Vision for a New Black History Museum in Atlantic City by Ralph Hunter

Vision for a New Black History Museum in Atlantic City by Ralph Hunter

In the heart of Atlantic City, New Jersey, 87-year-old historian Ralph Hunter is working tirelessly to establish a permanent home for the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey. With a vision of a 20,000-square-foot museum on the Northside, a historic area built by African American labourers, Hunter aims to honour the contributions of the Black community to the city's development.

The museum, currently with collections dispersed across multiple locations including the Noyes Arts Garage, the Martin Luther King Community Center, and a warehouse, marks a significant part of South Jersey's history. As the 25th anniversary approaches, Hunter is seeking committee members to help celebrate this milestone and further the museum's mission.

Hunter's dream is not a new one. He has been a walking encyclopedia of African American history in South Jersey, earning accolades from muralist Heather Deegan Hires, who dubbed him the "Energizer Bunny" of the subject. Kaleem Shabazz, vice president of city council, has referred to him as a "hero" for his work in preserving Black history.

The fundraising phase is underway, with a goal of raising $100,000 to support the project. This includes funds for determining the value of the museum's collections and artifacts, which tell the story of South Jersey's Black community. Hunter plans to reach out to his supporters to help make this dream a reality.

The museum's location in Atlantic City holds a poignant historical significance. Black tourists and residents in the city were historically restricted to the Chicken Bone Beach or Missouri Avenue Beach area up until the 1960s. Contrastingly, the Black entertainment district along Kentucky Avenue drew nationally known acts such as Ella Fitzgerald and Sammy Davis Jr.

New Jersey, particularly South Jersey, was a major route for the Underground Railroad before the Civil War, with Harriet Tubman often working in Cape May and Philadelphia to raise funds for her missions to rescue enslaved people in the Southern states. It was the last Northern state to end slavery, formally doing so on January 23, 1866, eight months after the end of the Civil War.

As the project progresses, the community looks forward to the day when the museum will have a permanent home, providing a place to honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. For Ralph Hunter, this dream is far from rest, and he shows no signs of slowing down until it becomes a reality.

[1] Local News, June 2025 [2] Atlantic City Press, June 2025

1. Ralph Hunter, the 87-year-old historian, envisions a lifestyle that includes a permanent home for the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey, focusing on the city's fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and more.
2. The museum, with collections scattered across various locations like the Noyes Arts Garage and the Martin Luther King Community Center, represents a significant part of South Jersey's history and relationships, serving as an educational tool for self-development and personal growth.
3. Under the guidance of Hunter, the committee is working towards the 25th anniversary that will celebrate the museum's milestone and reinforce its mission, turning shopping into an engaging and enriching experience.
4. Career development opportunities may arise as the museum needs volunteer support, providing a chance for the community to get involved in this noble pursuit and contribute to the region's growth.
5. As the project progresses during sports seasons, maintaining a perfect balance between supporting local sports teams like basketball and making crucial moves in sports-betting, fundraising, and collection management remains essential.
6. The museum's future location has a historical background as it was once the center of activity for Black tourists and residents in Atlantic City, much like the vibrant entertainment district along Kentucky Avenue that drew famous artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Sammy Davis Jr.
7. The weather in Atlantic City might determine the pace of construction work on the museum, but it won't hinder the resilient spirit of Ralph Hunter, who continues to work tirelessly on achieving his dream.
8. Reflecting on South Jersey's history and considering its eminent role as a significant stop on the Underground Railroad, one cannot help but anticipate the day when the museum will open its doors, providing travelers with an enlightening experience and inspiring them to uphold the values of freedom, diversity, and unity.

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