Roots 101 African American Museum
A powerful, independent museum celebrating African American history, culture, and resilience through immersive exhibits.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Roots 101 African American Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A powerful, independent museum celebrating African American history, culture, and resilience through immersive exhibits.
"Hands down my favorite museum. Powerful, educational, emotional, beautiful."
Allocate Ample Time
Don't rush; allow yourself to absorb the powerful exhibits. Many visitors wish they had more time. :clock1:
Prepare for Emotion
The museum is deeply moving, confronting difficult truths. Be ready for a range of emotions. :pleading_face:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Journey Through Time
Main exhibition hall
Experience a chronological flow from African art to enslavement, Jim Crow, and beyond. A powerful narrative of Black history.
Breonna Taylor Tribute
Dedicated exhibit space
A poignant and intentional act of remembrance and resistance, honoring Breonna Taylor's legacy.

Slave Box Exhibit
Enslavement section
A stark and harrowing display that illustrates the unimaginable torture endured by ancestors.

Elderly Women Exhibit
Cultural artifacts section
An exhibit that resonates deeply, celebrating the strength and resilience of women who held families together.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Roots 101
Embrace the Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Ample Time
Don't rush; allow yourself to absorb the powerful exhibits. Many visitors wish they had more time. :clock1:
Prepare for Emotion
The museum is deeply moving, confronting difficult truths. Be ready for a range of emotions. :pleading_face:
Engage with Staff
The staff, including founder Lamont Collins, are welcoming and knowledgeable. Ask questions! :speech_balloon:
Touch Artifacts (if permitted)
Some exhibits allow touching, offering a unique way to connect with history. :handpointingdown:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Ample Time
Don't rush; allow yourself to absorb the powerful exhibits. Many visitors wish they had more time. :clock1:
Prepare for Emotion
The museum is deeply moving, confronting difficult truths. Be ready for a range of emotions. :pleading_face:
Engage with Staff
The staff, including founder Lamont Collins, are welcoming and knowledgeable. Ask questions! :speech_balloon:
Touch Artifacts (if permitted)
Some exhibits allow touching, offering a unique way to connect with history. :handpointingdown:
Visit the Heritage Trail
Roots 101 is part of the African American Heritage Trail. Explore other sites nearby. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Roots 101 African American Museum for its powerful, emotional, and educational exhibits that offer a deep dive into Black history and culture. The museum is lauded for its chronological flow, impactful displays like the Breonna Taylor tribute, and the welcoming nature of its staff and founder, Lamont Collins. While some exhibits confront difficult truths, the overall experience is described as inspiring and essential for understanding American history.
"Visited today with my 3 daughters. Beautiful artifacts on display, & a natural flow between exhibits (beginning with African art, flowing into enslavement, then Jim Crow era, etc). It’s essentially one big room, so the flow of such is a feat of creativity. This museum hits white supremacy movements straight on, & it’s hard to see - but if we are not uncomfortable with history, we are not being honest students of it. The staff is wonderful & the environment welcoming. My daughters & I felt the gravity of the museum, but we also saw the beauty & culture exhibited so succinctly. Absolutely worth a visit when in Louisville."
Beth Bisciglia
"When I came across this museum online, I knew l had to make the trip over to Louisville to see it in person (I was in NC for a wedding but originally from Miami).
Hands down my favorite museum. Powerful, educational, emotional, beautiful. So many feelings were felt.
I also had the honor of meeting the Founder/Owner and he was humble and kind. Mr. Kenny at the front desk was a gem as well. Besides the museum having great exhibits, you can tell that those who run it have good hearts. They even let me stay a little after closing because they knew how far I had traveled.
If you ever have the chance to pass by, I HIGHLY recommend. 10/10! I will most definitely be returning."
Jo Arroyo
"What an amazing museum! So much history. So much pain and so much joy at the same time.
My uncle had his graduation party here and the venue was lovely, plenty of space with a sectioned off area to serve food and drinks outside of the main space. There’s a place on the 2nd floor to had a DJ which I thought was nice. I’ll be back to visit the museum in full soon."
Merrisha Dickerson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Roots 101 African American Museum is located at 124 N. 1st Street in downtown Louisville, KY.
It's easily accessible by car and is part of the African American Heritage Trail. Parking information can be found on their website or by contacting the museum directly.While specific public transport routes can vary, downtown Louisville is generally well-served. It's recommended to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information on bus or train lines that stop near N. 1st Street.
Operating hours can vary, especially for special events. It's best to check the official Roots 101 African American Museum website or their social media pages for the most current hours of operation before your visit.
The museum is a stop on the African American Heritage Trail,
and some local tour operators may include it. You can also arrange group visits or presentations by contacting the museum directly.As a modern museum, Roots 101 is generally designed to be accessible. It's advisable to contact the museum in advance to confirm specific accessibility features and accommodations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary. While specific pricing isn't always detailed in social media, it's a nonprofit organization,
so check their official website for the most accurate ticket prices and any potential discounts.For general admission, booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak times or for special events. Check the museum's website for their ticketing policy and online booking options.
