African American Cultural and Heritage Facility | City of Austin

Banner with exterior of African American Cultural and Heritage Facility

Welcome to the African American Cultural & Heritage Facility

The African American Cultural & Heritage Facility (AACHF) plays an integral role in the City of Austin’s long-term commitment to protecting and enhancing the quality of life for African Americans. Named after the state-designated African American Cultural Heritage District, the Facility adds to the area’s cultural significance by offering arts, business, cultural and entertainment programming.

Hours

Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday - Sunday: Closed

Contact Us

African American Cultural and Heritage Facility Information Guide

The African American Cultural and Heritage Facilities Information Guide serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich history and vibrant culture of Austin’s African American community. This guide serves as a one-stop shop, offering detailed information on significant sites, historical landmarks, and cultural institutions within the city’s African American Historical and Cultural Heritage District. This guide highlights museums, community centers, historic neighborhoods, businesses, and houses.

The African American Cultural and Heritage Facility (AACHF) mission is to guide visitors in understanding the contributions of African Americans to Austin’s development and to encourage engagement with local cultural events and programs that celebrate this heritage. Through this initiative, the guide aims to preserve the legacy of African American history while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among residents and tourists alike.

Download the Information Guide

Video Series

Inspiring Austin: Community Voices and Legacies

This compelling documentary series explores the lives and stories of African Americans in Austin who are making a significant impact in their communities. Through intimate interviews and engaging narratives, each episode highlights individuals who are not only champions of social change but also custodians of their rich cultural heritage. The series showcases a diverse array of voices—from grassroots organizers and educators to artists and entrepreneurs—who dedicate their lives to uplifting others and fostering community resilience. By sharing their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs, these trailblazers illuminate the power of collective action and the importance of legacy.

Viewers will witness the profound influence of these leaders as they address pressing issues such as education, social justice, health equity, and cultural preservation. Each episode serves as both an inspiration and a call to action, encouraging audiences to engage with their own communities and carry the torch of change forward. Join us as we celebrate the unsung heroes of Austin and explore the vibrant tapestry of stories that shape our city’s future.

Inspiring Austin - Episode 1: Constable Tonya Nixon

In this first edition of Inspiring Austin: Community Voices and Legacies, we'll take a look at the journey of Tonya Nixon, Travis County's first black woman elected Constable.

Inspiring Austin - Episode 2: Darwin Hamilton

In this second edition of Inspiring Austin: Community Voices and Legacies, we'll take a look at Darwin Hamilton and the history behind the Historical Dedrick-Hamilton House.

Reflections Mosaic Mural

In 2011, Art in Public Places (AIPP), a program of the City of Austin Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office, commissioned artist Reginald C. Adams to create a unique work of art for the new African American Cultural and Heritage Facility located at 912 E. 11th Street. In collaboration with McKinney York Architects, Adams designed a 6’ by 25’ glass and ceramic tile mosaic mural to be integrated into the building’s façade.

AIPP organized two mosaic workshops at which members of the public, including students from Kealing Middle School, were able to work on a portion of the mural. The mural was installed in late 2012 and dedicated on March 1, 2013, at the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility Grand Opening.

The mural features historical people, places, and events, including portraits of 89 people who have contributed to the advancement of the African American community in Austin. To learn more about them, download our portrait guide.

Download the Portrait Guide

About the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility

The AACHF houses the historical Dedrick Hamilton House. The home was built circa 1880 in one of the earliest African American communities in East Austin. The restored historic house is now an African American Visitors Center and Art Studio. The Dedrick-Hamilton House is the centerpiece of the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility.

Through our events and programs at the AACHF, we foster conversation, engagement, and an opportunity to explore the rich historical legacy of the community, as well as contemporary connections of the Black Diaspora in Austin. The facility is also home to the Greater Austin Black Chamber (GABC).