Calvin Riley

As Founder and Director of the George B. Vashon Museum, Calvin Riley manages the day-to-day operation of the museum. The goal is to use the artifacts of early African American St. Louisans to teach and display to improve the cultural atmosphere in the community. Their artifacts tell the story of what they had to endure to become successful.

Calvin earned an M. Ed. from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, an M.A. in business management from Webster University-St. Louis, a B.S. in education from Harris-Stowe State College, and an associate’s degree in liberal arts from Forest Park Community College. He started his teaching career in the University City School District, Dallas Independent School District, Literacy Volunteers of America-Dallas as Executive Director, and St. Louis Public Schools. He has also worked as a communications arts teacher, reading teacher, and instructional coordinator. Calvin is a well-known antiques dealer and collector of Black Americana.