Ohio museum on black history, culture to re-open

WILBERFORCE, Ohio (AP) - A museum dedicated to black history and culture will re-open in western Ohio after the first phase of its renovations.

The National Afro-American Museum plans a special free event this Saturday that includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony, speeches, guided tours and musical entertainment to highlight the one-and-a-half-year renovation work.

Coming exhibitions that guests can preview include a mixed media presentation on themes of celebration, spirituality and protest. The renovations are meant to update the museum and add exhibitions.

The museum dates to 1988. In its last five years of operation from 2007-2011, it averaged some 7,700 visitors a year. It is near the historically black colleges of Central State University and Wilberforce University.

It will be open each Wednesday through Saturday.