By Pam Brown Courtney
Have you ever wanted to have the knowledge of the past while in the present to use for the future? That can be done in Little Rock, AR, inside a beautifully, stunning place called the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center located 501 W. 9th St. No matter how many words are used to describe it, none can describe it better the experience of a tour.
What a gorgeous step back in time! Inside the three-story Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, visitors can learn about African American history and culture. Rebuilt just as it stood nearly 100 years ago in 1913, the center officially opened in September of 2008. Tours are free to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
The gifts of knowledge in the classy Cultural Center are under the supervision of museum director H.L. McGill. If it is about the African American past from 1870s to the present in Arkansas, he tries to make sure it’s available for display in the Center. Although a visit to the museum is free, there is a cost for operation. So, donations are gratefully received.
Where the building stands was part of a thriving, successful African American historical business hub in Little Rock, AR. The Mosaic Templars, who started as a fraternal organization, became a business that sold burial insurance. It had members in 39 states as well as 9 foreign countries. It is known as being one of the largest African American businesses in the world. Within the first month they had over 400 members and an estimate of over 200,000 members at its peak.
Since each passing moment becomes a piece of history, there is an ever-growing collection of historical artifacts in the Center. A genealogy lab is available for public use on the second floor to help preserve the history of African Americans in Arkansas. On the third floor visitors can find displays of famous Arkansans in the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame rooms and a room for special events that is available for public rental. The first floor is home to pieces of Arkansas’ black history. Strolling through the Center’s dazzling displays of documents, pictures and art, visitors can read and listen to lessons of the past. Also on the first floor, visitors will find a store sells all sorts of items connected about the African American life in Arkansas as well as books, local crafts, art jewelry and one-of-a kind-items.
The museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting and celebrating African American history, culture and community in Arkansas from 1870 to the present, and informs and educates the public about black achievements – especially in business, politics and the arts. That’s what the website (www.mosaictemplarscenter.com) says, and walking through the Center, anyone can know that is definitely what it does.
Groups that have more than 10 to 15 people in the group are asked to make a reservation. That way, a tour can be arranged for those groups.
As African Americans it is our responsibility to make sure that our history is past on to the next generation. We appreciate others who make an attempt to tell our story. However, no one can tell our story better than we can. Do your part and take some of our children, the next generation, to visit the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. The visit will be rewarding for all who attend.
