New Columbus museum showcases Somali culture, history

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio is home to the second largest Somali population in the U.S. and now there is a place to uplift their heritage after a new museum opened last weekend.

Co-founder Mohamed Ali said the Somali Museum of Ohio has been years in the making, but he is glad that people in central Ohio now have an opportunity to celebrate, learn about and immerse themselves in Somali culture. 

“What the visitors can expect is to learn about, like other Somali traditional exhibits, we will be showcasing the Somali artifacts,” Ali said. “We will be having also the Somali traditional summer house and then we will be also explaining to them each item here in the museum and what it's used for.” 

The museum is filled with things like prayer mats, camel bells and even a traditional house. Co-founder Leebaan Alaska believes creating a space that is accessible for future generations to see the makings of who they are was especially important.   

“Can we just build a facility that our young kids -- I'm a father of three, he's a father -- so not only other kids, our own kids needs their own heritage and culture,” Alaska said.  

Although this museum is a celebration of Somali history, everyone in the community is invited to join in preserving and becoming more knowledgeable about their story.   

“You don't have to be a Somali or you don't have to have a background in Somali," Ali said. "The center is open for all of us. So anybody who's interested in come and learn about the Somali culture if we can explain or teach them about our culture, that gives us pride.”   

The museum is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at room 39 of the international mall, 1780 Morse Road.