Diaspora Connections Unlimited

The Griot is....

the first cultural institution in St. Louis that is solely dedicated to revealing the broad scope of Black History and culture.  Only the second of its kind in the country, The Griot Museum of Black History opened as The Black World History Wax Museum in February 1997.  In 2009, we hit upon what seems to be the perfect name “The Griot (pronounced “GREE-OH”) Museum of Black History ("The Griot”).  Our new name more accurately reflects what we do -- collect, preserve, interpret, and share the stories, culture, and history of Black people - particularly highlighting their regional connection to American history. The core galleries of The Griot include life-size wax figures, other art, artifacts, and memorabilia to help interpret the stories of Black people who have  contributed to our country’s development.  Visitors can “meet” and learn about Carter G. Woodson, Josephine Baker, Dred and Harriet Scott, Elizabeth Keckley, William Wells Brown, James Milton Turner, Clark Terry, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Rev. Earl. E. Nance Sr., Miles Davis, Madame C.J. Walker, York, Percy Green, Macler Shepard, Chief Sherman George, and others.

The Griot’s interpretative program includes an authentic slave cabin, originally built on the Wright-Smith plantation in Jonesburg, Missouri.  Visitors can solve puzzles view documentary videos, and “board” a scale model section of a ship that replicates those used to transport Africans to America during the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

The Museum hosts national and local touring arts and humanities exhibits.  Community  education programs, artists gallery talks, and cultural celebrations enhance The Griot’s community outreach efforts