APEX Museum founder Dan Moore, Sr. passes, funeral service set March 9

ATLANTA– The metro Atlanta community is mourning the loss of Dan Moore Sr., founder of the APEX Museum (African American Panoramic Experience). Moore passed away on March 4 at the age of 88.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, March 8, 5-7 p.m., at Willie A. Watkins Historic West End Chapel. Moore’s funeral will be held on Saturday, March 9, 11 a.m., at Midway Missionary Baptist Church in College Park.

Moore’s dedication to the city of Atlanta and his contributions to APEX were recently honored with the Joseph R. Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in October 2023. The DeKalb County resident also was honored for his pioneering contributions to the preservation of Black history during a Black History Month celebration hosted by Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District.

Johnson said that he was thankful that he had the opportunity to honor Moore.

“Dan Moore was a giant in preserving and uplifting Black history and culture, not just here in Atlanta but the world over,” said Congressman Johnson. “He was a man of immense talent and his renowned works in film, music, and literature helped shape our culture in Atlanta and beyond. He will be sorely missed.”

Moore, a pivotal figure in Atlanta’s cultural scene and a dedicated advocate for the preservation of Black history, leaves behind a legacy that has profoundly impacted the community.

The APEX Museum released the following statement:

“It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of our Founder and CEO Dan Moore, Sr. 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.”

Born on Nov. 20, 1935, in Philadelphia, Moore moved to Atlanta in the early 1970s. He quickly became a respected and influential member of the city’s cultural landscape. In 1978, he founded the APEX Museum, the oldest Black history museum in Atlanta.

Over the years, APEX, located on the historic Auburn Avenu in downtown Atlanta, has welcomed more than 65,000 visitors from all 50 states and 50 foreign countries, making it a hub for education and cultural enrichment. Moore served as executive director of the museum until his passing, ensuring its growth and impact on a national and international level.

In addition to his museum work, Moore was a noted filmmaker with a career spanning five decades. Collaborating with entertainment icons such as Cicely Tyson, Bill Cosby, Melba Moore, and Ossie Davis, he made significant contributions to the film industry. One of his early documentary works, “Come Home,” showcased Moore’s dedication to storytelling and cultural exploration as he traveled to Liberia and collaborated with the country’s government.

Moore is survived by his sons, Dan Moore, Jr. and Edwin Moore; six grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.