The City of Erie unveiled a new African American history exhibit in the lobby of City Hall on Tuesday morning in honor of Black History Month. The display will provide free and accessible resources to the community through the end of February.
The city partnered with the Historical Institute of Culture and the African American Experience to host the exhibit. The initiative provides a public space for the museum’s materials while its permanent facility remains temporarily closed for maintenance.
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Mayor Daria Devlin announced the display alongside representatives from the institute on Tuesday morning. Devlin emphasized that the exhibit serves as a way to address societal issues through education. “We had a lot in the media over the past week about racist comments, the way that we talk to each other, the way that we talk about each other, that all does come from ignorance,” Devlin said.
The mayor noted that the resources help fill gaps in public knowledge regarding local and national history. “We’re celebrating black history month, which is such a great opportunity to learn, to educate ourselves, to fill in some gaps in our knowledge, some things we might not have known,” Devlin said. She stated that Black Americans and other minority populations in Erie have made significant contributions to the broader American history.
Bishop Curtis Jones Sr., co-founder of the Historical Institute of Culture and the African American Experience, said the City Hall location allows the organization to reach residents despite its building’s closure. The institute typically provides immersive exhibits, local art and historical storytelling. “I think it means a lot, it gives us the ability to give information to the city, to let them know that there is a facility that they can come and get knowledge and understanding of the African American experience,” Jones said.
The institute is currently raising funds to repair its heating system. The facility must remain closed until the repairs are completed and the building is once again functional for visitors. Information regarding the fundraising efforts has been made available on the YourErie website.
The African American history exhibit will remain on display in the City Hall lobby through the end of February. Local officials and museum leaders will provide further information on the museum’s reopening once the heating system repairs are addressed.
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