James Brown | Augusta Museum of History Hours: Thurs - Sat 10am | Sun 1pm - 5pm | Mon - Wed CLOSED Admission: Free for Members | Adults: $7 | Seniors: $6 | Child 6-18: $5 (Children under 6 Free) Broad Street Parking Membership Donate Visit Directions Admission & Hours First Level Gallery Map Second Level Gallery Map Tours Exhibits Museum Exhibits Signature Exhibitions Baab's Bottles Celebrating a Grand Tradition Dyess Medical Local Legends Protect and Serve James Brown Canteens Augustas Story Transportation Railroad WBBQ Special Exhibitions Past Exhibitions Augusta, 1864 Delightful Decanter Childs World Glamorous Gowns Tying the Knot Online Exhibitions Camp Hancock: WWI in Augusta A History of the Georgia Railroad and Banking Comp 1797 Ezekiel Harris House Programs and Events Programs Behind the Scenes Brown Bag History Lecture Series Curious Kids Movies at the Museum Music at the Museum Time Detectives Voices of the Past Events All Aboard! The Museum Express Great Building Showdown Holiday Gingerbread Village 2011 Holiday Gingerbread Village 2012 Holiday Gingerbread Village 2013 Holiday Gingerbread Village 2014 Holiday Gingerbread Village 2015 Holiday Gingerbread Village 2016 Holiday Gingerbread Village 2017 Holiday Gingerbread Village Holiday Gingerbread Village Pictures 2018 Holiday Gingerbread Villa 2022 Holiday Gingerbread Village 2019 Holiday Gingerbread Village 2021 Holiday Gingerbread Village 2023 Holiday Gingerbread Village Jimmie Dyess Symposium Past Honorees Juneteenth Night at the Museum Search All Collections Collection Categories Archaeology Fine Arts Books & Published Works Clothing & Textiles Documents and Manuscripts Maps & Blueprints Media Objects Photographs & Postcards Weapons Collection Care Articles Preserving Paper and Photos Scanning and Access Wedding Memories Disasters Education Field Trips Educational Programs Hunt for History Primary Source Program Educational Resources Teacher Resources Curriculum Homeschool Resources Private Rentals Weddings and Special Events Garden City Room, Theater, and Activity Center Museum Shop Staff & Board of Trustees Job Opportunities Volunteer Opportunities Contact Past Museum Directors Museum Exhibits Signature Exhibitions Baab's Bottles Celebrating a Grand Tradition Dyess Medical Local Legends Protect and Serve James Brown Canteens Augustas Story Transportation Railroad WBBQ Special Exhibitions Past Exhibitions Online Exhibitions 1797 Ezekiel Harris House The Godfather of Soul, James Brown The Man James Brown grew up in Augusta during the Great Depression and World War II. He overcame poverty and segregation to become an international music icon. Throughout his life, he made many civic, educational, and philanthropic contributions that provided hope and opportunity to those in need. The Musician Brown was a self-taught musician. In 1953, he began his professional musical career with Bobby Byrd?s group the Gospel Starlighters, who later changed their name to the Flames. Their hits began with Please, Please, Please and then later with Try Me. In the late 1950s the group became known as James Brown and The Famous Flames. Their R&B sound soon developed into funk and soul and had a profound worldwide musical influence. As an innovative performer, prolific songwriter, and record producer, Brown changed the music industry forever and paved the way for many performers, particularly hip hop and rap artists. Today, Brown remains the most sampled musician of popular music. The Legacy Brown's career was legendary: he was a three-time Grammy Award winner - in 1965 for "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" (best R&B recording), in 1987 for "Living In America" (best R&B vocal performance, male), and in 1992 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Along with Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry, Brown was one of the first three artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. On December 7, 2003, Brown was a recipient of Kennedy Center Honors for his lifetime of contributions to the arts and American culture. Highlights include: An array of costumes and personal artifacts worn by Brown from the 1960s and on A King of Soul crown worn by Brown in the 1950s Family photos with candid images of Brown and his children, on tour, at home,and during philanthropic activities Programs from the three James Brown Memorial Services held in New York, Augusta, and South Carolina Audio-visual stations featuring concert performance footage, highlighted tracks and studio recordings Excerpts of interviews with individuals who owe influence to Brown. Interactive kiosks highlight the often imitated, but never duplicated, sound of Browns horn-driven funk music and enable exhibit visitors to experience his musical evolution as a singer, composer, and performer. His remarkable legacy is told through oral histories of musicians, politicians, and entertainers. Excerpts of interviews with Dan Aykroyd, Anthony Keidis, Smokey Robinson, and more contribute personal stories and insights into Brown as a performer, philanthropist, and musician. James Brown Join Our Mailing List Sign up for the Augusta Museum of History Newsletter and stay up-to-date with the latest news. Become a Member Enrich your experience at the Augusta Museum of History with the benefits and privileges of membership. Donate Today From supporting preservation of collections to presenting the areas history through exhibits and programs, your annual gift... Connect with us Quick Links Museum Tours Directions Staff & Board Become a Member Become a Volunteer Donate Museum Hours Thursday - Saturday: 10AM - 5PM Sunday: 1PM - 5PM Monday - Wednesday: Closed Admission $7 Adults | $6 Seniors | $5 Children Free for Children Under Age 6 Augusta Museum of History 560 Reynolds Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 Get Directions › Copyright © 2026 Augusta Museum of History . All rights reserved. Website Designed by Powerserve Visit Exhibits Programs and Events Collections Education Private Rentals Museum Shop