ACES MUSEUM Honoring Black and Minority Veterans of World War II & Their Families is home to Parker Hall, a functioning U.S.O. for black soldiers during WWII. Asian, Hispanic & Latino, Native American Exhibits highlight the efforts of this multicultural museum. Parker Hall was certified historical in 2002 by the Germantown Historical Society. ACES’s motto: Respect The Past, Nurture The Future.

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How it Happened

It started out with a question on an airplane.  Dr. Hankins was on a flight from California back to Philadelphia. There was a white gentleman seated beside her from which a casual conversation started. "You're a Negro aren't you?" That term hadn't been heard in a along time and had Dr. Hankins a little taken aback. She replied, "Yes, I guess so?" He was a Collector, storing memorabilia from yesteryear.  He had a pamphlet, Negro soldiers party - 5801 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  "That's impossible!  My practice is located there!"

There was a wall blocking off the 3rd floor. That wall was torn down upon arrival in Philadelphia and Parker Hall was discovered.  Thus began a new chapter in preserving a national treasure!

Mary Darby of Germantown Historical Society helped with the original research.  The site was called "Parker Hall."  This was a place where Black soldiers and there families and friends would gather for recreation and partying, before the soldiers left and when they returned from World War II.  Here were combantants against the twin evils of the time period; racism at home, and fascism overseas.  It was a functioning USO and a definite place of historical importance.  An 82 year-old and someone one hundred years of age related their experiences.  ACES was certified as historical in 2002.

The question was raised, "What happens next? A museum, party central?"  The debate raged on.  Dr. Hankins was referred to classes for community historical sites."  It's important that we respect and honor the Veterans and their families, but it's time for something new and different."   YES!  ACES would be a Museum, but so much more.  Right in the middle of the community, there could be a fun filled historical site that also promoted didactic skills.  We would honor blacks and other minority heroes.  ACES would incorporate artifacts with historical puppets, programs, reenactments and various teaching experiences.  History would come alive and become entertwined with mathematics, music, science and citizenship skills.  "Respect The Past and Nurture The Future."

Overbrook High ROTC in Parker HALL at ACES MUSEUM, in front of Triple Nickel Mural

ACES gets its name from a child's simple question.  "Is it true they used to call you Spades?" she asked her father.  He replied, "Yes honey."  The little child then replied, "Well, if you had to be a spade, I know you were the ACE!"

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SunnyD at ACES MUSEUM 6-22-08

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NABVETS - National Association for Black Veterans

ACES is the Philadelphia Chapter for NABVETS and welcomes veterans of all nationalities to come and join.

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Rites of Passage Walk

Every 3rd Saturday, the Rites of Passage Walk will take place in the 2nd oldest portion of Philadelphia.  The history is so rich and will provide an experience unlike any that has been experienced, prior.  Come and join us and allow us to transition you!!!

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