The Prince George’s African American Museum’s story begins in 1991 with the foundation of the North Brentwood Historical Society. The historical society undertook the creation of an oral history project and exhibit entitled “Footsteps from North Brentwood,” which documented and celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the first municipality in Prince George’s County incorporated by African Americans.

In 1998, the Friends of North Brentwood were created to develop a museum for the town of North Brentwood. That same year the Gateway Community Development Corporation (GCDC) was established to foster the development of the Gateway Arts District along Route One (Rhode Island Avenue). The Friends become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2000. The friends worked in collaboration with state, county and local officials, the GCDC as well as numerous individuals and community groups to continue to refine and develop the plans for a museum. Additionally, grant funding was secured to acquire property, support predevelopment expenses and implement museum programming.

In January 2007, the Friends group changed their name to the Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center (PGAAMCC). In September 2010, Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center received it’s 501(c)(3) status and began operating under that name. The Museum continues to partner with the GCDC and other community stakeholders to fulfill its mission to raise awareness of the cultural and historical significance of African Americans in Prince George’s County by celebrating and inspiring the community through the cultivation, preservation, and presentation of the cultural and artistic contributions of African Americans in Prince George’s County, Maryland.