# Learn About African American Museum Missouri

- Link: https://comsac.com/reference-education/learn-about-african-american-museum-missouri
- Published: 2016-04-12T14:37:29-06:00
- Author: Margaret Schmidt

The state of Missouri is the18th most populous state in the United States. The United
States Census Bureau in 2015 estimated the total population in this state to be 
6,083,672, with 84% of this population being whites. The black community constitute
11% of this population, putting them in the second position. The [African American museum Missouri](http://amoureuxhouse.org)
is perhaps an indication of roles played by these individuals in building the nation.

From these statistics, it can be deduced that the blacks have a major role to play
in the economic development of this state. They constitute significant percentages
of the States workforce hence effectively contributing to the economy of this state
through their tax remissions and also the supply of labor force.

African Americans first set foot in Missouri as slaves in 1719, and they were brought
by Phillippe Francois Renault to work for the French mining venture. The rules that
governed the treatment of these slaves were set aside Louis XV, the then king of
France. These rules persisted even in the Spanish regime.

After the historic Louisiana Purchase, new laws were introduced that provided for
the freedom of wrongfully enslaved individuals. Many African Americans attained 
the independence status, although gathering and traveling restrictions were still
in place due to the fear of white people that the blacks might form a rebellion.
Many African Americans rose against these regulations to ensure complete freedom.

To remember the many historical experiences that the people of African origin went
through, various sites and museums were constructed in that state. The first of 
these historical places is the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site. It is the
former residence of Scott Joplin, the one who lived here between 1900 and 1903. 
In 1983, the state of Missouri made it the first historical site in honor of this
community.

Franklin Roosevelt also founded a museum in1943 to honor one of the greatest botanists
of this country; George Washington Carver. Carver was born by slave parents, and
this did not deter him from achieving his ambitions in science, earning him the 
title the Black Leonardo. The George Washington Carver National Monument currently
stands at his former residence.

In 1990, a small room was privately founded in order to preserve the history and
records of Negro League Baseball history. The Negro League Baseball Museum now sits
on a 10,000-square-feet space in Kansas Citys Vine District. In 2003, funds for 
this great historic symbol were raised at the release of the bibliographical film
by Harrison Ford, 42.

Missouri State also hosts the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, which was
made in honor of Bruce Watkins, a former political activist who also doubled up 
as a social activist. He is the first black to join the Kansas City Council, an 
elected position. In 1966, he stood for the Kansas City Mayors position, a thing
that had never been tried by any African American.

A visit to any of these museums equips a person with the knowledge of this rich 
history of the African American community not only in Missouri but the United States
in general.

To explore our [African American museum Missouri](http://amoureuxhouse.org) locals
should pay a visit to the main home page. Here is the link that contains further
info at http://amoureuxhouse.org.