Our History

The Central Pennsylvania African American Museum is located at a stop of the Underground Railroad at the Old Bethel AME Church at 119 North 10th St. in Reading, PA. The vision of Frank Gilyard, Sr., a local historian, is the impetus behind the Central Pennsylvania African American Museum which was established at this location ten years ago.

For over 30 years, Frank has collected and catalogued the art, documents, court records and books which focuses on local African American history in the Reading and Berks County area. His collection is a journey through the last 177 years and a critical, but undiscovered chapter in our community's development. 

This collection is not only a journey of African Americans from the slave ship to the space ship, but also an undiscovered chapter of the contribution African Americans have made in our community development.

Our Vision

From the slave ship to the space ship...

The newly expanded museum and cultural center will provide a permanent home for the museum collection while providing a comprehensive source of education and awareness of the history and the people involved in slaves migration to freedom and the underground railroad.

The exhibits and materials will provide a valuable resource for K-12 educational institutions by establishing a partnership with the local school districts to have the museum be part of their social studies and language arts curriculum.  We are working in conjunction with the five colleges and universities in the area to establish a partnership where their teachers and staff will have a link to the museum as a research tool.

The museum will include a cultural center and multipurpose hall which will be available to lease by civic and social organizations.

Floor Plans Take a look at the plans for the future

Grand Re-Opening

Phase 1 Re-Opens April ??, 2011

Join us for the grand re-opening of the Central Pennsylvania African American Museum.

• Where:119 North 10th St. in Reading, PA
• When: Date here
• Time: Hours

Project Members

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Donations Your Partnership is Vital!

We ask for your partnership with this project.  The Foundation has a demonstrated interest in the educational development of our youth, especially for those in underrepresented minority communities. Your donation will enable us to continue with this important mission to our community.