Slave Haven museum urges Shelby County'commissioners to help end delays after 2024 fire
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Summary
Leaders of the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum told commissioners the site reopened from restoration in June 2025 but remains closed because administrative issues have stalled exhibit work; they asked for direct assistance resolving approvals so the museum can reopen for school groups and tourists.
Elaine Lee Turner, executive director of the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum, told the Shelby County Board of Commissioners the museum's building suffered a fire in January 2024 and that restoration work was completed in June 2025, but reopening has been stalled by unresolved administrative issues.
Turner said the museum, which draws hundreds of visitors a year and was recognized by WGN as one of the most significant African American historic sites in the U.S., has turned away school groups and tourists because staff lacked clear approval to resume operations. "We have been in a holding pattern since that time," Turner said, and asked the commission for help identifying the approvals or contacts needed to finish exhibit installation and reopen.
Commissioner Brooks asked for specifics and invited Turner to follow up with the commission office so staff and commissioners could take a direct look at outstanding items and next steps. Turner provided a contact number for follow-up and asked commissioners to visit and support efforts to reopen the site for Juneteenth and other programming.
Provenance: Topic introduced SEG 625; discussion through SEG 737.
