The Development of the Black Museum Movement after World War II:the Establishment of the DuSable Museum of African American History

• Main Authors: Hsu, Mei-Chu, 徐美珠
• Other Authors: Shih-Deh C. Chou
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/99401358584581426774

碩士 === 輔仁大學 === 歷史研究所 === 99 === The United States is a multiethnic nation. While the founding fathers claim that all men are created equal, the Blacks（African Americans）are not regarded as one of them. The Blacks had suffered from segregation and discrimination almost from the very beginning, especially after the implementation of Jim Crow laws since 1860s . The laws not only deprived Blacks of the political and economic equal treatment, but of the Black’s self-respect. For terminating the plight that the Blacks endured, the Blacks initiated Civil Rights Movement in 1950s. And during the difficult years, some cultural institutions such as museums in the University, churches, and associations tried to promote the collections of Black history and culture. After WWII, about 290 Black museums operated by the Blacks were established to preserve Black historical relics and heritage. It signified that the power to interpret Blacks history came back to their own hands. This thesis is synthesized the development of American museums and the wakening of Blacks consciousness, as exemplified by the development of Black Museum Movement, evidenced by the establishment of The DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago. It also explores the commitment of the Blacks to preserve their own culture, witnessed by the struggling of Blacks for equal status in American history.