The African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County (AACHM) is preparing to move into a new permanent home at 3261 Lohr Road in Ann Arbor with plans for a grand opening on Nov. 17. 

The AACHM has served the community for more than three decades. Initially a “museum without walls” from 1993 to 2021, and most recently leased space at 1528 Pontiac Trail for three years, the museum preserves local African American history and culture, emphasizing its significance in strengthening community ties. 

Host Stephen Henderson sits down for a conversation with Dr. Debby Mitchell Covington, board chair of the museum and Director of Strategic Partnerships and Equity Initiatives in the Office of Culture, Community and Equity at the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering. She reflects on why the museum was created in 1993 and explains what makes it unique.

Plus, Covington also talks about the items on display at the museum, African American history in Washtenaw County, and how the new location was acquired.