African-American Heritage Museum

In 1986 Vietnam War veteran Dr. Charles Smith began filling the yard of his residence in an unincorporated area near Aurora, Illinois with sculptures dedicated to the leaders of Black America.  Over the span of 25 years the lot was filled with sculpture he created as a tribute to these leaders through some of the dark times in our history.  Dr. Smith moved to Lousiana 10+ years ago and built a second museum.  Most of the statues in Aurora have been removed (purchased by the Kohler Foundation as folk art), but a rock and concrete wall and some of the sculptures remain.  The figure you see in front is holding a snake, and the figure to the right of the front door is chained.  "We Shall Overcome" spans the space under the front gable. The home is both an amazing commemoration of one man's vision and an eyesore in the neighborhood.  Many towns would have condemned the property yet it still stands (note:  updated text on Mar 14th.  Did research on the area and believe that this home is in unincorporated Moecherville which on the border of Aurora, Illinois. There are not as many rules in unincorporated areas, and this is likely why no or little action has been taken by local government regarding the condition of the property)