Quantia Fletcher is the executive director of the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (MTCC), one of only three African American history museums in the South. She proudly explained that the Cultural Center is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, an accomplishment only three percent of the 33,000 museums in the United States have achieved. Pre-COVID-19, Fletcher began a four-stage campaign, “Same Mission; New Vision,” to renovate and expand the center in downtown Little Rock.

A $250,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services has helped MTCC achieve some of the campaign goals. The campaign is nearing its second stage and to celebrate this milestone, the museum will have a grand re-opening in September. By partnering with Exhibit Concepts, an award-winning event marketing partner based in Ohio, MTCC has updated and expanded the exhibits.

Music has been incorporated and the exhibits are now interactive. Visitors will step into an impressive 360-degree theater upon arriving. Next, guests can guide themselves through the museum at their own pace using their phones and explore the expanded timeline of the museum, which now ends in the 1970s. As you exit through the gift shop be sure to support local Black artisans and check out the items for sale which are “Arkansas Made, Black Crafted.” The already family-friendly museum just got better for those with little ones.

The Cultural Center is now home to the only children’s museum for African American history in the country. The common thread is equality and fairness but set in the context of African American history, activism, and civil rights. During the planning, accessibility was a priority. All children will have equitable access to the space and the tour is self-guided.

The play centered approach captures the attention of children and makes for a memorable experience. “Lack of knowledge of Arkansas Black history is due in part to the lack of exposure to museums as children,” said Fletcher. “African American museums are relatively new.” Exposing children and young people to museums is a tool to educate the next generation. When asked if there is a field trip or family visit to a museum that she still reminisces about, Fletcher said the Cultural Center will make a lasting impression on its youngest visitors. MTCC, located on historic Ninth Street downtown, has acquired land adjacent to the building and will soon host events and festivals for the community.

New opportunities for sponsorship and philanthropy are on the horizon as well. In celebration of Black History Month, the Cultural Center has events planned all month long. Every Saturday at noon, there is a kids storytime. An event honoring Scipio Africanus Jones, who was a defense attorney and civil rights activist, is also on the calendar. Be sure to check out all the Black History events offered. As part of the Division of Arkansas Heritage, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, a museum of Arkansas Heritage, is dedicated to preserving, interpreting and celebrating African American history and culture in Arkansas.