This New York City Woman Has A Homemade Black History Museum Under Her Roof

Elizabeth Meaders houses about 50,000 pieces of African American history in her 5-bedroom home.

Imagine having a Blacksonian in your own home!

Meet Elizabeth Meaders, a retired school teacher who houses about 50,000 pieces of historic African-American items and memorabilia … all under one roof. In what may be the most comprehensive collection of African-American history assembled by a single person, pieces of black history sit in literally every room of her modest five-bedroom New York City home, creating a makeshift museum experience.

NBC News had the pleasure of taking a tour of Meaders’ home. There is an array of priceless items in every room, such as a medal honoring Crispus Attucks; letters written by Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King and several American presidents; heavyweight boxing championship belts from Muhammad Ali, Ken Norton and Mike Tyson; irons worn by slaves; uniforms from the Civil War and even relics from the KKK.

“It shows what the challenge was for those who were trying to catapult all the hate,” Meaders explained. “These are unique treasures from the African American history trust. Each one of them a talking point and a documentation of important African American history.”

Of course, you’d think that all of these pieces would be donated to a museum. She has had some offers for her pieces and has even loaned a few items to museums. However, for the most part, Meaders is keeping these jewels close to home.

She told NBC that her family can trace their genealogy to the 1700s and that her great-great grandfather was the last slave freed on Staten Island. She also values the significance of African-American history, specifically criticizing the lack of teachings in schools. “I know the significance of this neglected history,” she explained. “This has been a chore and a challenge I gave to myself and it has been a labor of love.”

Meaders has been collecting items for the past 50 years. She has amassed so many things that appraisers have put the value of her collection at $10 million. Most of the pieces in her collection are things…

Please read original article- This New York City Woman Has A Homemade Black History Museum Under Her Roof