Poindexter Village African American Museum Case for Support
About the Ohio History Connection
The Ohio History Connection is Ohio’s premier nonprofit historical organization, dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich, diverse stories that define our state.
Established in 1885, we manage more than 50 historic sites and museums across Ohio, care for nearly 2 million artifacts in our state’s collections and archives, administer Ohio’s historic preservation office and engage thousands of students each year though immersive educational experiences
With a reputation for excellence across the state and nation, the Ohio History Connection creates pathways for all people to understand our world by exploring Ohio’s past.
Our Mission
We spark discovery of Ohio’s stories by embracing the present, sharing the past and transforming the future
Our Vision
We envision a world where Ohioans and our communities connect through history We help them make those connections and deepen pride in Ohio
Poindexter Village
Poindexter Village holds a significant place in American history as one of the nation’s first public housing models designed specifically for African Americans. Dedicated by Franklin D Roosevelt in 1940, the neighborhood demonstrates the state of Ohio’s place in the national story of the Great Migration Located on Columbus’ Near East Side, Poindexter Village was home to many people of color relocating from the south, as well as Black servicemen and federal workers returning from World War II
Poindexter Village became the backdrop of countless stories demonstrating the cultural identity and resilience of the Black community With its shared stoops, access to schools, churches, theaters and stores, residents felt safe and responsible for one another It provided dignified housing to future artists, leaders, educators, professionals, social activists and families who prospered together
Poindexter Village was named in honor of Reverend James Preston Poindexter, a relentless abolitionist and leader for the African American community in central Ohio before and after the Civil War A civil rights activist, conductor on the Underground Railroad, politician and pastor of the Second Baptist Church, Poindexter was a man of integrity, faith, respect and one who had a lifelong pursuit of social justice
“A Street Called Home” “A Street Called Home”
Rev ter: Co ero
For generations, Poindexter Village was a flourishing, close-knit community and a hub for Black culture and success However, racially biased policies and systemic inequities slowly eroded its foundation, while disinvestment in infrastructure contributed to its decline By the turn of the 21st century, the neighborhood was slated for demolition due to the outdated condition of the buildings
Despite a dedicated and passionate effort to preserve Poindexter Village, 33 of the original 35 buildings were demolished beginning in 2013 as part of a larger effort to revitalize the Near East Side
More than just a historic landmark, the two remaining Poindexter Village buildings stand as a testament to the perseverance of those who called Poindexter Village home.
Current photos of Poindexter Village interior
The Opportunity
Following the neighborhood’s demolition, a visionary project emerged: an African American museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of Poindexter Village, while sharing the rich, untold story of the Black experience in this neighborhood and beyond. A space that reclaims the African American narrative and proudly tells the unique stories of the Poindexter Village residents that broke historical barriers and built an unbreakable community in the process. A space that nurtures understanding, inspires success and empowers future generations.
With support from the City of Columbus, the Ohio History Connection acquired the historic Poindexter Village site from the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) in 2017
Our vision is to transform the site into the Poindexter Village African American Museum, honoring the vibrant history of the neighborhood while addressing broader issues of public housing discrimination, redlining and Black culture
The conceptual designs were envisioned by Moody Nolan.
Intentional Planning
A Decade of Celebration, Collaboration, and Progress
Partnerships for Success
We have been intentional in building strong relationships with key community partners to garner their support and foster collaboration
Partners include:
For several years, we have been laying the foundation for this museum through a series of strategic plans and studies in collaboration with external partners This groundwork has shaped the museum ' s vision, ensuring it is driven by purpose, informed by the community and rooted in sustainability
Completed studies include:
Interpretive Plan
Set the museum ’ s vision by identifying potential themes, messages, programs, and exhibits to tell the Poindexter Village story through an engaging visitor experience
Market and Operating Plan Study
Analyzed market and economic factors that are integral to the success of the museum ’ s development and ongoing operations
Museum Experience & Campus Visioning Study
Outlined strategies to position the museum as a regional and national heritage site that adds value to its historic King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood
Conceptual Design Package
Provided preliminary renderings and site maps of the campus and museum
James Preston Poindexter Foundation (JPPF)
JPPF is a volunteer advocacy group of community members, former Poindexter Village residents, preservationists and historians who coalesced to preserve the two remaining buildings JPPF is a founding partner for this project
Union Grove Baptist Church
Located next to Poindexter Village, this historic church has been a cornerstone of the Near East Side’s cultural identity for more than 135 years We formalized a collaborative partnership with Union Grove, integrating the church into the museum ' s vision and story.
