WELCOME TO THE WEST TENNESSEE MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN HOODOO HISTORY
Preserving the Past
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THE MUSEUM
A traveling exhibition of ethnographic and historical artifacts preserving and presenting the cultural history of hoodoo and folk practices in the Memphis and Mississippi Delta region. The collection chronicles the arrival of Africans to the Mid-South and the survival of African religious and folk cultures amidst slavery and segregation.
The museum is dedicated to telling the story of hoodoo as a survival of African traditional cultures. The sharing of this story is to preserve, share and make sure these traditional ways are known to a new generation. The ‘lost’ history of the culture and heritage of hoodoo in the Mid-South is a story that must be told.
PURPOSE
Our goal is to collect oral histories, photographs, folklore, memorabilia, and to preserve artifacts related to the history and story of the hoodoo culture in Memphis and throughout the Mississippi Delta.
Our focus is to dispel myths related to African diaspora culture and to bring attention to the important role that hoodoo culture played in the lives of practitioners in the Southern United States.
INTERACT
Encounter exhibits related to the culture of African traditional religion, the roots of southern hoodoo practices and artifacts
Explore the practices of root workers through a collection of roots and herbs historically used in traditional hoodoo culture.
Discover the role that hoodoo played in the lives and music of legendary Beale Street and Delta blues musicians
Discover the collection of hoodoo related ‘curios’ manufactured in the Mid-South including candles, oils and amulets.
Examine photographs of conjurers, rootworkers and spiritualists as well as historically significant locations and landmarks
EXHIBITS
Photographs and sketches of historically significant figures and locations in hoodoo history
Artifacts including artwork and amulets from Africa and African religious traditions demonstrating the lineage of African religious culture
Artifacts including amulets, oils, powders, candles and tools used in the practice of hoodoo
Historical artifacts from hoodoo curio manufacturers including Lucky Heart Cosmetics, Collins Laboratories and Keystone Laboratories
A collection of herbs, plants and roots popular in Southern hoodoo history among rootworkers, conjurers and spiritual healers
BOOKING
The museum is available for your next conference, event or classroom. Contact us for details.
