The Plano African American Museum was brought to life online in 2021 by then Plano West Senior High student Zara Jones, who created the website for a Girl Scout project.
The museum first opened in 2006, but closed a few years later due to lack of funding. When Jones took on the museum’s online presence in 2021, all of the exhibits that were in the original museum, plus some obtained from additional research, were added online.
Located in the Douglass neighborhood, the museum’s new board of directors and several volunteers have been working on restoring the interior, expanding the museum’s permanent collection and adding some temporary collections.
“This is a place where people can come in and learn more about their own family genealogy and personal history,” said Dollie Thomas, a member of the PAAM board of directors and daughter of the museum’s original champion, Ben Thomas.
The museum will reopen on June 17 ahead of Juneteenth festivities with an opening exhibition called “This is Douglass: Faith, Family, Forever.” The exhibition will showcase a collection of photos, children’s arts and crafts and a glimpse into the lives of the Douglass family. The museum will be open to the public from 2-7 p.m.
“We hope that guests will come to the Douglass Community on opening day not only to experience the museum, but to see the rich history of our neighborhood, including the historic Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, the L.A. Davis Cemetery, and the mosaic mural ‘Tracks of Our Past and Future,’” said Dollie. The mosaic is located at the east end of 12th Place.
Other Juneteenth activities will take place down the street at the Douglass Community Center at 1111 H Ave from 2 to 8 p.m. the same day. The festivities start on June 17 with the City of Plano’s Juneteenth Day Parade, which will start at 2 p.m. on the corner of Avenue I and 13th Street and finish at the Boys & Girls Club on Avenue G.
Following the parade, the Douglass Community is hosting a King of the Grill barbecue contest and car show.
On June 18, Legacy Hall’s Lexus Box Garden is hosting a Juneteenth fashion show and after party with Project Runway season 17 fashion designer Venny Etienne and radio personality Lady Jade.
Those wanting to support the PAAM can make a donation or become a member at planoafricanamericanmuseum.org. Donations support maintenance of the building and growth of exhibits and programs.
