The International African American Museum is going all out for Black History Month with new exhibits, author talks, and more.

After more than two tenner of provision and preparation , Charleston’sInternational African American Museumis eventually open to the public . Set at the site of the former Gadsen ’s Wharf — where almost one-half of the enslaved Africans entered this country — the fresh institution is a deeply moving look at the historic and ethnic shock of slavery .

The museum is made up of 12 permanent exhibitions that share untold story of African Americans through a multifariousness of educational , aesthetic , and immersive display . Highlights include a digital table function that provides a geographic reason of African - American history in South Carolina , as well as an huge LED installation that concenter on Black Atlantic interconnection .

There ’s also a 3,000 - square - foot rotating exhibit blank space , which currently domiciliate an exhibit calledFeeling the Futurethat explore the workplace of creative person Ming Smith . In accolade of Black History Month , the museum is host a ticket of author public lecture , children ’s events , and more , so check out thecalendaron the museum ’s website to plan your sojourn .

International African American Museum Charleston

Photo by Greg Noire, courtesy of International African American Museum

Another attractor that sets this historical space apart is the groundbreakingCenter for Family History , an extended genealogy subroutine library with digital versions of historic photos , union and military records , and other archival resourcefulness for anyone see to expose information about their inheritance that may have otherwise been fall back in history .

About 13 foot below the museum , visitant will be able to see the historic pier , which is now home to the African Ancestors Memorial Garden . The area is accented by Canary Island palms and artwork induction like the Tide Tribute , a intuitive presentment of the transatlantic slave trade ’s inhumane conditions , and the mankind , women and kid sentenced to a life of bondage in the United States .

If you ’re move to see this archival during Black History Month or beyond , you ’ll want to have sex where to appease , what to eat , and what other thing you should do in Charleston . So when you ’re not at the IAAM , here ’s some fun thing to do around the region .

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Drive time:

About 4 hour and 45 arcminute from Atlanta , Georgia

More things to do in Charleston:

One museum just is n’t enough for your trip to Charleston — you have to bump off up theSouth Carolina Museumor theHalsey Institute of Contemporary Artas well . Since your day will be filled exploring the museum halls , head toMusic FarmorThe Commodorefor unforgettable live performance when the sun sets on this historical coastal area . If you ’re still wait for a dose of history after dark , Nightly Spiritsis an evening walk spell through historical downtown Charleston .

Where to stay in Charleston:

Less than a naut mi from the International African American Museum , there are several location for you to lay your head once the day ’s activities are done . Boutique hotel likeHotel Emeline , The Spectator Hotel , andMarket Pavilionare all fashionable property with depart Southern - fashion blueprint detail that ’ll be the perfect stead to reload for another day of museum geographic expedition .

Best restaurants and bars in Charleston:

Charleston is known for its second - to - none cuisine , so you ’d be hard pressed not to find a whole repast at some of their awe-inspiring eatery . Head to the iconicLeon ’s Oyster Shopfor their namesake raw bar point or have a heartier meal of the famous whole hog pork sandwich and a slate of sides at the original position ofRodney Scott ’s BBQ . If it ’s soul nutrient you ’re after , look no further thanBertha ’s Kitchen , an foundation that ’s been slinging psyche nutrient since 1981 . In the dawning , stop byEarly Bird DinerorMillers All Dayfor greasy spoonful classics before hitting the road .

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Photo by Devon Sayers

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African Ancestors Memorial Garden|Photo by Devon Sayers