The City of Columbus
With a financial commitment exceeding $2 million, the city is supporting the construction, operation and curation of the museum, while also providing essential resources to ensure its successful completion
The State of Ohio
As the state’s partner in preserving and sharing Ohio’s history, we received state appropriations in support of the project
1880-1884
1818
James Preston Poindexter was born in Richmond, Virginia
1862-1893
Poindexter served as Pastor of Second Baptist Church
Poindexter served as Vice President of Columbus City Council 1907
2016-2017
1939
Construction of Poindexter Village began
2013
CMHA began demolition of Poindexter Village.
Ohio History Connection Board of Trustees voted to acquire the remaining two buildings and took ownership in 2017
2022
Poindexter died in Columbus of pneumonia
1940
President Franklin D Roosevelt dedicated Poindexter Village on its opening day.
2014
JPPF was founded to ensure the preservation of the remaining two buildings
2019
Poindexter Village became a state historic site with the passage of Ohio Senate Bill 192, which was sponsored by Senator Hearcel Craig.
2020
Interpretive Plan competed in partnership with 106 Group
Market and Operating Plan Study completed by ConsultEcon, Inc , in partnership with Renter Mentor
2024
Amplifier added significance of Union Grove Baptist Church to the Interpretive Plan
2021
Shelbi Toone was hired as the project director and site manager for the museum
2023
Museum Experience & Campus Visioning Study completed with REALM Collaborative
The Campus Vision
The museum ' s campus stretches across 1.42 acres on the Near East Side, providing an expansive canvas to create a hub for the culture.
Entry Plaza & Park
Central to the campus are the two remaining historic apartment buildings, which together encompass 12,000 square feet of interior space The Ohio History Connection is preserving the buildings, ensuring they retain their authentic character and appearance These buildings will serve as the primary space for the museum, housing exhibits and programs that inspire, educate, and empower visitors through powerful storytelling. We plan to connect the two buildings on the North side of the campus, creating additional space for exhibits and amenities while preserving the original facades to remain visible to the public.
The visitor’s journey begins outside the museum at Drum Circle Plaza, which will provide guests with a space to pause and reflect before entering the museum Central to the park is the "Legacy Tree," a historic tree cherished by the local community This tree will serve as a dedicated space to honor the visionary historians whose stories shaped Poindexter Village. The park will also feature a Cultural Wall, inspired by the historic character of the Long Street wall, which celebrates the neighborhood’s rich legacy of art and culture Additional commemorative features will be integrated into the park
Historic Apartment Buildings
Gathering Courtyard
Poindexter Village was originally designed with shared courtyard spaces that gave residents space to connect and build community
We aim to honor that spirit by creating a gathering courtyard at the heart of the campus in partnership with Union Grove Baptist Church.
The courtyard will host cultural events, community gatherings, and thought-provoking discussions, becoming the focal point for the museum ’ s community engagement
The front porches along Champion Avenue were once gathering places where parents watched their children play and socialized with neighbors Our goal is to bring these scenes to life by installing life-sized sculptures based on historic images that capture the daily activities of the residents These statues will honor the experiences that shaped Poindexter Village.
Champion Avenue Porches
Exhibits and Programs
When guests visit the Poindexter Village African American Museum, they will be emersed in the stories, history and culture of the Black community
Apartments
The Poindexter Village apartments will be thoughtfully reimagined to provide an immersive glimpse into life in the 1940s and beyond, preserving the essence of this historic commun Each recreated apartment will reflect the distinctive charm and personal touches that defined the homes of Poindexter Village
Among the envisioned spaces is a dedicated tribute to the childhood home of celebrated artist Aminah Robinson, whose formative years in Poindexter Village deeply influenced her groundbreaking artistry and storytelling.
