DETROIT - At 120,000 square feet, it's no wonder Detroit's new Museum of African American History is attracting so much attention.
"This last week we were inundated with phone calls from the international press," said Stephanie Clark, director of public relations and marketing for the museum.
Clark said that representatives from as far away as the African nations of Ghana, Benin and South Africa attended the April 12 unveiling of the largest African American history museum in the country.
The entire collection features listening rooms, photos and artifacts as part of the exhibits, as well as a life-like replica of a slave ship.
Many say they hope college students interested in African American history will use the museum as a starting point for research, and in turn will increase their own knowledge.
"In terms of the college-age student body ... I think that it will represent the wealth and the resources of the African American experience, but again it will only be as beneficial as the extent to which people utilize their resources there," said Prof. Ronald Woods of the Center for Afroamerican and African Studies at the University.
Woods said he has already observed students' interest in the vast collection.
"I know that some were present at the opening a week or so ago," he said. "Others had expressed interest and plans to attend."
Students said the museum emphasizes an overlooked part of history.
"I think that it's a great chance for people to see another side of history, something that can often go unnoticed in general society," said LSA junior Charlotte Gillingham, who is an African American studies concentrator.
"I hope to visit it soon. Maybe after finals," Gillingham said.
Clark said the museum will serve an important function in the college community. "It will provide an additional resource for college students to come and do research on African American history," she said.
Clark said officials hope the museum will eventually evolve into a "scholarly research center."
The museum's high-profile opening is leading the way for a breakthrough in Detroit, long viewed as last on tourists' vacation lists, Clark said.
"The museum actually has been a shining star for the entire city of Detroit," Clark said.
"Our museum will probably become a pretty major tourist point," said LSA senior Loren McGhee, who is from Detroit.
Those exploring the museum Sunday said visiting the huge complex was an insightful experience. The museum is located on East Warren Street, next to the Detroit Science Center.
"I was kind of shocked there's only one gallery, but actually it's so full of things to see and do (that) I'm impressed. I'm overwhelmed," said Detroit resident Linda Mahone.
Museum officials said a decent viewing of the museum usually takes from 45 minutes to an hour.
"I think most people come down to see the ship," said museum volunteer Shaka Tettah, a Detroit resident who was monitoring the entrance to one of the exhibits Sunday afternoon.
Tettah expressed his enthusiasm for the museum and said the new building was an improvement over the former Museum of African American History in Detroit.
"I've been standing here for eight hours because I love the place," he said. "We've come a long way from that little shack we had down on Grand Boulevard."
Eastern Michigan University junior Tasha Weathers said she found the exhibits "very informative."
"I like the tiles where they have the different slang (terms) and where they originated from," Weathers said.
One visitor said viewing the exhibits helped her relate to herself. "I thought it was real educational," said Detroit resident Shelly Dunbar. "I learned a lot of things ... It was really enlightening for me to learn more about where I came from."
Dunbar said that her favorite exhibit was the re-creation of the slave ship.
Woods said the museum has a tremendous amount to offer visitors. He encouraged students to "visit it, study it, because there is quite a bit that one is not able to take in merely on visiting."
And just how many people does Clark expect will come out in the next 12 months?
"We anticipate half a million visitors in its inaugural year."
MARGARET MYERS/Daily
A group enters Detroit's new Museum of African American History on Sunday afternoon. The museum opened to the public on April 12.
MARGARET MYERS/Daily
Michelle Hudson and her nephews Brandon Washington and Wynton Lacy check out the names of African Americans who have made a difference. The names are written on the floor of the Museum of African American History.