
Where Culture and Community Thrive
HUNTINGTON AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM

From left, Greg Wagner, Huntington’s director of cultural affairs; Barry Lites, Huntington African American Museum board chairman; Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth; Irene Moore, museum board vice chairwoman, and Beverly Gorham, museum secretary, at the proposed site of the Huntington African American Museum on Dec. 19. Credit: Barry Sloan
Who Are We
We are a passionate community committed to creating an African American museum that embodies the spirit of unity, education, and celebration. Our endeavor is rooted in a shared vision to honor the profound history, cultural richness, and diverse contributions of African Americans.
As a collective, we believe in the power of storytelling to preserve heritage and ignite understanding. Our dedicated team comprises historians, educators, artists, community leaders, and advocates who are driven by a common goal: to curate a museum that serves as a vibrant tapestry of the African American experience.
What We Do

Dedicated to preserving and honoring the stories that define us, we strive to create an immersive experience that educates, enlightens, and inspires. Through engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs, we aim to foster understanding, appreciation, and unity within our diverse community.
The Mission of the Huntington African American Museum is to provide a forum for those interested in African-American History and culture to explore and celebrate the contributions of African Americans’ lifestyle, culture, art and traditions through education, exhibits and programs with an emphasis on Huntington’s African American History.
The museum will highlight a collection of African American artifacts, documents, photographs, and other archival collections that will educate visitors of all ages about Huntington’s African American history and culture.
“Legacy is not what’s left tomorrow when you’re gone. It’s what you give, create, impact and contribute today while you’re here that then happens to live on.”
Rasheed Ogunlaru
Request for Proposal:
EVP CHARGING STATIONS
Please find the RFP for the ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS planned for the Huntington African American Museum. Please reach out to info@hafammuseum.org with any questions.
EVENTS
How Wellness Can Improve Our Mental Health
On February 23, 2025, the Huntington African American Museum co-sponsored a community event: a panel discussion entitled “How Wellness Can Improve Our Mental Health.” The event brought together mental health and other health professionals to discuss the elements of overall health and how they can contribute to our mental well-being. Click below to view the panel discussion. Passcode: 1Eq+^PB3
Notable African Americans in Huntington
- Geraldine Allen
- Reverend Jerry and Glorious Artis
- Veronique Bailey
- Samuel and Rebecca Ballton
- Jarrette and Beverley Brathwaite
- James and Naomi Brown
- Joye Brown
- Sandra & Daniel Bullock
- Mariah Carey
- Robert (Bob) Carter
- Ruthanne Cooley
- Gloria Cox
- Peter Crippen
- Darryl Dodson
- Tracey A. Edwards
- Jean Roland Esquerre
- Timothy L. Flythe
- Michele Foulke-Edwards
- Albert Irvington Foulke & Lottie Mae Smith-Foulke
- Dr. Carl Granger
- Louise and James Green
- Beverly Gorham
- Christine Guthman
- Jillian Guthman
- Maureen Guthman
- Mabel Harris
- Reverend Mother Agnes Amelia Hiller
- Reverend Dr. William Houston
- Glenda Jackson
- Paul H. Johnson, Sr.
- Reverend Aldustus Earl Jordan, Jr
- Sidney Joyner
- Hilda Lane
- Barry D. Lites
- Hall Magny
- Betty J. Miller
- Irene Moore
- Judge Peter J. Newman
- Peter J. Newman
- Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols
- Lucille O’Garra
- Leslie “Les” Payne
- Edna Point
- Bishop Norris Porter
- Alexander Richardson
- Reverend William H. Roper
- Richard Robertson III
- Ginette Rows, RN
- Olive Salih
- Ulysses Spicer
- Abram Allen Stokely
- Yvette Stone
- Kevin Thorbourne
- Beatrice Toliver
- Irving (Beatrice) Toliver
- Claris Waller
- Thomas Watkins
- Rev. Dr. Larry and (Leading Lady) Washington
Organizations:
- Bethel A.M.E. Church
- Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church
- Joshua Baptist Cathedral of Huntington
- Mt. Calvary Holy Church of Huntington
- Odd Fellows Hall
- Usry Memorial Deliverance Temple
Board of Directors

Barry D. Lites, Esq
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Irene Moore
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Kevin Thorbourne