McKinley Washington Auditorium
Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture
Curtis Franks
Director of Museum Education and Exhibits
What Goes on Here: "This third-floor auditorium is the Avery Research Center's primary space for lectures and public programs and is also used as an exhibition/gallery space. I have the extreme good fortune 'to do my thing' (work) in one of this country's most valuable treasures. The Avery building was constructed in 1868 as a private school for African American children. The entire building is steeped in history and serves as a constant reminder, as well as a powerful testament, of the importance and relevance of historical and cultural memory."
The Vibe: "In terms of its contents, meaning the building, it's quite wonderful that it's used to house historical source materials, primary and secondary, and material culture related to the African and African American experience in South Carolina, with particular emphasis on the Lowcountry.
"To have the opportunity to work in this environment as I have for more than 15 years has been very transformative. In fact, as I think about my time and ongoing work here at Avery, I'm reminded of one of my favorite quotes, made by Frederick Douglass, 'A man is worked on by what he is working on. ... He may carve out his circumstances but his circumstances will carve him out as well.'" 
