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Exploring African American History: An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Joanne Martin, Co-founder of The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum

The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
Episode • Feb 1, 2021 • 38m

In this episode of the podcast, join host Rob Lee as he engages in a fascinating conversation with Dr. Joanne Martin, the co-founder and president of The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, America's first wax museum of African American history in Baltimore, Maryland. Featuring over 150 life-size and lifelike black wax figures, the museum portrays 5,000 years of African American history, representing scenes from ancient Africa to the present, aiming to promote African American history, inspire youth, challenge racial stereotypes, and uplift the community. Since its inception in 1983 as a traveling show, the museum has grown significantly, receiving over 200,000 visitors annually. Dr. Martin, a holder of a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, has been a driving force behind the museum's expansion efforts, with plans to open a new $60 million facility in the coming years to further enrich the community in East Baltimore's low-income Oliver Community.


Join us as we discuss:

  • Uncover the compelling story behind the founding of the National Blacks in Wax Museum, driven by a mission to rectify the lack of representation and distorted portrayals of African American history in mainstream museums. Expect to explore how this museum serves as a beacon of truth and empowerment.
  • An awe-inspiring encounter with the wax figures in the museum, providing a tangible and up-close experience of black history. Discover the rich diversity and unwavering resilience of the black community, immortalized in lifelike depictions that breathe life into the past.
  • Learn about the meticulous efforts taken to maintain the wax figures with accuracy, preserving the legacies of the remarkable individuals they portray. Expect to gain insights into the crucial role these representations play in keeping history alive.
  • Celebrating the profound cultural significance of the black extended family and the often underappreciated contributions of black women. Expect thought-provoking discussions that shed light on their pivotal roles in shaping history and society.
  • Discover the forward-looking vision of the museum, as it aims to expand its reach and create more opportunities for tourism and economic growth in the surrounding community. Expect to explore the potential impact of this endeavor on both visitors and locals alike.


Join us for an engaging episode as Dr. Joanne Martin shares the mission and work of the museum. The museum was founded by her husband, Elmer, in response to the lack of representation and distorted depictions of African American history in mainstream museums. The wax figures in the museum provide a tangible and up-close experience of black history, showcasing the diversity and resilience of the black community. Dr. Martin discusses the challenges of maintaining the wax figures and the importance of accurately representing the individuals they portray. She also highlights the need for more discussion and recognition of various aspects of black culture, such as the black extended family and the contributions of black women. The museum aims to expand and create more opportunities for tourism and economic growth in the surrounding community.

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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