THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM AT THE ENGLAND MANOR

Step into history at The African American Museum at the England Manor.

Lake County's only comprehensive African American museum.

Whether you're a local resident, student, or visitor, you're invited to

experience powerful stories, rare artifacts, and rich cultural heritage

that honor the resilience, brilliance, and legacy of African Americans.

Located in the heart of Waukegan, IL, our museum offers guided tours,

special exhibits, and community events that educate and inspire.

Discover the untold history that helped shape our nation and

see why so many leave feeling empowered and connected.


We can’t wait to welcome you.

Come learn, connect, and celebrate with us.

Step into history at The African American Museum at the England Manor. Lake County's only comprehensive African American museum.

Whether you're a local resident, student, or visitor, you're invited to experience powerful stories, rare artifacts, and rich cultural heritage that honor the resilience, brilliance, and legacy of African Americans.

Located in the heart of Waukegan, IL, our museum offers guided tours, special exhibits, and community events that educate and inspire. Discover the untold history that helped shape our nation and

see why so many leave feeling empowered and connected.


We can’t wait to welcome you.

Come learn, connect, and celebrate with us.

LET ME TELL MY STORY

We invite the elders of our community to share their stories at the African American Museum. Your experiences, memories, and wisdom are powerful parts of our shared history. By telling your story, you help preserve the legacy of our people and inspire future generations. Join us in keeping our history alive—one story at a time.

Explore The Museum

FEATURE IN HISTORY

Frederick Douglass’s 1852 speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” stands as one of the most powerful indictments of American hypocrisy in the face of slavery. Delivered to the Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society, the speech boldly exposes the contradiction between the nation’s celebration of liberty and its ongoing oppression of millions of enslaved African Americans.

Douglass begins by acknowledging the Founding Fathers and their courage in securing freedom from British rule. However, he quickly shifts the tone, making it clear that the liberties celebrated on the Fourth of July were not extended to Black Americans. For enslaved people, he argues, Independence Day is a cruel reminder of their continued bondage and suffering. “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine,” Douglass declares, making a clear distinction between the promises of the nation and the lived reality of the enslaved.

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With razor-sharp rhetoric, Douglass challenges his audience to confront the immorality of slavery, describing it not as a complex issue, but a clear and present evil. He does not plead for recognition; instead, he demands justice. He calls out the church, the government, and the legal system for their complicity in upholding slavery, insisting that silence in the face of such injustice is itself a moral failure.

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Douglass’s speech is both a moral reckoning and a call to action. It forces America to look in the mirror and confront the gap between its ideals and its practices. More than 170 years later, the speech remains deeply relevant, reminding us that true patriotism requires honesty, courage, and a relentless pursuit of justice for all.

UPCOMING EVENTS

IN THE NEWS

LEARN YOUR GENEALOGY

The African American Museum at the England Manor helps individuals discover their genealogy through workshops, archival materials, oral histories, and guided research. By connecting visitors with tools and knowledge to trace their roots, the museum empowers families to reclaim their heritage, understand their past, and inspire future generations with pride and purpose.

The African American Museum at the England Manor helps individuals discover their genealogy through workshops, archival materials, oral histories, and guided research. By connecting visitors with tools and knowledge to trace their roots, the museum empowers families to reclaim their heritage, understand their past, and inspire future generations with pride and purpose.

PLAN A VISIT

Experience the rich history and cultural legacy at the African American Museum at England Manor. We welcome reserved guests with guided tours. Whether you're a student, history enthusiast, or first-time visitor, our exhibits offer powerful stories and meaningful insights.

$10

ADULT

$5

STUDENT

FREE FOR

CHILDREN UNDER 6

$5

SENIOR CITIZENS

FREE FOR

MEMBERS & ACTIVE MILITARY

EXHIBITIONS

The African American Museum at England Manor features a rich tapestry of exhibitions that celebrate the perseverance, achievements, and cultural heritage of African Americans. Our exhibits bring history to life through powerful artifacts, photographs, documents, and personal stories. Visitors can journey through themed rooms that highlight the African American experience in education, faith, business, and community life. Each exhibit offers a unique opportunity to learn, reflect, and be inspired by the enduring legacy of Black history.

AFRICA

THE MIDDLE PASSAGE

THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

40 ACRES AND A MULE

CONTEMPORARY BLACK AMERICA

COLLECTIONS

The African American Museum at England Manor features diverse array of collections that celebrate the resilience, creativity, and legacy of African Americans. Our curated exhibits provide a meaningful journey through history, highlighting the achievements and contributions of African Americans across generations

Mission Statement

The African American Museum at the England Manor is committed to preserving and celebrating the rich history and cultural heritage of African Americans by engaging communities through education, meaningful conversations, and cultural experiences. We aim to build bridges of understanding and unity to help reduce conflict and foster a society that embraces diversity and harmony.

Newsletter

Sign up for our African American Museum newsletter to celebrate and honor the vibrant history, culture, and achievements of African Americans. You’ll receive exclusive updates on upcoming exhibits, inspiring stories, community events, and educational programs that preserve and share our rich heritage.

Made possible by past and current sponsors.

© The African American Museum at the England Manor. 2025. All Rights Reserved.