The Gordon Parks Museum
Wins 2026 AASLH Award of Excellence
NASHVILLE, TN.– June 12, 2026 – The AASLH awards The American Association for State
and Local History (AASLH) proudly announces that the Gordon Parks Museum is the recipient
of an Award of Excellence for the Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Church Commemorative Park
Project. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards are the most prestigious recognition for
achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.
The Wayman A.M.E. Church Commemorative Park was developed on the original site of the
historic Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, which stood at 301 S. Lowman
Street in Fort Scott, Kansas, for 116 years. After the property was donated to the Gordon Parks
Museum, it was transformed into a tribute park honoring the oldest Black church in Fort Scott
and celebrating its enduring legacy. The Park features four 72″ x 27″ interpretive display panels
and a 4′ x 3′ welcome sign, all installed on a 12′ x 20′ concrete slab beneath a 12′ x 20′ pergola.
The displays highlight key aspects of the church’s history, including a timeline of significant
events, recognition of its pastors, and the congregation’s lasting impact on the community.
The
interpretive panels also explore Wayman Chapel’s connections to influential figures and events
such as Gordon Parks, The Learning Tree, Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Carrie
Hughes, and Professor E.J. Hawkins. Together, the exhibits honor the church’s role in shaping
community life, fostering faith, education, and leadership, while QR codes on each sign provide
visitors with access to expanded digital content for deeper engagement and learning.
This year, AASLH confers 42 national awards honoring people, projects, exhibits, and
publications. The winners represent the best in the field and provide leadership for the future of
state and local history.
The AASLH awards program was initiated in 1945 to establish and encourage standards of
excellence in the collection, preservation, and interpretation of state and local history throughout
the United States. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards not only honor
significant achievement in the field of state and local history, but also bring public recognition of
the opportunities for small and large organizations, institutions, and programs to make
contributions in this arena. For more information about the Leadership in History Awards,
contact AASLH at 615-320-3203 or go to www.aaslh.org.
Established in 2004, the Gordon Parks Museum, located at Fort Scott Community
College in his hometown of Fort Scott, Kansas, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the
remarkable life and work of Gordon Parks, the internationally renowned photographer,
filmmaker, writer, and musician. The museum also uses his inspiring life story to teach about
artistic creativity, cultural awareness, and the role of diversity in our lives. Gordon Parks
attended the first Annual Gordon Parks Celebration, which was created in his honor. The
museum’s valuable collection includes many of his iconic photographs, personal artifacts,
awards, medals, honorary degrees, and replica furnishings from his New York apartment,
highlighting his extraordinary achievements and lasting impact on American culture. More than
a museum, it inspires visitors through exhibitions, educational programs, special events, and the
annual Gordon Parks Celebration. The museum encourages visitors to learn from Parks’
creativity, perseverance, and commitment to making a positive difference through the arts.
The American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), a national nonprofit association, provides
leadership and resources to help the history community thrive and make the past more meaningful for all
people. AASLH serves the tens of thousands of history organizations, professionals, and volunteers
around the country who help people of all ages develop critical thinking skills and understand how
learning history helps society make progress toward justice. Through research, advocacy, and our field-
leading professional development program, AASLH advances public history practice and connects history
practitioners to critical issues in the field and to one another. For more information about AASLH visit
www.aaslh.org.
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