About the Museum
Honoring the Legacy of Black Labor
The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum is a 501(c) 3 cultural institution. Our mission is to promote, honor and celebrate the legacy of A. Philip Randolph, Pullman Porters, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and contributions made by African-Americans to America’s labor movement; with a significant focus on the African American Railroad Employee. As we educate the public about their historic legacy and the contributions they made through the study, preservation, and interpretation of their stories that are inextricably intertwined.
The museum exists for the purpose of providing educational and cultural enrichment for all of mankind. All activities, past, present and future are for the purposes and objectives of facilitating study, through the preservation, multimedia programming interpretation, the enjoyment of African-American history and culture.
The permanent collection displays exhibits which are pertinent to the study of the African- American contribution to America’s labor history and includes but is not limited to: the Pullman Company, as it relates to the labor history of African American Railroad employees, A. Philip Randolph, the Pullman Porters, the brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the Great Migration, and the American Civil Rights Movement.
Historical Overview
Our Journey Through Time
The Founding of the BSCP
The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP) was founded by A. Philip Randolph and Ashley Totten. This was a landmark event in American labor history, as it was the first Black labor union to be chartered under the American Federation of Labor (AFL).
Pullman Company and BSCP Contract
After a long and difficult struggle, the Pullman Company finally signed a contract with the BSCP. This was a major victory for the union, as it secured better wages, working conditions, and job security for the Pullman porters.
The Founding of the Museum
The A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum was founded by Dr. Lyn Hughes. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the Pullman porters and their contributions to the labor movement and the African American community.
The Museum Celebrates 20 Years
The museum celebrated its 20th anniversary. This was a major milestone for the museum, as it demonstrated its commitment to preserving and promoting the legacy of the Pullman porters.
Major Milestones
The museum will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and its own 30th anniversary. This will be a major event for the museum, as it will provide an opportunity to reflect on the union's achievements and its impact on American history.
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Beyond the Walls
Join us in recognizing important events like Black History Month and our annual Gentle Warrior Awards Gala, while also supporting our community through back-to-school and holiday giveaways. We invite you to be a part of our mission to honor history and inspire future generations.