The Courage Museum, powered by Futures Without Violence, challenges visitors to rethink how violence and disconnection take root and to imagine new possibilities for courage, healing, and belonging. Designed in collaboration with Jake Barton and Local Projects, the museum combines immersive exhibits, storytelling, and transformative learning to move people from reflection to action.

We equip young people, educators, and communities to prevent violence and scale connection through three strategic pillars:

• Build Understanding of the root causes of violence and disconnection to foster empathy and critical awareness.
• Activate Youth and Community to lead change through courageous action, storytelling, and civic engagement.
• Sustain Impact by scaling practices and partnerships that shift systems and expand belonging and opportunity.

Through initiatives like Generation Courage and the Courageous Teaching Framework, as well as community dialogues, improvement networks, and public programs, the museum serves as a cultural and civic platform to reimagine what is possible when courage is practiced collectively.

The Courage Museum envisions a world where violence is not inevitable but preventable, where healing and belonging are woven into the fabric of everyday life. We see young people, educators, and communities as the leaders of this transformation.

By illuminating root causes, elevating lived experiences, and sparking civic action, we strive to create a future where all people can thrive in safe, connected, and just communities.

The Courage Museum was born from a simple but urgent idea: to change the way society understands and prevents violence. Developed by Futures Without Violence, a national organization with over 40 years of experience advancing equity and ending violence, the museum builds on decades of research and advocacy — translating knowledge into powerful, participatory experiences.

Created in collaboration with Jake Barton and Local Projects, the award-winning studio behind the 9/11 Memorial Museum and the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum, The Courage Museum is designed to be both emotional and actionable — a place where stories move people toward change.

The Courage Museum works hand-in-hand with educators, youth leaders, community organizations, and civic institutions across the country. Through initiatives like Generation Courage, Courageous Teaching, and community dialogues, we collaborate with those already shaping a more just and connected future.

Our partnerships ensure that the work of courage doesn’t stop at the museum’s doors — it ripples outward into classrooms, neighborhoods, and policy spaces nationwide.