OUR MISSION                                                   

To establish, preserve and maintain a collection of objects, artifacts, arts, papers, books, photographs, etc. that document and describe the history and culture of African Americans in the New World, with emphasis on our local and regional (Reading, Berks and surrounding counties) African American history and culture, and to create an appropriate environment for exhibition of the collection to foster understanding of the history and culture of Africans in the New World, and to encourage education and research. The Mission of the museum also includes the preservation of the Underground Railroad located on the lower level of the Old Bethel A.M.E. Church in Reading, Pennsylvania.