Image by City of Charleston The proposed site for the museum.
Update December 6: While planning is still underway for the International African American Museum, a new angle has emerged in the discussion of a new "Arrival Square".
The spot would be a remembrance for the once nearby Gadsden's Wharf where many slaves entered the United States.
The Post and Courier has a nice rundown on the new angle; take a read here.
Relatedly, a spot on Sullivan's Island near Fort Moultrie that was also a key place for new slaves also saw a new monument be put in place.
First reporting August 26, 2009: The City of Charleston's plans for an International African American Museum are heating back up.
Today, August 26, the city is introducing four architects and designers that will have a large hand in the deisgn of the museum that will go near the South Carolina Aquarium in downtown Charleston.
Here are details from an e-mailed City of Charleston press release:
On Wednesday an internationally known group of architects and designers will be introduced to the community as they begin planning the IAAM concept design. The team, consisting of Ralph Appelbaum, exhibit Designer , Antoine Predock, architect and Curt Moody, architect, are meeting this week to begin to discuss the IAAM story and the interpretive focus. Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. and Dr. John Fleming, consulting Project Director for IAAM will be working with the team as the International African American Museum begins to take shape and the vision becomes a reality. ... Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. said, “This is a momentous step in the process of examining the story of the African American experience here and their role in the development of our region and our nation. We are proud to assemble this outstanding team and keenly await the results of their impressions and directions for IAAM.”
You can learn more about the preliminary plans for the museum on this city Web page or this old article from The Charleston City Paper.