Augusta University museum studies students take a walk down history lane

Augusta University’s museum studies students recently took a field trip to the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and got a chance to hear about the rich historical events, people and architecture of the area.

The Certificate in Museum Studies at Augusta University seeks to help students gain an understanding of museum management, collection and care, as well as the creation, interpretation and evaluation of exhibits.

Stacey Thompson, a lecturer for the program, wanted her students to get in the habit of going out in the field and exploring the historical art scene in Augusta. Led by Corey Rogers, an Augusta native, historian and voting member of the Public Art Advisory Panel for the Greater Augusta Arts Council, Rogers made sure the students knew they were walking on historical grounds.

Rogers led the students to the Laney museum, which has not yet re-opened after an extensive exhibition update. Rogers gave a speech about the impact that Lucy Craft Laney had on the Augusta community, and how her house now serves as Delta Sigma Theta’s Augusta headquarters. Laney is the founder of the first school for Black students in Augusta, and she worked as a teacher and an advocate for equal education for African Americans.

Historical Black fraternity and sorority houses such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity are adjacent to the museum.

Rogers then led students to the Wallace Branch Library, which has a mosaic map of the Golden Blocks Project on display on the side of the building. The Golden Blocks Project is a public art project in collaboration with the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and the Greater Augusta Arts Council that brings awareness and attention to historical Black businesses operating in Augusta during the 1960s.

“The Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History is truly a cultural and historical treasure,” said Thompson. “Augusta University museum studies and honor students enjoyed a riveting tour of the Golden Blocks. They learned about the importance of Black history, the local community and the long-awaited unveiling of the updated museum.”