Poindexter Village Museum Breaks Ground to Preserve Black History in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A significant step toward preserving African American heritage took place Wednesday as officials broke ground on a $25.9 million museum project at Poindexter Village, one of the nation’s earliest public housing communities established for Black residents during segregation. The highly anticipated Poindexter Village African American Museum and Cultural Learning Center is set to open its doors in 2028, marking a milestone in the effort to honor the legacy of Columbus’ Near East Side community.
Poindexter Village, dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940, was once a thriving neighborhood where generations of Black families built their lives. The museum will focus on preserving the history of this community by transforming the last two remaining buildings from the original village into a hub for education, storytelling, and cultural preservation.
City Council President Shannon Hardin and Mayor Andrew Ginther joined former residents and community leaders at the groundbreaking ceremony. Hardin emphasized the importance of connecting the city’s rich Black history to its future, while Ginther praised the years of collaboration among residents, historians, and partners that made the project possible.
For many former residents, Poindexter Village was more than just a housing complex—it was a tight-knit community where neighbors shared life’s joys and challenges. Patsy Ulmer, who lived in Poindexter Village for 14 years, recalled fond memories of walking to church, shopping on Mount Vernon Avenue, and attending movies on Long Street.
“Everything we needed was right here in this neighborhood,” Ulmer said. “It was low-income, but we took pride in how we lived. My mother would remind me that if we could afford shoes, I had to wear them—no running around barefoot.”
The preservation of Poindexter Village’s history comes at a critical time. Most of the original 35 buildings were demolished beginning in 2013, leaving just two structures standing. Now, these remaining buildings will serve as the foundation for a museum that aims to educate visitors about the community’s past while honoring its contributions to Columbus and beyond.
Shelbi Toone, the project director for the museum, highlighted the role of former residents in shaping the museum’s narrative. Through oral histories, personal stories, and shared memories, they are ensuring that the history of Poindexter Village is told authentically.
“People are still living to tell these stories, or they remember them vividly from their families,” Toone said. “There’s no better time than now to preserve this history—not just for African American children to connect with their heritage, but for everyone to understand this important chapter of our shared past.”
The museum will feature exhibition spaces, a research center, and recreated apartments designed to give visitors a glimpse of life in Poindexter Village. Ulmer’s memories, along with those of other former residents, will help fill in details that only those who lived there could know—details that connect Poindexter’s story to a broader history of resilience and community building.
As the project moves forward, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Poindexter Village and its residents. For Toone, the museum is not just a tribute to the past but a bridge to the future, ensuring that the lessons and legacy of this historic community continue to inspire generations to come.
— Reported by Nexio News
