sadie Roberts-Joseph, the passionate community activist who founded this unique museum.

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A Unique Baton Rouge Landmark

Discover the Odell S. Williams Now and Then African American Museum, a vibrant folk art installation and history museum located under a highway overpass. It's a testament to determination and community spirit in Baton Rouge.

Support a Community Gem

This museum is a passionate project celebrating African American history and inventiveness. Visiting and supporting it directly contributes to preserving this unique cultural space in Baton Rouge.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Experience the vibrant outdoor art
Crowd
Low
When
When Open
Why
Engage with the passionate owner
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Knock Knock Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana β™₯️ I loved the experience with my little one! #CapCut #sahm #sahmsoftiktok #brtok #toodlersoftiktok #thingstodo #playtime
@jaidalashee
10.5K likes β€’ 161.6K views

Check Opening Hours

The museum may be closed unexpectedly; confirm hours before visiting. :clock1:

Walk the Grounds

Even if closed, walking the grounds offers a glimpse of the vibrant art. 🚢

Sadie Roberts-Josepth was born April 30, 1944. Roberts founded the Odell S. Williams now and then African American Museum in 2001 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The museum was created from an old school bus to commemorate the bus boycott that T.J. Jemison spearheaded and who Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. learned the tactics to receive equal seating in Montgomery, Alabama. She also founded Community...
neverblend_justmix
5 likes β€’ 93 views
Did you know Sadie Joseph Roberts was an American Community Activist and founder of the Baton Rouge Odell S. Williams Now and Then Museum of African - American history? She was also a founder of a non profit organization, community against violence and drugs ( CADAV) She organized the JUNETEENTH celebration which commerates the emancipation of slaves in the southern states. Ms.Sadie I promise to...
cannon_da_assassin_llc
0 likes β€’ 441 views

Support the Project

Your visit and support are crucial for this community art project. ❀️

Passionate Founder

The owner is deeply passionate about the museum and its history. ⭐

Sadie Roberts-Joseph (1944 – July 12, 2019) was an American community activist and founder of the Baton Rouge Odell S. Williams Now & Then Museum of African-American History in 2001. She was also the founder of a non-profit organization, Community Against Drugs and Violence. Rest In Heaven πŸŒΉπŸ•Š #sadierobertsjoseph #sadieroberts #sadie #africanamerican #museum #africanhistorymuseum #history #blackame...
monicag2572
63 likes β€’ 3.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Opening Hours

The museum may be closed unexpectedly; confirm hours before visiting. :clock1:

Walk the Grounds

Even if closed, walking the grounds offers a glimpse of the vibrant art. 🚢

Support the Project

Your visit and support are crucial for this community art project. ❀️

Passionate Founder

The owner is deeply passionate about the museum and its history. ⭐

What Travellers Say

4.6
(10 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Odell S. Williams Now and Then African American Museum as a vibrant, hopeful, and unique hidden gem in Baton Rouge. They highlight the colorful folk art, the rich African American history presented, and the deep passion of its founder, Sadie Roberts-Joseph. While some note occasional closures and vandalism, the overall experience is described as a beautiful testament to community spirit and cultural pride.

"🦚 Vibrant. 🎨 Hopeful. 🌈 Hidden gem. πŸ•ŠοΈ
This history museum and folk art installation is located beneath a highway overpass and next to a Baptist Church.

It was closed when I visited however walking the grounds was a pleasure. I was encouraged to see it as a vibrant and joyful celebration of history and testament of determination.

I look forward to visiting again when it is open and I do hope more folks will stop in and check it out and support this wonderful art and community project in Baton Rouge. Recommended. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

See you on the road,
πŸ“Έ πŸ™‹β€β™‚οΈ@gabrielcraft.me"

Gabriel Craft

"It’s a lovely, quaint place. Very colorful and full of life. The lovely woman who runs the place is very passionate about it. It’s so sad to see that some areas have been Vandalized. It is a beautiful piece of history and run by a woman who deeply loves and cares about her community."

Ms. Taylor's Pre-K Class

"Really interesting little museum dedicated to the rich diversity and inventiveness of Africans and African-Americans. The owner is really passionate."

Martin Periard

What People Like

Vibrant folk art
Rich history
Passionate founder

What People Dislike

Inconsistent hours
Occasional vandalism

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

The museum is located under a highway overpass in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is likely the most convenient option. Parking availability may vary due to its unique location next to a church and under an overpass. Reddit

Yes, it is accessible by car. However, be aware of its location under an overpass, which might affect navigation for some GPS systems. It's recommended to use precise address details when planning your route. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The museum's hours can be inconsistent, and it may be closed when you visit. It's highly recommended to check for current operating hours or call ahead before making plans. Reddit

Information on advance ticket purchases is limited. Given its community-driven nature, it's best to assume you can pay upon arrival, but confirming this directly with the museum is advisable. Reddit

Specific admission fees are not widely published. However, as a community project, donations are likely encouraged and appreciated to support its upkeep and operations. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can expect a vibrant folk art installation and a history museum celebrating African American culture and inventiveness. It's described as colorful, full of life, and a testament to determination. Reddit

The museum features both outdoor folk art installations located under a highway overpass and indoor exhibits detailing African American history. Reddit

While not a dedicated children's museum, the vibrant art and colorful displays can be engaging for children. The focus is on history and culture, offering an educational experience. TikTok

The museum's location under a highway overpass is part of its unique character, symbolizing resilience and the transformation of space. It was founded by Sadie Roberts-Joseph to commemorate historical events like the bus boycott. Instagram

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

Photography policies are not explicitly stated, but generally, personal photos for non-commercial use are permitted in many museums. It's always polite to ask staff if unsure. Reddit

The vibrant folk art installations under the overpass offer unique and colorful backdrops for photography. The overall atmosphere is described as very colorful and full of life. Reddit

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