The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is kicking off a year-long celebration to mark its 60th anniversary. Established in 1965 by Dr. Charles H. Wright, the museum has become a cornerstone of Detroit’s cultural and educational landscape.  

On March 10, 1965, Dr. Wright and 32 community members gathered to discuss the creation of a museum dedicated to Black history. That year, work began on the museum, and it officially opened to the public in January 1966 in Dr. Wright’s residence on West Grand Boulevard at Warren Avenue in Detroit. 

At the museum’s inception, Dr. Wright envisioned a space where African Americans could explore their history, understand their culture, and connect with their roots. Today, that vision lives on as the museum continues to serve as a powerful educational tool and cultural hub with more than 35,000 artifacts and over 300 programs annually. 

To commemorate its anniversary, The Wright Museum will host “History in the House Day” on March 8, a community celebration open to the public. The event will feature a variety of activities, “Women Leading Through Dance,” an empowering panel discussion, and the Black Love Community Day Finale, a celebration of storytelling, music, and art curated by La Shaun Phoenix Moore.

The event also includes resource vendors, food trucks, a special birthday cake celebration, and performances that include a journey through 60 years of Detroit music. The Wright Museum is also launching the “I Am a Dr. Wright Baby” initiative, connecting with individuals Dr. Wright delivered during his medical career. The museum invites those with a connection to Dr. Wright to share their stories as part of this historic tribute.  

The museum’s longtime director of design and fabrication Kevin Davidson joined “American Black Journal” host Stephen Henderson to talk about the history of the museum and the legacy of Dr. Wright. Davidson, who has been working for the museum for 42 years, reflects on how Dr. Wright hired him to set up the museum’s galleries and how he has continued to oversee exhibitions as the museum moved to other locations over the years.