Black History

What was it like to visit Las Vegas as an African American in 1952?

This Museum in a Box follows the fictional character Ernest Abraham Lincoln as he travels with his family to Las Vegas in 1952, and what he experiences while he visits.

Las Vegas was a segregated city, so that even though world famous Nat King Cole had performed on the Las Vegas Strip he was not allowed to stay at the casino. He would stay at the Harrison House in Westside, Las Vegas. In this box, students will learn more about the Harrison House and the experiences of its guests.

The Black History Museum in a Box includes a Teacher Handbook, artifacts, books, and activities to assist students in learning more about segregation in Las Vegas and how African Americans had to prepare to travel safely.

A vintage-style record player with a vinyl record spins beside Nat King Cole’s “Love Is the Thing” album and Pearl Bailey’s “The Blues” album in a display, with a map in the background.
A display with a vintage map, blue hat, white gloves, a cutout of four people reading, a closed suitcase, a floral plate on a stand, and a bowl of toy food including noodles and meatballs.
A display of Black history educational items, including books, LP records, a teacher handbook, fans with historical images, gloves, a teacup and saucer, a suitcase, and a “Black History #1” bag.
Three books about The Green Book are displayed upright. The covers show illustrations and photos related to African American travel: Ruth and the Green Book, Opening the Road, and an original Green Book edition.
Book a Museum in a Box