Visit Our History Center at 309 Main Street
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday | 11:00 AM to 15:00 PM
Our Mission
The mission of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy is to educate the public about the life and legacy of civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois and the rich African American heritage of the Berkshires.
Located at the former Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church in Great Barrington, where he was born and raised, this vibrant center of Black thought and remembrance constitutes the first museum and living memorial in North America dedicated to Du Bois’ life and legacy.
Give Today and Preserve History
Spring Appeal
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Preservation Month
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Spring Appeal ・ Preservation Month ・
Support the restoration of the Clinton A.M.E Zion church and the Center programmings.
Support the restoration of the Clinton A.M.E Zion church and the Center programmings.
An Interview of Virginia Conway
by Beth Carlson, DFC Treasurer
“The Du Bois Freedom Center is something we can call our own — a place named for a Black man. Once it is open, when I walk in the door, I know I will feel a sense of welcome. Because he knew us. He understood the soul of Black people.”
— Virginia Conway
Born in Alabama and a longtime Berkshires resident, Virginia Conway has dedicated her life to faith, leadership, and service through Macedonia Baptist Church, Bridge Multicultural, and the Du Bois Freedom Center. We thank her for her decades of commitment and community leadership that continue to inspire our mission.
Community Volunteer & Du Bois Legacy Committee Representative
EVENTS
NEWS
TOURS
“The W. E. B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy presents a singular opportunity to reclaim and extend in Du Bois’ hometown, the Black intellectual, artistic traditions, and social movements to which he dedicated his life’s work.”
—David Levering Lewis, Pulitzer Prize-winning Du Bois Biographer