New black history museum slated to open in Greenville

Yahoo

14-03-2025

GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – Some construction leaders in Greenville are hard at work to turn a historic house into a museum highlighting African American history.
The site, located on Arlington Avenue, is transforming into The South Carolina History and Empowerment Museum.
'I really hope it just starts more conversations, especially from the younger generation. I feel like there's so much we can learn about just African American history as a whole,' said Mariah Jordan of Jordan Construction Company, spearheading the efforts.
Project leaders told 7NEWS the structure, which is around 2,200 square feet, will be chalked full of artifacts and memorabilia, including newspaper articles and yearbooks. The Urban League of the Upstate and USC Upstate are partners in the initiative to show the contributions African Americans made to The Palmetto State through the decades.
'It's part of how we're planning to use the building also as context to tell a story about the richness and significance of the artifacts and the people that made a commitment to making this community better,' said James Jordan, who serves as Jordan Construction Company's CEO and President.
The location, which was previously the Greenville Cultural Exchange Center, belonged to Ruth Ann Butler, a historian and community advocate who passed away in January.
'She had in her collection memorabilia, it feels like, on so many families in this community. And, this was a place where you could go and do research on your family, and if you had any questions. She was the 'Google' before 'Google',' James Jordan also said.
Project leaders emphasized The South Carolina History and Empowerment Museum will feature digital displays, a welcome center, a lounge and office space.
'Just the work that [Ruth Ann Butler] was able to do in her life was truly unique and incredible, so I'm happy that my father and myself are able to help continue her legacy,' Mariah Jordan added.
If all goes as planned, the museum will be open to the public in June.
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