The Museum Advisory Committee was established with 24 former and current South Memphis residents, each bringing lived experience and deep community knowledge. Their primary roles include sharing oral histories, identifying additional oral history storytellers, and serving as ambassadors for the museum’s mission. As planning advances, the committee’s responsibilities will expand, especially in 2027, when their insight will help shape the museum’s collection of artifacts and future exhibits.

In the fall of 2023, Marc Willis joined the South City Museum and Cultural Center as Project Manager. Since then, he has guided the museum’s daily progress, strengthened community collaborations, and advanced the Board’s strategic plan. With expertise in start-up projects and connecting the museum’s vision to local partners and institutions, Willis has played a key role in shaping the project’s continued growth

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Directors remained committed to advancing the museum’s mission. New members joined, and board contributions helped sustain early momentum. During this period, the scope of work ahead became clearer, and the team recognized that building a museum that properly honors South Memphis would be a long, dedicated journey—one they were fully prepared to undertake.

In the fall of 2019, founder Archie Willis formally organized the South City Museum and Cultural Center, turning a long-standing vision into a structured effort. Officers were recruited, the first meeting was held, and the foundational work began. Willis shared the inspiration behind the museum—a commitment to preserving and celebrating the often-untold stories of South Memphis and the generations who shaped the community.