International African American Museum taking shape in Charleston

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — A vision for the City of Charleston will soon become a reality. The International African American Museum is expected to be coming to the Lowcountry by 2021.

It’s a massive construction project that has taken nearly two decades to come into fruition. Former Charleston Mayor, Joe Riley, said it was something that couldn’t happen overnight.

“This museum is so important to our country and beyond. And so to see it at the part where groundbreaking occurs, it’s very thrilling,” said Riley.

Riley has been heavily involved with making this museum possible for the Lowcountry. He said it’s thrilling to watch it take shape.

“It took a long time. And it’s good that it did. We didn’t rush it. We were careful. Heard the voices and got the best people,” Riley added.

The International African Museum will tell the story of an unforgotten past. Museum leaders said the grounds the museum will stand on, will do a lot of the talking.

“This was a very important site for the importation of large numbers of Africans that will be enslaved here in South Carolina,” said Interim CEO for the International African American Museum Bernard Powers.

Some of the unforgotten past still exists today. Including portions of the original Gadsden’s Wharf seawall.

“When the foreign slave trade finally ended to the United States, this was the place. This was literally the site here at Gadsden’s Wharf, where it ended to the country,” said Powers.

Riley said this is an important moment for the United States and Charleston.

“We have a duty here in Charleston. To help present this history. So that we as Americans, better understand our history,” said Riley.

The construction began earlier in the summer. However, the official groundbreaking ceremony will be held this Friday.