About us

The Costen Cultural Virtual Exhibit -
At a Glance

ABOUT US

The Costen Cultural Virtual Exhibit
At a Glance

Modules

Africa & Slavery

Africa & Slavery

The great contributions that Africans have made throughout the world, followed by the enslavement of human beings who were bought and sold as property.

Aviation

Aviation

Includes many great pioneers in NASA, airmen, and Bill Costen, the first African-American Hot-air Balloon Master Pilot.

Civil Rights

Civil Rights

The Civil Rights Era, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and abolitionists.

Contemporary History

Contemporary History

From the election of former President Barack Obama to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Entertainment

Entertainment

A vast spectrum of entertainers who have contributed to African- American music, arts, and culture.

Harlem Renaissance

Harlem Renaissance

An intellectual and cultural revival of African-American music, dance, art, fashion, literature, theater, and politics centered in Harlem, NYC in the 1920s and 1930s.

History in Connecticut

History in Connecticut

Connecticut's prominent African American leaders in politics, business, sports, entertainment, etc.

Inventors & Pioneers

Inventors & Pioneers

A display of individuals who invented or improved upon everyday items and processes.

Military History

Military History

Honoring African-Americans who served in the U.S. military, including the Buffalo Soldiers and Tuskegee Airmen.

Pullman Porters

Pullman Porters

The history of African-American men serving white passengers traveling across the country luxury railroad sleeping cars.

Sports

Sports

The accomplishments of some of the greatest athletes in history. Includes the Negro leagues, golf, basketball, baseball, football, boxing, tennis, etc.

Women's History

Women's History

Prominent women in business, politics, the arts, sports, etc. who have made contributions large and small to African American history.

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Testimonials

With personal stories and testimonials, Bill Costen presents the extensive collection he has of Black American images, artifacts, and documents. The Costen Collection videos span time and topics, generating curiosity in any viewer, presenting not only well known topics such as Civil Rights and Slavery, but also less common topics such as the Pullman Porters, Aviation, the Harlem Renaissance, and more. The content within the videos may spark conversation, inspire important questions, and launch more extensive research for anyone wanting to learn more about American history.

Melanie Social Studies Coordinator

These videos make me believe I can do anything, especially because these individuals achieved greatness during hard times.

Megan 9th Grade

The exhibit was very interesting because I didn't know many of the people, yet the achievements they made were significant.

Sarah 7th Grade

The videos make me feel inspired because of how some of these people started out and where they ended up. My experience was enjoyable, and I learned a lot.

Matt 5th Grade

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Culture & Belonging Pillar, in conjunction with the Passages Business Resource Group, had the opportunity to bring the Costen Cultural Exhibit to MassMutual Financial Group. The exhibit was showcased on both the Springfield and Boston, MA campuses. We also licensed 5 series of the Costen Cultural Virtual Exhibit, which will be available for one-year to over 5,000 employees to view at his/her/their leisure. Both on-campus events were well attended. We have had more than 2,000 views of the virtual exhibit, that is creating a space of education and conversation. Working with Chantal and Mr. Costen was a pleasure. They were available and accommodating throughout the process.

Paytreen MassMutual

The videos made me proud because these people had to be resilient to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

James 5th Grade

I found the videos interesting. They seem like the type of videos that would play in a museum somewhere.

Josh 5th Grade

It was very informational and showed me many things about the people who helped change the Black culture's view in America and around the world.

Tim 6th Grade

The Costen Cultural Exhibit was phenomenal! It was nice to learn about my history and see articles from the past. I didn't think I'd enjoy it as much as I did. While exploring the exhibit, you really are taken on a journey...a few journeys. Personally, the real treat was seeing fellow employees of different races enjoy and learn about Black culture. I heard a lot of "oh wow," and "wow, I didn't know that." That's how you know you've touched minds and hearts. I'm glad The Costen Cultural Exhibit came to MassMutual!

Kevin MassMutual
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