African American Museum of Nassau County

Museum, History museum, Tourist attraction in Hempstead, NY

Address

110 N Franklin St, Hempstead, NY, 11550

Phone

(516) 572-0730

Website

nassaucountyny.gov

About African American Museum of Nassau County

The Joysetta and Julius Pearse African American Museum of Nassau County presents the history and culture of Black Americans on Long Island and nationally. Rotating exhibits, screenings, lectures and workshops feature local and national Black artists and historic figures, from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to the women of NASA. Community events mark Black History Month, Kwanzaa and Juneteenth. A music preservation project holds more than 500 LPs, 300 45s and 100 78s.

The museum began in 1968 as a Black History Month exhibit assembled by Nassau Community College professor Leroy Leonardo Ramsey, drawn from his personal collection. It later moved to Main Street in Hempstead. Nassau County bought and renovated 110 North Franklin Street, opening the museum there in September 1985. It was renamed in 2021 for longtime director Joysetta Pearse and her husband Julius, and rededicated in October 2025 after a renovation.

Services

• Community events for Black History Month, Kwanzaa and Juneteenth
• Museum admission — $5
• Rotating exhibits
• Screenings, lectures and workshops

Photos