A Historic Foundation for Education, Culture, and Community
The Center for African American History, Art and Culture (CAAHAC) preserves and celebrates the rich history, creativity, and resilience of Aiken’s African American community. Housed in the historic Immanuel Institute, CAAHAC honors a legacy rooted in education, faith, and cultural advancement while serving as a vibrant space for learning and connection. Through engaging exhibits, lectures, art shows, concerts, and special events, the Center invites visitors to explore the past, experience the present, and help shape the future of our shared cultural heritage.
As a community museum, CAAHAC is dedicated to preserving stories, amplifying voices, and fostering meaningful dialogue across generations.
Located at 120 York St. NE, Aiken, SC 29801
A Legacy Rooted in Education and Community
The Center for African American History, Art and Culture is housed in the historic Immanuel Institute, located at the corner of York Street and Richland Avenue. Reverend W.R. Coles, an African American Presbyterian missionary, moved to Aiken in 1881 and established a church and school for formerly enslaved people. What began as a small six-room house on Newberry Street grew with the student population, leading Coles to construct the Immanuel Institute in 1889. Over the years, the building has served as home to numerous educational and cultural institutions, including Coles Academy, Coles Normal and Industrial School, Immanuel Institute, Jackson School, Andrew Roberts Institute, and St. Gerard Catholic School.
Preserving History, Inspiring Culture, and Engaging the Community
Restoration efforts for the Immanuel Institute began in 2004, when community leaders recognized the importance of preserving the landmark and its role in telling the story of Aiken’s African American community. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building was fully renovated in 2021 with the support of corporate, city, county, and individual donors. Today, CAAHAC proudly hosts lecture series, art shows, traveling exhibits, concerts, special events, and other cultural programming for the community.
Our Mission and Vision
The mission of the Center for African American History, Art and Culture is to preserve the Immanuel Institute building and to be an educational resource with interactive programs of sight and sound that educate and inspire, that celebrate both Aiken’s diversity and its sense of community and that demonstrate the many contributions of African Americans in Aiken County, in South Carolina and in our nation.