The Harrison Museum of African American Culture, a longstanding steward of African American heritage in the Roanoke Valley, is set to return to its roots in Northwest Roanoke. The relocation marks a homecoming for the museum that first opened its doors in 1985 in the historic Harrison School. After relocating to Downtown Roanoke in 2013, the museum’s return to Northwest Roanoke signals a renewed commitment to serving as a cultural anchor for the community.
“This move affirms the museum as a leader, providing excellent cultural offerings to more people throughout the city. We bring the strength of our organizational partnerships together with our decades of experience to enhance Northwest Roanoke’s connection to the region’s cultural ecosystem,” said Eric Beasley, board president for The Harrison Museum.
As it prepares for the move, the Harrison Museum will be open to visitors only on the following weekend dates of May 10, 11, 17, and 18 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., pausing operations as of May 18th. These special dates offer the community a final opportunity to visit the museum at Center in the Square and reflect on four decades of impact before the transition to its new home.
The Harrison Museum will relocate to Melrose Plaza this summer and will open for visitors at its new space in the fall. The transition to Melrose Plaza coincides with a transformation in the museum’s approach to exhibitions and programming. The Harrison Museum will introduce a rotational programming model, unveiling new thematic exhibits every six months to ensure fresh, relevant content for visitors.
“Our new space gives us the chance to share African American history and culture in more creative and connected ways,” said E.B. Smith, executive director of The Harrison Museum. “We’re moving beyond traditional exhibits to create experiences that link historical objects with the real stories of people’s lives and show how those stories still matter today.”
The new facility will feature a large, flexible gallery space with temporary and modular units, allowing the museum to adapt to a variety of programming and event needs. This adaptable design ensures the museum can serve as a hub for both exhibitions and community functions.
“Our goal is for visitors to leave the museum inspired, with a deeper understanding of how powerful and capable they are when reflecting on the enormous legacies they carry with them every day,” said Smith. “This new space will give us the flexibility and reach we need to accomplish this mission.”
As part of this exciting transition, the Harrison Museum has launched its Next 40 Years Campaign, an invitation to invest in a vibrant future shaped by truth, creativity, and community. The campaign will fund the foundation for what’s ahead: expanded exhibitions, educational programming for youth and families, flexible gallery infrastructure, and the staffing capacity to grow sustainably.
“This is a generational commitment – to build a cultural institution that is bold, resilient, and rooted in the belief that what we build now will shape what’s possible for decades to come,” said Smith. “The Next 40 Years Campaign is how we ensure that the legacy continues and evolves. Together, we are not only honoring the past. We are building what’s next.”
Community members can contribute to the Next 40 Years Campaign through the donation button The Harrison Museum website or a separate HYPERLINK “https://gofund.me/6644eb0a” \h GoFundMe remains active for flood relief efforts. Additionally, contributions can be made via mail to: Harrison Museum of African American Culture PO Box 12544 Roanoke, VA 24026
