Diaspora DNA Story Center

Found by Monica O. Montgomery, Diaspora DNA Story Center, based in Philadelphia, is more than an archive or museum; it’s a living space where stories come to life.

Rooted in the voices of the Global Majority, the organization centers people of color as the authors of their own histories.

Here, history isn’t locked behind glass. It’s something you can touch, feel, and explore. Through the Montgomery Collection, an archive of over 10,000 items, including books, photographs, vinyl records, and personal artifacts, visitors are invited to connect with the past in a hands-on way.

DiasporaDNA focuses on “Public Memory,” or how communities remember and share their stories across generations. Visitors don’t just observe, they take part. Whether it’s through workshops, artmaking, or guided archive experiences, each person is encouraged to reflect, learn, and contribute their own story.

The space is designed to spark curiosity, connection, and pride. It brings together people of all ages to explore culture, identity, and shared experiences. At its core, DiasporaDNA is about healing through heritage, using history as a tool to understand the present and shape the future.