Often referred to as Jim Crow, a racial caste system existed in America during the century after the Civil War. As someone who lived through the cruelties of this period, Murphy Darden recognizes and celebrates African Americans who elevated people of color through their bravery.

Apr 1, 2024 · Many Kalamazooans will know of Murphy Darden, a man who spent his life focused on a passionate pursuit of the parts of history that have long been ignored in classrooms and in public discourse. Preserving this history for future generations, he collected objects, images and historic documents chronicling the achievements of African Americans.

Nov 27, 2023 · Kalamazoo poet, director and playwright Buddy Hannah travelled across the state with Murphy Darden, visiting schools from Galesburg to Detroit to share many untold stories of African-American history in the American West.

Murphy Darden made his transition on 10/05/2023 from earth to glory, leavening pieces of art, such as paintings, sculptures even a scale models that he built of James Rivers Company at the...

Aug 27, 2024 · The museum is marking the momentous occasion by opening a free new mini exhibit, "Collecting Black History: Murphy Darden's Legacy," and hosting a number of celebratory events during Labor Day week. The mini exhibit runs from Sept. 5, 2024 through March 2, 2025.

Sep 5, 2024 · This mini-exhibit features items collected by late Kalamazoo historian Murphy Darden, who indulged his passion for the parts of history that have long been ignored. In his pursuit of preserving this history for future generations, he collected artifacts, images and historic documents chronicling the achievements of African Americans.

Sep 4, 2024 · — The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is introducing a new exhibit, showcasing hundreds of artifacts related to Black history in America. Called “Collecting Black History: Murphy Darden’s Legacy,” it...

Sep 9, 2024 · Now Darden's creative and educational mission will live on at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, which acquired more than 200 items from Darden's extensive collection of art and artifacts, and recently opened an exhibit of some of them.

For the past several decades, Kalamazoo resident Murphy Darden, now in his nineties, has amassed a collection of artifacts, images, reference materials, and artworks related to African American history.

The September Center for New Media exhibit, “Fill The Gaps: The Art of Murphy Darden,” features reproductions of the late local historian Murphy Darden’s art. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum exhibit will feature select items from the collections recently acquired. CNM Art Hop hours from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.