Rhode Island's First Black History Museum to Open This Spring

The African American Museum of Rhode Island will celebrate its grand opening in Providence on April 4.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The African American Museum of Rhode Island is set to open its doors in Providence this spring, marking the first museum of its kind in the state. The inaugural exhibition, titled "Welcome to the Neighborhood," will explore Black neighborhoods in Providence between the 1940s and 1970s, highlighting the diverse histories and cultures represented within the community.

Why it matters

The opening of this museum represents a significant milestone in honoring and preserving Black history in Rhode Island. It will provide a dedicated space to showcase the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the state's African American community, which has often been overlooked or underrepresented.

The details

The museum was commissioned in 2024 in response to growing efforts to establish a permanent institution dedicated to Black history in Rhode Island. The inaugural curator, Dr. Melanie Ferdinand-King, explains that the museum will represent the histories and experiences of various Black diasporas, including Cape Verdean, African, and Afro-Latino communities. The goal is to use visual storytelling to evoke emotion and connect visitors with the everyday life of the featured neighborhoods.

  • The African American Museum of Rhode Island will celebrate its grand opening on April 4, 2026, from 2-6 p.m.
  • The museum was commissioned in 2024.

The players

Dr. Melanie Ferdinand-King

The inaugural curator of the African American Museum of Rhode Island, who is working to highlight the diverse histories and cultures represented within the state's Black community.

African American Museum of Rhode Island

The first museum in Rhode Island dedicated to honoring and preserving Black history, located in Providence.

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What they’re saying

“We are representative of Cape Verdean histories, of African histories, of African descendants or slaves, and Afro-Latino histories. We're bringing that all together under one roof to really tell an explorative and historical moment that incorporates many more diasporas than people usually consider.”

— Dr. Melanie Ferdinand-King, Inaugural Curator (WPRI.com)

“What we're trying to do is impose a different culture, show another way of living, of being in the world, and to find some real solutions as to how we can come together in harmony and build an alternative way of understanding ourselves and others.”

— Dr. Melanie Ferdinand-King, Inaugural Curator (WPRI.com)

What’s next

The museum will celebrate its grand opening on April 4, 2026, from 2-6 p.m.

The takeaway

The opening of the African American Museum of Rhode Island represents a significant step forward in honoring and preserving the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the state's Black community. By providing a dedicated space to showcase diverse histories and experiences, the museum aims to spark conversations, encourage community engagement, and foster a greater understanding and appreciation of Black history in Rhode Island.