Created from sadness The Dora Nelson African American Art & History Museum is named after a freed slave born in Georgia who moved to Indiana before settling in Perris with her family. A devoutly religious woman, Nelson started the First Baptist Church, the City’s first African American congregation, at Seventh and F Street.

Alberta Mable Kearney, a mother of 11 with a love of antiques, purchased the former church building, which was abandoned and in disrepair. In 1964, she supervised its demolition without realizing the historical significance. Disheartened at the loss of a historical site, Kearney became determined to collect memorabilia highlighting the African American experience in the Perris Valley. She obtained a copy of an 1833 year announcing a slave auction and shoes from local to national leaders who advanced race relations. When she wasn’t building the museum, Kearney worked with longtime Perris educator Nan Sanders to mentor hundreds of students and young adults. At the time, Volunteers from local churches, Boy Scout troops and other Perris museums pitched in. Many agreed that the Nelson museum at 316 Seventh Street had never looked better. The Museum still stands but is not open for operation.