Dan Moore, founder of Atlanta's oldest Black history museum APEX, dies at 88
Dan Moore Sr., the Atlanta activist, author and founder of APEX, the oldest Black history museum in the city, has died.
APEX announced on Tuesday that their founder died at 88.
Born on Nov. 20, 1935, in Philadelphia, Moore moved to Atlanta in the early 1970s, quickly becoming a pivotal member in Atlanta’s cultural scene and preservation of Black history, according to the nonprofit History Makers.
Opened in 1978, APEX (African American Panoramic Experience) offers an authentic look into the history, resilience and continuous innovations derived from the African American experience. Moore credits the life of Atlanta political figure Benjamin E. Mays with inspiring the concept and creation of APEX.
Over 65,000 individuals have visited the APEX Museum from all 50 states as well as 50 foreign countries, according to the museum’s website. Moore served as executive director of the facility prior to his death.
“It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of our Founder and CEO Dan Moore Sr,” the museum said in an official statement on their website. “We celebrate his legacy and 45 years of commitment to the community and to the museum. Please keep the immediate and extended APEX family in your prayers.”
In addition to his role with APEX, Moore was also a noted filmmaker, collaborating with entertainers such as Cicely Tyson, Bill Cosby, Melba Moore and Ossie Davis throughout his 50-year career.
A notable film for the author and director at the beginning of his career was “Come Home,” a documentary that saw Moore travel to Liberia and collaborate with the country’s government.
Moore spoke with WABE in 2023 on the historical legacy and desire for restoration of the famous Atlanta neighborhood Sweet Auburn, where he was a longtime resident.
“They told visitors coming to the city that it was dangerous, to not go down there at night … they had the streets blocked. Telling them that they would get robbed if they came down here,” said Moore, recalling how city officials dissuaded tourists from visiting Sweet Auburn during the 1996 Summer Olympics.
His work with APEX and contributions to the city led to Moore being honored with the Joseph R. Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award last October, according to the museum.
Marquis Who’s Who inducted Moore into the organization’s list in 2022, according to a press release.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 9 at 11 a.m. at the Midway Missionary Baptist Church in College Park. A public viewing will be Friday, March 8 from 5-7 p.m. at Willie A. Watkins Historic West End Chapel.
Moore is survived by his sons, Dan Jr. and Edwin Moore; six grandchildren, as well as 18 great-grandchildren, according to the AJC.
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