ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Albuquerque Museum will open a new traveling exhibition this week examining the history and lasting impact of the Jim Crow era in the United States.
The exhibition, Overcoming Hateful Things: Stories from the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery, comes from the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery at Ferris State University and will be on display from Nov. 7, 2026, through April 11, 2027.
The exhibit explores the Jim Crow system, the experiences of African Americans during that period, and the ways individuals and communities resisted racial discrimination. Organizers say the exhibition also examines how the legacy of Jim Crow continues to influence modern society.
Visitors will encounter 151 historic artifacts dating from the late 19th century to the present, designed to place racist imagery and objects in historical context and encourage discussion about race, civil rights, and social justice.
The exhibition opens with a free public talk by Dr. David Pilgrim, founder and director of the Jim Crow Museum, scheduled for 2 p.m. on Nov. 7. Museum officials also plan to host a community-focused panel discussion later in the exhibition’s run.
Andrew Connors, director of the Albuquerque Museum, said the exhibit provides an opportunity for dialogue about difficult chapters in American history and their continuing impact.
Mayor Tim Keller said museums play an important role in helping communities confront and better understand challenging aspects of history.
The exhibition arrives as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding and highlights both the struggles and contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history, including in New Mexico.
The permanent Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University is dedicated to documenting and examining the history of racial segregation and discrimination while promoting conversations about race and equality.
