Poindexter Village African American Museum

Coming soon in 2028, discover one of the nation’s first public housing models designed specifically for African Americans.

Poindexter Village African American Museum

Poindexter Village African American Museum, an Ohio History Connection Site

History

Poindexter Village holds a significant place in American history as one of the nation’s first public housing models designed specifically for African Americans. Dedicated by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940, the neighborhood demonstrates the state of Ohio’s place in the national story of the Great Migration. Located on Columbus’ Near East Side, Poindexter Village was home to many African Americans relocating from the south, as well as Black servicemen and federal workers returning from World War II. Poindexter Village became the backdrop of countless stories demonstrating the cultural identity and resilience of the African American community. With its shared stoops, access to schools, churches, theaters and stores, residents felt safe and responsible for one another. It provided dignified housing to future artists, leaders, educators, professionals, social activists and families who prospered together.

Lift Every Legacy: Poindexter Village African American Museum Coming to Columbus in 2028

The Ohio History Connection's new Poindexter Village African American Museum is set to open in 2028 at 290 N. Champion Ave. This innovative new museum will preserve and celebrate Central Ohio's African American heritage, including Poindexter Village, which has had a long and transformative history as part of Columbus’ historic Near East Side.

The Opportunity

Following the neighborhood’s demolition in 2013, a visionary project emerged: an African American museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of Poindexter Village, while sharing the rich, untold story of the Black experience in this neighborhood and beyond. A space that reclaims the African American narrative and proudly tells the unique stories of the Poindexter Village residents that broke historical barriers and built an unbreakable community in the process. A space that nurtures understanding, inspires success and empowers future generations.

With support from the City of Columbus, the Ohio History Connection acquired the historic Poindexter Village site from the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) in 2017. Our vision is to transform the site into the Poindexter Village African American Museum, honoring the vibrant history of the neighborhood while addressing broader issues of public housing discrimination, redlining and Black culture.

Lift Every Legacy and Remembrance Alley Brick Campaign!

Paying tribute to the historic alley that once connected the original buildings, Remembrance Alley invites individuals, families and organizations to engrave their names, or the names of loved ones, into the pathways of the museum. Each brick will become a stepping stone of memory, weaving personal legacies into the enduring story of Poindexter Village. Costs will be $250 per brick and $500 per paver.

We invite you to join us in our Lift Every Legacy Campaign as we work to make this vision a reality. For questions or donation inquiries, call Development Officer Anthony Gibbs at 614.297.2477.

Order Your Brick Today
Give to the Lift Every Legacy Campaign Fund

“It was the kind of community where hard-working families flourished.”

-Aminah Robinson

Our Staff

Shelbi Toone, Project Director

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Rob Dehart, Associate Curator

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Anthony Gibbs, Development Officer

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Special Thanks to our Partners

Center of Urban and regional Analysis at The Ohio State University (CURA)

In partnership with CURA, we are developing an interactive exhibit that explores the evolution and transformation of central Ohio's historically Black neighborhoods.

Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA)

Poindexter Village was established under the housing authority. CMHA has been a strong supporter of the museum and has been a significant sponsor of the annual Drum Circle event.

James Preston Poindexter Foundation (JPPF)

This grassroots organization is committed to preserving Poindexter Village and ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come by offering historical insight and community guidance. JPPF is a founding partner for this project. Learn more about JPPF here!

Union Grove Baptist Church

Located next to Poindexter Village, the church, established in 1888, is a cornerstone of the Near East Side and a partner in the museum's vision and story.

The City of Columbus

The city is supporting the construction, operation and curation of the museum, while also providing essential resources to ensure its successful completion.

 

Poindexter Village African American Museum needs your support! Whether you're looking to give, donate or become an ambassador, your support will help us bring the vision of African American museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of Poindexter Village, while sharing the rich, untold story of the Black experience in this neighborhood and beyond.