A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum Visitor Guide

The museum preserves and interprets the legacy of A. Philip Randolph, Pullman Porters, and the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP), with particular attention to African American railroad employees. It was founded in 1995 by Dr. Lyn Hughes.

Randolph was the BSCP’s chief organizer and a co-founder. The union became the first African American labor union recognized by the American Federation of Labor and to win a collective bargaining agreement against a major corporation. That history places the porters’ organizing efforts within the broader labor movement.

The permanent collection also traces the Great Migration and the American Civil Rights Movement. These subjects make the museum a focused stop for understanding how railroad employment, migration, and labor organizing intersected in African American history.

The permanent collection is presented through exhibits and media, bringing together material on the Pullman Company, African American railroad employees, Randolph, the porters, and the BSCP. The museum’s scope extends from railroad history to wider civil-rights themes.

The museum describes guided tours led by its guides, with tours tailored to groups’ interests and suitable for all ages. It also offers group tours for groups of 10 or more, with custom tour packages available on request. Check current arrangements before making plans, since visitor information may change.

The National Park Service identifies the historic Pullman district as the museum’s setting. The district connects the museum’s subject matter to the neighborhood where its story is rooted. For practical context about the surrounding area, see what to know about Calumet Park.

Confirm current hours, admission, and tour arrangements before you set out. Museum visitor details can change, and published information has included differing schedules and prices.

Temporarily closed

This place is listed as temporarily closed. Check the official site before you go.

Last checked November 2026.

For the latest guidance, check the official site before you go. If you are organizing a group, contact the museum about tour options and custom packages; individual reservation requirements are not clearly established in its visitor guidance.

Allow time to follow the museum’s connected themes: begin with the Pullman Porters and the BSCP, then consider how the collection links railroad employment to the Great Migration and civil-rights history. You can also ask about a guided tour if you are visiting as a group.

For other local-history stops, the history of the Site of Robbins Airport offers a different subject.

The museum describes annual programming for Black History Month in February, Women’s History Month in March, and Black Music Month in June, as well as a Gentle Warrior Awards gala and labor-movement celebrations from August 25 through Labor Day. Some programs may take place off-site, so verify event details before making a separate trip.

The story of the Kids Off The Block Gun Violence Memorial offers another local subject.

What is the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum about?

It interprets the history of A. Philip Randolph, the Pullman Porters, the BSCP, and African Americans’ contributions to the labor movement, with a focus on African American railroad employees.

Where is the museum entrance?

The visitor entrance is at 817 E. 104th St. The museum’s address is 10406 S. Maryland Ave.

Does the museum offer guided tours?

Guided tours are led by museum guides and can be tailored to groups’ interests. Group tours are available for groups of 10 or more, and custom packages can be requested.

What subjects are included in the permanent collection?

The collection covers the Pullman Company, African American railroad employees, Randolph, the Pullman Porters, the BSCP, the Great Migration, and the American Civil Rights Movement.