Exhibits
The museum will showcase permanent and temporary exhibits that vividly bring to life the history and experiences of Poindexter Village, as well as the broader African American community. Through immersive storytelling and displays, these exhibits will honor the rich cultural heritage, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped the community’s past and continue to influence its future.
Our team is carefully considering the topics, collections and themes to highlight throughout the space Stories we plan to tell include:
Historic cultural resilience
African American housing and education
Community legacy and neighborhood landmarks
Urban development
Redlining education
Black art and culture
Church history and impact
National African American heroes Underground Railroad
Programs
The museum will feature a dynamic range of programs, including educational workshops, special events and community outreach Visitors can look forward to guided tours, family-friendly activities and special access programs, alongside virtual offerings like online tours and interactive apps
Over the past few years, we have worked with community partners to stand up successful programs and events that highlight the museum’s mission. These initiatives will continue long after the museum ’ s completion, with plans to expand and evolve over time Some examples include:
A vibrant community event featuring drum circle performances by elders from the King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood This event has become a cornerstone of the museum ’ s mission, embodying its core values. Celebrated annually, it has grown into a signature experience that will shape the museum ’ s cultural impact for years to come
Youth Art Challenge
An annual initiative that gives students in Columbus City Schools and surrounding districts the opportunity to create artwork featured throughout the museum and integrated into its programming
Cultural Heritage Events
Community gatherings celebrating cultural and historic milestones of the Black community, including Jubilee Day, Juneteenth, and Kwanzaa.
Poindexter Village Drum Circle
Expected Outcomes
Filling a Gap
Over the past decade, African American museums have seen remarkable growth, with openings doubling from 1990 to 2010. However, most of these institutions are concentrated in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern U S , leaving a notable gap in the Midwest The Poindexter Village African American Museum has a unique opportunity to fill that gap by creating a museum where authentic voices and powerful storytelling bring Black history to life.
Educating our Community
The Poindexter Village African American Museum will offer dynamic and impactful educational programs designed to engage young people with the rich history of Black culture Through continuously evolving content, the museum will bring this vital history to life, reaching an estimated 600,000 students annually through programming and outreach. By focusing on educating the next generation, the Poindexter Village African American Museum will create lasting connections to the past while empowering youth to shape a more inclusive future
olstering Tourism and Awareness
urists of all backgrounds are increasingly drawn to African merican cultural institutions, with 36% of travelers citing the ailability of such attractions as a key factor in their destination oices (Mandala Research) This historic museum has the potential become a must-see destination in the greater Columbus area, tracting both local and out-of-state visitors while raising wareness of the community it celebrates.
Sustainability
The Poindexter Village African American Museum is committed to long-term sustainability through a comprehensive approach that leverages both institutional support and revenue-generating strategie
Operational Oversight
As a historic site managed by the Ohio History Conne the museum will benefit from our existing operations will provide administrative and fundraising support to sustain the museum The Poindexter Village African American Museum will also benefit from a targeted marketing strategy, supported by our marketing division, to drive and maintain attendance
Annual Revenue and Expenses
The Market Study and Operating Plan prepared by ConsultEcon, Inc offers a comprehensive analysis of the museum ' s attendance and operational potential This includes a detailed operating pro forma, operating budget and a thorough evaluation of earned revenue projections.
The annual operating expenses for the Poindexter Village African American Museum are estimated to be $495,000.
Earned Revenue
Estimated Annual Operating Expenses: $495,000
$171,000 Earned Revenue
$324,000 Contributions and Support
We anticipate 17,000 annual visitors, with additional revenue from facility rentals and special events, generating a total of $171,000 in earned income each year
Contributions and Support
The Ohio History Connection has a proven track record of securing philanthropic support through grants and foundations, and we are confident this success will extend to Poindexter Village Additionally, we are fortunate to receive consistent, ongoing financial backing through state capital and general revenue funds These funding sources give us confidence that we will be able to secure the contributions needed to ensure Poindexter Village’s long-term sustainability
The estimated total cost to bring the Poindexter Village African American Museum to life is $23.9 million.