Yes, Roots 101 hosts various events, including youth conferences,
award ceremonies, and seasonal experiences like the North Pole Experience. Follow their social media for announcements.Group rates are often available for schools, organizations, and other parties. Contact the museum directly to inquire about group bookings and pricing.
Yes, Roots 101 African-American History Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization,
dedicated to its mission of promoting understanding and appreciation of African American history and culture.🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Expect a powerful and emotional journey through African American history, from African art and the horrors of enslavement to the Jim Crow era and beyond.
Highlights include a Breonna Taylor tribute and exhibits on ancestral resilience.While some exhibits allow touching artifacts,
the primary interaction comes from the immersive storytelling and the emotional impact of the displays. The founder, Lamont Collins, is also known for engaging presentations.The museum is educational and can be impactful for older children and teens. However, some exhibits are emotionally heavy, so parental discretion is advised.
Most visitors recommend allocating at least 1-2 hours to fully experience the museum and its exhibits. Some may wish to spend longer to reflect on the powerful narratives.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage upon arrival or ask a staff member if photography is permitted in all areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself typically does not have a full-service restaurant. However, they may offer concessions or have space for catered events.
Being in downtown Louisville, there are numerous restaurants and eateries within walking distance or a short drive from the museum, offering a variety of cuisines.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside museums. It's best to consume these items before entering or utilize designated areas if available.
Downtown Louisville has many family-friendly dining options. You can find casual eateries, diners, and restaurants with diverse menus suitable for all ages.
Yes, the museum can be a venue for events, and catering is often part of such arrangements.
Inquire directly with the museum for event hosting details.📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's always best to look for signage upon entry or ask a museum staff member if photos are permitted in all exhibition areas.
Many visitors find the overall narrative and specific tributes, like the one to Breonna Taylor,
to be powerful and visually striking. The chronological flow also offers unique perspectives.Flash photography is often prohibited in museums to protect artifacts. If photography is allowed, it's usually without flash. Always adhere to museum guidelines.
Professional photography or videography may require special permission or advance booking. Contact the museum's administration for their specific policies on commercial or professional shoots.
Visiting during off-peak hours, like weekday mornings, can offer fewer crowds, allowing for more unobstructed photos. Natural light might also be more consistent.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider preparing your children for the emotional weight of certain exhibits, such as the slave box. However, balance this with the celebratory aspects, like exhibits honoring ancestral strength and Black excellence. The opportunity to sometimes touch artifacts can make the history more tangible and engaging for younger visitors. It's a place where families can learn, reflect, and grow together.
📚 History Enthusiasts & Educators
The museum's collection is extensive and has already outgrown its space, indicating a rich and diverse array of artifacts and stories. Educators will find it a compelling site for field trips, offering a more visceral and emotionally resonant understanding of historical periods like enslavement and Jim Crow than textbooks alone can provide. The museum's role as a healing and educational space makes it a crucial stop for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of American history.
✈️ Travelers Seeking Authentic Experiences
The museum's location along the African American Heritage Trail makes it a perfect addition to a broader exploration of Black history and culture in Kentucky. Meeting the founder, Lamont Collins, and engaging with the passionate staff can add another layer of authenticity to your visit. It's a destination that resonates long after you leave, offering a deeper connection to the stories and resilience of African Americans.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision of Lamont Collins
Collins's dedication is evident in his personal engagement with visitors. He is known for his passionate presentations and willingness to foster dialogue, even with differing perspectives. This hands-on approach makes the museum experience deeply personal and impactful, transforming it from a passive viewing of artifacts into an active engagement with history and its relevance today.
The museum's recognition, including being named one of Architectural Digest's top museums worldwide and USA Today's Top 10 Best New Attractions, speaks volumes about Collins's successful execution of his vision. Roots 101 stands as a testament to the power of independent museums and the importance of preserving Black narratives.
An Emotional and Educational Journey
The exhibits are designed to be powerful and thought-provoking, confronting difficult truths head-on. The slave box exhibit is frequently mentioned as particularly harrowing, offering a stark reminder of the immense suffering endured by ancestors. Similarly, the tribute to Breonna Taylor serves as a significant act of remembrance and a statement of resistance.
Despite the heavy themes, the museum also celebrates resilience, culture, and joy. Exhibits honoring the strength of women who held families together and the broader spectrum of Black excellence create a balanced and inspiring narrative. The ability to sometimes touch artifacts further enhances this immersive and deeply felt experience, leaving visitors with a profound sense of connection and understanding.
Community and Cultural Hub
Founder Lamont Collins and his team are dedicated to promoting understanding and appreciation of African American achievements through exhibits, programs, and activities. The museum has been recognized for its significant contributions, receiving grants and accolades that underscore its importance in the cultural landscape. It serves as a space for healing, empowerment, and a platform for uplifting Black voices and contributions throughout history.
The museum's impact extends to its role as a venue for community gatherings, such as graduation parties, further solidifying its place as a cherished local institution. Its participation in initiatives like 'Give for Good Louisville' demonstrates its commitment to community betterment and its reliance on community support to continue its vital work.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit