Austin.com A Visit to the George Washington Carver Musuem and Cultural Center

In February, we celebrated Black History Month by remembering African Americans who have made such important contributions to our nation. During this time, we annually reflect on cultural events from the times of slavery through the present. But exploring this history is not limited to the month of February of course, and Austin’s George Washington Carver Museum and Culture Center invites visitors to honor African American culture all throughout the year.

The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center is dedicated to the collection, preservation, research and exhibition of African American historical and cultural material. The museum offers gallery exhibits, programs, classes, spring and summer camps, theatre productions, and a genealogy center. A popular location for school field trips and guided tours, the Carver Museum is also free and open to anyone who wishes to stop in and look around during regular museum hours.

My four-year-old joined me on a visit to the Carver Museum this week. Many of the exhibits are beyond his comprehension and attention-span, but he did enjoy playing for a little while in the the Children’s Gallery. This colorful, inviting room houses an exhibit entitled Let’s Pretend Dr. Carver!, which provides a look at famous African American scientists and inventors. My son, of course, was most fascinated with the info about Lonnie Johnson, the inventor of the Super Soaker water gun!

Beyond the children’s room, you’ll find a few artifacts from Dr. Carver, the American scientist, botanist, educator, and inventor. You’ll also discover three main exhibits:

Juneteenth Exhibit: This is the museum’s core exhibit and is dedicated to the history and evolution of
Juneteenth.
Families Exhibit: This permanent exhibit highlights 10
African American families who have contributed greatly to Central Texas.
Jack White “Neo-Totems” Exhibit- In this rotating exhibit space, artist Jack White will have his works on display March 13-May 24, 2014. All are invited to the opening reception on March 13th from 6:30-8:30 PM.

If You Go with Little Ones…

The Carver Museum is located next to the Carver Branch of the Austin Public Library so you could check their schedule of events before you go and try to time your museum visit with a puppet show or story time next door. And behind the museum, you’ll find a grassy area and a tiny little playground suited for toddlers. Just down the street is also Eastside Pies, so you could easily work a little pizza picnic into your visit.