$2M Professional Fees
$500K Apartment Restoration and Design $400K Staff Architect, engineering, construction manager, exhibit design and fundraising
$11.6 Million Campaign Goal
To achieve our goal, we are launching an $11 6 million campaign to raise the remaining funds needed to bring the Poindexter Village African American Museum vision to life Securing support from the public sector has been a top priority, and we are proud to share that, to date, $7.3 million in public funding has been secured with an additional $5 million pending. In addition, we have received early support from the private sector, including The Columbus Foundation.
Timeline
Campaign Preparation and Fundraising Campaign Planning Study Q2 2025Q3 2026 Q3 2026 Groundbreaking and Public Campaign Grand Opening
Q1 2028
A Message of Thanks
On behalf of the Ohio History Connection Board of Trustees and staff, thank you for your support of our mission and for taking time to learning about our vision to create the Poindexter Village African American Museum
Together, we can ensure that the legacy of Poindexter Village is honored and celebrated for generations to come.
Our Leadership
Poindexter Village Project Team
Shelbi Toone, Project Lead
Jerry Dannemiller, Executive Sponsor
Megan Wood, Executive Director & CEO
Jennifer Aultman, Chief Historic Sites
Bill Mahon, Director, Facilities Management
Carlos Lugos, Senior Facilities Architect
Sara Vandenbark, Architect
Charles Wash, NAAMCC Director
Hadley Drodge, Project Coordinator
Stacia Kuceyeski, Chief Operations Officer
Collections
Linda Collins, NAAMCC Collections Director
Elizabeth Wood, Director, Cultural Resources & Libraries
Programs
Lyn Logan Grimes, Manager, School & Inclusive Community Programs
Development
Ann Ruege, Chief Development Officer
Anthony Gibbs, Donor Relations Manager
Paulene Wilson, Grants Development Officer
SHPO
Diamond Crowder, National Survey Inventory & Registration
Kristen Koehlinger, Resource Protection & Review
Finance
Anita Ervin, Accounting Manager
Contact Information
Anthony Gibbs Donor Relations Manager
agibbs@ohiohistory.org 614.297.2477 ohiohistory org
Officers
CharleyMoses,President OhioTelecomAssociation
AnnBair,VicePresident
NationwideFinancialMarketing
Trustees
JanenneAllen Retired
SteveCoon CoonRestorationandSealant
JonT.Elsasser Retired
ChiefBillyW.Friend WyandotteNation
Board of Trustees
Melody Young, Treasurer Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors
Alex Hastie, Secretary Hastie Legal LLC
ChristopherGilcrest NationalMuseumoftheGreatLakes
Ex-Officios
GovernorMikeDewine Governor,StateofOhio
RobMcColley President,OhioSenate
SenatorNickieJ.Antonio MinorityLeader,OhioSenate
RepresentativeMattHuffman
Speaker,OhioHouseofRepresentatives
RepresentativeAllisonRusso
James B. Hadden Murray, Murphy, Moul & Basil LLP
Richard Hillis RH Resources
Anthony Joseph White Castle Management Co
Jen Miller League of Women Voters of Ohio
Betty Montgomery MacMurray & Schuster LLP
MinorityLeader,OhioHouseofRepresentatives
MelissaShaw
President,OhioLocalHistoryAlliance
ProfessorDanielRivers
President,OhioAcademyofHistory
Renu Ramankutty AXIA Consulting, Inc.
Robert M. Roach Northwestern Mutual
Kathleen Owen Russell Retired
Guadalupe Velasquez Welcoming City
Mike Duffey Chancellor, Ohio Department of Higher Education
Michael Woytek President, Ohio Academy of Science
Lydia Mihalik Director, Ohio Department of Development
Laura P. Battocletti Director, Capitol Square Review & Advisory Board
Melody Young Chair, Ohio History Connection Foundation Board
Stephen D. Dackin Director for the Department of Education & Workforce