African-American Historical & Cultural Museum

09/08/2026

We have more great news!!

09/07/2026

Mystery Monday – Week 4

Welcome back to Mystery Monday!

This week's photograph features a soldier proudly dressed in military uniform, but unfortunately, we know very little about the individual or the story behind the image. We're hoping our community can help us honor this veteran by uncovering their history.

Can you help us identify:

• Who is this soldier?
• Which branch of the military did they serve in?
• When was this photograph taken?
• Where was it taken?
• What can you tell us about their military service or their connection to Waterloo's African American community?

Every veteran has a story worth preserving. If you recognize this individual or know anything about their service, please share your memories in the comments. Even a small detail could help us honor their legacy and preserve an important piece of our community's history.

Please share this post and tag someone who may recognize this soldier.

09/06/2026

09/05/2026

Did you know our fundraising barometer has a name? Meet Ned!

Ned has been patiently waiting for that bar to rise, and we think it’s time to get him moving.

Don’t keep Ned waiting! Help us fill the barometer and support the future of the museum by donating today at aahcmuseum.org.

Every donation moves us a little closer to the top!

08/31/2026

Mystery Monday – Week 3

It's time for another Mystery Monday!

This week's photograph appears to capture a church gathering, but that's about all we know. The image is part of the African American Historical & Cultural Museum's archives, and we're hoping our community can help fill in the missing pieces.

Can you help us identify:

• Who are the individuals in this photograph?
• Which church is this?
• When was the photo taken?
• What was the occasion or event?
• Why is this gathering significant to Waterloo's African American community?

Whether you recognize a familiar face, remember the church, or know the story behind the event, your memories can help us preserve an important part of our shared history.

Please share your thoughts in the comments, tag someone who may recognize the people or place, and help us uncover another chapter of Waterloo's history.

08/30/2026

Please visit Aahcmuseum.org to learn more about our exciting initiatives and discover how you can become an advocate for the museum. We’d love to have you join us in supporting and celebrating our mission!

08/24/2026

Mystery Monday – Week 2

Every photograph has a story. Help us uncover this one.

This week's Mystery Monday features a photo of 15 individuals gathered around a dinner table in what appears to be a crowded basement gathering space. Was it a family reunion, church supper, club meeting, holiday celebration, or something else? We don't know, but someone in our community might.

Can you help us identify:

• Who are the people in this photo?
• Where was it taken?
• When was this gathering held?
• What was the occasion?
• Why is this moment important to Waterloo's African American history?

Even if you only recognize one face, one family, or one small detail, your memory could help preserve an important piece of our community's history.

Please share your thoughts in the comments, share this post, and tag someone who may recognize the people or the location.

08/22/2026

We want to thank the amazing students from the University of Northern Iowa for helping clean the museum grounds, and the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley for organizing this. We truly appreciate all of your hard work!

08/17/2026

Mystery Monday at the AAHCM!

Help us uncover the stories behind our history!

Every Monday, we'll share a photograph from our archives that has little or no context. We need your help identifying the who, what, when, where, why, and significance of the people, places, and events captured in each image.

Do you recognize a face? Know a family? Remember a business, church, school, or event? Even the smallest detail could help us preserve an important piece of Waterloo's African American history.

Follow along every Monday, share your memories in the comments, and help us discover the history hidden in these photographs.