Our Mission

The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center began as the segregated Phoenix Union Colored High School for African American the Greater Phoenix (Arizona) Area in 1926.  Today, “The Carver” is a national historic landmark dedicated to the collection, documentation, preservation, study, and dissemination of the history and culture of African Americans in Arizona and the American west.  With deep connections in the community and bold personality, our 501c3 nonprofit organization brings history, art, artists, and community together to support creativity, Black knowledge systems, and socioeconomic advancement at every level.

As welcoming space for exploring the artistic process, “The Carver” fosters creativity, education, and socio-economic advancement through curation, events, programs, and the holistic exploration of Black history and life—all under one roof and throughout the community.  In short, we honor and share Arizona's African American heritage, arts, and culture through collecting, exhibiting, preserving, and leveraging Black history and life in Arizona for unity and growth.

Students outside of the “Phoenix Union Colored High School”

Phoenix Union Colored High School – Class of 1948

Celebrating Over 99 Years of Service - 1926 to Today

Since May 5th, 1996, the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center has featured historical exhibits, an African-American library, classes, special programs and seminars. The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center has been and will continue to be a positive force for diversity and inclusion within Arizona and beyond.

Our Vision

Carver envisions an Arizona and the southwest region within which African American history, culture, life, and the lessons they teach, are embraced, and leveraged on behalf of inclusion and equity for all.

Our Values

  • We value creating safe spaces for courageous and evocative exploration of diverse viewpoints with and within Black communities

  • We value honesty, authenticity, and mutual respect

  • We value education and lifelong learning as tools for engagement, growth, and vitality

  • We value sustainability practices that promote an equitable society

  • We value working partnerships that foster positive exchange and collective impact

  • We value professional museum practices and the highest standards of excellence

  • We value multigenerational and multicultural inclusion and accessible experiences

  • We value resilience and joy

Our Purpose

  • Preserve and share historical artifacts and documents of African/Black American heritage.

  • Provide educational programs that deepen public understanding of history.

  • Support research and collaborate with institutions on African/Black American history at local, national, and global levels.

  • Host exhibitions, lectures, and events that engage and connect the community.

  • Maintain accessible physical and digital archives for researchers, educators, and the public.

Our Board of Directors

  • Brenda Thomson, J.D.

    President

  • Sonji Muhammad Perry

    Vice President

  • Antoine Skinner 

    Treasurer

  • Brian Watson

    Secretary

  • Robert Barlow

  • Summer Cherland, Ph.D.

  • Thomas Claiborne, IV

  • Chad Gestson, Ph.D.

  • Shannon Johnson

  • Jeremy Levitt, J.D., Ph.D.

  • Ishmael Miller, Ph.D

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Join our Board of Directors

Thank you for your interest in serving on the Carver Museum Board of Directors. To apply, please submit your resume and any other materials that highlight your professional skills and expertise.

Eligibility

  • Board members must be current members of the Carver Museum at the time of election.

  • Membership is open to any individual, family, corporation, or organization that supports Carver’s mission and abides by our by-laws.

How to Apply
Send your completed application and resume by January 15, 2026:

  • Email: mwhitaker@carveraz.org

  • Mail: ATTN: Dr. Matthew Whitaker, Carver Museum, P.O. Box 20491, Phoenix, AZ 85036-0491

Incomplete applications will not be considered. You may be contacted to provide any missing information.

Once your submission is received, you will receive a confirmation email. Thank you!

Our Staff

  • Matthew C. Whitaker, Ph.D.

    Executive Director

  • Jamey Palm

    Office and Facilities Manager

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Support the continuing mission of the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center