LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville’s 'Museum Row' on Main Street could see some changes, because of the coronavirus pandemic. Closures and restrictions have caused revenue to plummet. Roots 101 African American Museum is a new addition to the row, turning now to fundraising efforts to stay open. 

'Roots' Founder & CEO Lamont Collins says his museum, a nonprofit, usually runs on the price of admission. But it's lately not enough to sustain the place. 

Several floors of exhibits show and tell the African American experience through history, and including in Kentucky. It's the place where a Breonna Taylor exhibit is planned, in a corner space overlooking the Ohio River. 

Collins carries a slave's iron shackles. He lets all who enter hold them, for effect. 

"These chains represent the injustices in America," Collins explains.

His museum has been open since March 2020, just before COVID-19 hit. The exhibits are mostly items of his own, with some on loan to him from friends and acquaintances. 

Now, he's asking for donations from the public. In a fundraising effort online, he suggests people give what they can, floating the idea to give $101 to match the name. 

"I hope that things change and do the things that we need to do, but we need people to support what we’re doing. We've been on TV before saying the same thing. But I think as America changes, and more things that we see, you see how important it is to every community especially in Louisville, Kentucky," he explains. 

He doesn’t want to lose the spot where African American history has a space in the center of the downtown district. "We’re telling a story on museum row. So, where the stories have been told historically, our story can be told."

Collins says he's been in talks with Mayor Greg Fischer's office, hoping there can be some type of stimulus funds or grant to help, too. Louisville Tourism is also promoting Roots in its push for tourism to benefit Louisville's museums.