Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: Preserving African American Baseball History in Kansas City

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) is a privately funded, not-for-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status, founded in 1990 and located in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri's historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. It is the world's only national museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America. It operates two blocks from the Paseo YMCA, where Andrew "Rube" Foster established the Negro National League in 1920.

From a Single Office to a Cultural Complex

The museum opened to the public in 1991 in a small, one-room space, with the goal of building a permanent home that would pay tribute to underrecognized figures in American baseball. In November 1997, under the leadership of then-president John "Buck" O'Neil, the NLBM moved to its current 10,000-square-foot location within the cultural complex known as Museums at 18th & Vine. Since then, it has welcomed more than two million visitors. In July 2006, it received a national designation from the United States Congress as "America's National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum."

The Visit: Self-Guided Tour and Exhibits

The museum offers a self-guided tour experience. The exhibition combines text panels, hundreds of photographs, artifacts, and several film exhibits integrated into a timeline of baseball and African American history. The length of the tour varies, though a minimum of one hour is recommended to fully enjoy the exhibit.

Digital and Traveling Exhibits

The NLBM features digital exhibits and online educational resources. Digital exhibits include Barrier Breakers, Negro Leagues Béisbol, and Storied Teams of the Negro Leagues, as well as traveling exhibits. The Negro Leagues Béisbol exhibit explores a timeline of American and Latin baseball history, with detailed histories of several countries and notable players who crossed cultural lines. These educational resources have been made possible through the generous support of Major League Baseball, the Major League Baseball Players Association, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and Google Fiber.

Educational Resources and Membership Program

The museum offers teaching materials for educators and the Undeniable animated series. It also offers a membership program aimed at keeping the legacy of the Negro Leagues alive for future generations. The Extra Innings Gift Shop sells officially licensed Negro Leagues team merchandise, and purchases help support the museum's mission.

Events and Activities

The museum's calendar includes events such as the 2026 Hall of Game Induction Ceremony, scheduled for March 9, 2026, and Jazz & Jackie: A Soulful Salute to Jackie Robinson, scheduled for May 6, 2025. In May 2025, the Republic Services Charitable Foundation awarded a grant to the museum. The NLBM also has event spaces and the Buck O'Neil Education & Research Center.

Team and Governance

The institution has a leadership team, a board of directors, and a presidency held by Bob Kendrick. The museum states that it provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or disability, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Credits for the Current Exhibition

Exhibition design is by ESA Design and H&H Communications; facade design by Murphy & Orr; exhibit fabrication by Display Studios. The bronze sculptures of the Field of Legends are by Professor Kwan Wu and Veritas Bronze (formerly Oxbow Foundry), with a team including John Forsythe, Terra Brunton, Kelly Miller, and Rob Ojeda.

Location and Contact

1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 · Phone: (816) 221-1920 · Email: info@nlbm.com · Hours: Monday: Closed. Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.