Race & Psychology at the National Museum of Psychology

The Cummings Center's Race & Psychology Museum Tour recontextualizes the National Museum of Psychology by exploring the relationship between psychological science and systems of racial injustice. Guests examine the power of psychology to both reinforce and tear down racist policies and belief systems, including histories of diagnosis, institutionalization, intelligence testing, and a discussion of the American Psychological Association’s recent Apology to People of Color. In relation to these topics, the tour highlights the important contributions of psychologists of color throughout the history of psychology. The guided tour includes a digital packet of supplementary photos and archival documents, as well as opportunities for guests to try out interactive recreations of historic intelligence and reaction time tests.

This tour was first introduced as part of The University of Akron's 2022 Rethinking Race series in collaboration with faculty from the Department of Psychology. Its contents were further developed throughout 2022 using feedback collected from faculty, students, and the public.

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