At 91 years old, Tubman Museum’s founder in Macon still heralded for ‘visionary leadership’

Myracle Lewis

More than 40 years ago, Richard Keil bought the 8,500-square-foot warehouse that would eventually become the Tubman African American Museum, a hub for American Black history in Macon.

On Friday, museum board members and staff honored Keil the day before his 91st birthday and remarked at how he had contributed to Macon’s history. He began addressing racial disparities and helping disadvantaged Black families across the rural South in the 1950s. His legacy remains prominent today.

With cake and refreshments in hand, the Tubman African American Museum’s Board of Trustees and staff honored Keil, the founder of the museum and a former pastor of St. Peter Claver Catholic School in Macon.

Keil is in hospice and was unable to attend the celebration, but those at the museum called him. Jeff Bruce, the museum’s director of exhibitions, said it was Keil’s vision for the museum that enabled it to survive and prosper in Macon-Bibb for more than 40 years.

Tubman Museum executive director Harold Young holds his phone while calling museum founder Richard Keil to celebrate his 91st birthday on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Tubman Museum in Macon, Georgia. Tubman Museum staff and volunteers celebrated Keil’s birthday virtually, as he spoke to those gathered from hospice care.
Tubman Museum executive director Harold Young holds his phone while calling museum founder Richard Keil to celebrate his 91st birthday on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Tubman Museum in Macon, Georgia. Tubman Museum staff and volunteers celebrated Keil’s birthday virtually, as he spoke to those gathered from hospice care.

“Everybody here is here because of you and your hard work and dedication and belief in faith that the idea you had will come to reality,” Bruce said, speaking about Keil.

Keil founded the Tubman Museum in 1981 with the belief that people of all races should be able to come together and appreciate Black culture and history. He thanked those at the museum for their birthday wishes.

“This is important,” Harold Young, executive director of the Tubman Museum, said at the event. “I always say you have to celebrate somebody’s birthday. It’s a blessing to make one day after another. Tell people how much you love them and care about them. Don’t wait until the funeral.”

“Mr. Keil, your visionary leadership and relentless efforts have transformed this museum into a true gem for the Middle Georgia Community as well as Southeastern United States. We are deeply appreciative of the profound legacy you have crafted. Thank you for your tireless dedication to preserving our cultural heritage,” a Facebook post from the museum said.

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