Testimonials


What a very nice place to visit. You learn a lot about the history here. If you are looking to gain some knowledge about Hannibal this is your stop.

PARANORMAL SOCIETY


Bravo to the courageous couple who established a living archive to the history of African Americans in Hannibal. Jim's Journey preserves and presents a wealth of documents, photos, possessions, that testify to the persistence and resiliency of the local African American community during the era of segregation and Jim Crow.

SUSAN IKAZAKIY


Jim's Journey is an important part of the Mark Twain tour. Learn about Daniel Quarles, the inspiration for Twain's Character, Jim, in one of the oldest original structures in Hannibal. If you are visiting Hannibal to learn about Samuel Clemens/Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, Becky Thatcher - Jim's Journey is a critical part of the storied tour - don't miss this opportunity.

It's Northeast Missouri's only Black History Museum; don't let the size of building deter you, it is packed full of great history. It's a gem of a visit.

Trent M.


It's a wonderful, hands-on, back -in-time, type of experience. I found myself not wanting to leave because of all the information discovered about the African American community in Hannibal. I was surprised to find relatives names in the archives collected by the museum.

ANDREA H.


Wonderful museum that gives a more complete history of Hannibal and Northeast Missouri

MICHELLE F.


Loved going with Macon Elementary yesterday. Loved all the history behind it!!!!

CRYSTAL B.


The research was amazing. The collections were displayed so inviting & attractively that you want to look & read to educate yourself. The owner is very knowledgeable, polite & willing to answer all of your questions

LIZA L.



MY FAMILY AND I WENT THERE TODAY AND IT WAS AMAZING! WE WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK.

NICOLE O.


Great local history and artifacts! A must-see in Hannibal.

SHERRIE B.


Faye was truly amazing yesterday. We appreciated her kindness and the vast amount of information she had to share.

AMY K.


Thanks for an interesting conversation about the local (and not so local) history of Hannibal. Loved your place and wish you all the best going digital!

TONY M.


Our Hannibal trolley driver told us stop by here, and we're so glad we did!! Jim's Journey is small but literally filled with information about local heroes, stories of slaves and brave townfolk and records of major town events. They had a scavenger hunt for kids - so my kids (9 & 12) were engaged in reading the stories too. These are the real heroes of the community - totally worth a short stop in while you're in Hannibal!

JULIE M.


If you're in Hannibal, stopping at Jim's Journey is a must. Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher are fun stories, but Mark Twain taught a different, more important lesson through the travels of Huck and Jim. The Huck Finn Freedom Center provides context for the rest of the story. My mom, dranddaughter, and I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with the founder and curator of the center. Thank you.

JANE R.


Thank you for sharing the information about your ancestors and families from the years!
Wonderful display of artifacts


TERRY S.


It was informative, especially to hear about the director 's life and family.


HARRY L.


We enjoyed being there, it was wonderful!!!! Faye was fabulous in every way!!!! She was kind enough to come open it up for my family. This museum is very well done and a true picture of Hannibal history. We definitely recommend!!!!!!


MARISA F.


Very interesting, great visit. Loved the buildi g and the history.


PATTY H.


You don't want to miss checking this out while in Hannibal! So informative!


LORRI C.


Full of Hannibal history. I learn something new and interesting every time I visit. Thank you, Faye Dant!


MARYNEL C.


I loved it! The man we spoke with was very knowledgeable and interesting. Definitely going to return

AMANDA M.


This is by far the best museum in town! Faye took time out of her busy schedule (90 middle schoolers were visiting today) to chat with us. We love what she has done here and plan to do all we can to support her efforts.

MARIEGAIL S.


Today I took another tour of Jim's Journey with my step-grandson, Gage Bouyea. We missed seeing Faye Dant, but had a wonderful time with her intern, Halie. I can learn something different every time I go there. Today, I surprised myself as Halie was showing us the old Tom Sawyer Theater and explaining to Gage how black and white folks could not sit together in that particular era. Depending on the theater, they either sat in the balcony or in the back of the theater. Growing up as a youth, I did not know that was happening and did not learn of it until later in life. As I stared at a picture of all the white children at the Tom Sawyer theatre and listened to Halie explain that Blacks had to sit in the balcony, my eyes filled with tears. What a travesty!!! Whatever happened to "Love your neighbor as yourself "?
Thank you again, Faye Dant, for creating such a glimpse into the past of the sins of mankind and all the pain and suffering that came from it. It made me think of the Bible verse, "the first shall be last, and the last shall be first!" The day is coming when God will make things right!


FAYE B.


a most wonderful and important project for all, heart warming and powerful link to folks then and now

MICHAEL B.


Thank you to the Dant's for sharing this often hidden history with us. Including the pictures and stories of your ancestors made it all the more real.

JOE G.


You must visit! If you are acquainted with the story of Huck Finn and the life and writings of Mark Twain, how could you not know about the influences and inclusion of African Americans? Twain's pages are filled with a countless number of African American characters and stories. You will not find this aspect of Missouri's history elsewhere in Hannibal, so you must visits this incredible museum.

GARY F.


Jim's Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center is a tremendously important corrective to the erasure of the past in Hannibal. It is so important to recall both the history of Slavery in Hannibal and the history of the town's segregated past that followed emancipation. This history was key to making Mark Twain who he was, and is key to understanding who we are as a nation. Kudos to Faye Dant--and the many people whose research and support helped her make Hannibal's newest museum such a special place--Joel Dant, Gen. Donald Scott, Terrell Dempsey, descendants of Daniel and Hannah Quarls, etc. Your excavation of this chapter of the past is extraordinarily important!

SHELLEY F.


When in Hannibal, Jim's Journey is not to be missed!

TOM D.

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