The Kansas City Royals and their charitable foundation will cover admission costs at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum throughout February, marking the fourth consecutive year of free access during Black History Month.
The program’s impact continues to grow. Last year, more than 16,000 visitors experienced the museum’s exhibits during February, leading to a $135,000 contribution from the Royals Foundation.
Luis Maes, Royals Vice President of Community Impact, says offering free access to the museum is significant for the community.
“Over the past three years, we’ve had the privilege of providing all residents in and around Kansas City a chance to experience the powerful story of the Negro Leagues without cost,” Maes said. “In 2025, we hope even more people will seize this opportunity to learn about the courage and talent of these players, who refused to let the color of their skin silence them.”
The museum, located in Kansas City’s Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, stands as the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving African American baseball history and its impact on American social advancement.
Museum president Bob Kendrick sees the initiative as crucial for expanding access to this historical resource.
“The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a valuable educational resource,” Kendrick said. “This impactful community outreach provides greater access to the museum that will allow students and others to learn about a once-forgotten chapter of baseball and American history.”
The museum’s importance gained additional recognition when Major League Baseball incorporated Negro Leagues statistics into its official record books, validating the achievements of players like Josh Gibson, who now holds MLB’s all-time batting average record.
The museum operates on an extended schedule during February:
- Monday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thursday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
- Closed February 17 (Presidents’ Day)
The museum sits just two blocks from the historic Paseo YMCA, where Andrew “Rube” Foster established the Negro National League in 1920. In 2023 NLBM announced major plans for expansion to the Y and an adjacent location.
