Housed in the former Zion Union Church, celebrate the rich heritage of the African American and Cape Verdean population as well as the other ethnic and demographic diversities of Barnstable and Cape Cod. During your visit delight in the museum’s collections of artifacts, local arts and texts as you are guided through the museum by a friendly volunteer or member of staff.
Artifacts
A vast collection of artifacts portraying the African American and Cape Verdean culture are housed at the Zion Heritage Museum. Items throughout the museum’s exhibits include artifacts from the arts, local history, politics, sciences and sports of African American and Cape Verdeans.
Local Arts
The works of local photographers and artists showcased in the museum bring the African Americans and Cape Verdeans’ contributions to both black history and the Cape Cod community to life. See photographs of Eugenia Fortes, dubbed the Rosa Parks of Cape Cod for her brave efforts toward local desegregation. Admire the paintings of Carl Lopes, a local teacher; his photographic tour of Cape Verde which gives a feel for both the landscape and the people of the islands is particularly unique. Or take the time to delight in intricate sculptures by Michael Alfano.
Zion Heritage Museum Library
Downstairs in the Zion Heritage Union Museum you’ll find the Zion Heritage Museum Library. Sample literature or historical texts written by people of color. A quilt made by local students which depicts important events in the history of people of color in the United States can also be found in the library.
Don’t forget to stop by the Museum Store. With a vast collection of gifts imported from Africa, the Cape Verde Islands and many areas of the United States, you’ll find the perfect keepsake to remember your time at the Zion Heritage Museum, or something special for a loved one. Browse through works made by local artists, clothing, jewelry, music, literature and other goods relating to African American and Cape Verdean in the Museum Store.