National Museum of African American History and Culture

1548: 1186: 423:(which became part of the Smithsonian in 1967), opposed NCEED's effort. Kinard argued that a national museum would consume donor dollars and out-bid local museums for artifacts and trained staff. Kinard and the AAMA instead advocated that Congress establish a $ 50 million fund to create a national foundation to support local black history museums as a means of mitigating these problems. Others, pointing to the Smithsonian's long history of discrimination against black employees, questioned whether the white-dominated Smithsonian could properly administer an African-American history museum. Lastly, many local African-American museums worried that they would be forced to become adjuncts of the proposed Smithsonian museum. These institutions had fought for decades for political, financial, and academic independence from white-dominated, sometimes racist local governments. Now they feared losing that hard-won independence. 799: 961:

structural steel for the museum in conjunction with AIW, Inc. who fabricated the architecturally exposed, and ornamental steel and bronze metal work. SteelFab received an award from the Washington Building Congress for its work. ArchDaily has reported that the museum was named the winner for the architecture category and the overall winner for the Beazley Design of the Year award for 2017. According to the award criteria set by the Design Museum in London, the NMAAHC is "further solidified as promoting or delivering change, enabling access, extending design practice, or capturing the spirit of the year." Ozwald Boateng OBE, a jury member, made a statement expressing his thoughts on the NMAAHC: "We couldn't look any further than the Smithsonian for the overall award. It is a project of beautiful design, massive cultural impact, delivers an emotional experience, and has a scale deserve of this major award."

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found the museum to have an "allusive and mediated" feel, as opposed to the traditional "magisterial and transparent" aesthetic of most museums. He singled out the way the corona cast shadows in the interior, the dramatic way the corona framed nearby monuments and memorials, and the museum's art gallery. Kennicott was unhappy with "the jumble of elevations throughout the history galleries". The problem particularly affected the Contemplative Court (where corrosion was also affecting the ceiling less than a year later). Museum designers correctly concluded that the cramped entrance to the underground galleries would create a powerful and negative emotional reaction, he said, but the side-effect has been to create a "fundamental flaw" in the museum by creating a terrific bottleneck in visitor traffic. A 2018 exhibition review in the

915: 1680:(Angola) known for much of the 20th century as a cruel, violence-prone, squalid prison where African American inmates were treated worse than slaves. NMAAHC curator Paul Gardullo said the items document how attitudes about slavery were carried over into the post-slavery prison system in the Deep South. Museum Director Lonnie Bunch acknowledged scholars' worries that the items were controversial, but said the museum's mission is to tell stories through the African-American experience. The 20 ft (6.1 m) high guard tower will be part of an exhibit on segregation, while the 6 by 9 ft (1.8 by 2.7 m) prison cell will be in a separate exhibit on places. Both items are from Camp A, the oldest section of the prison. The cell was constructed atop slave quarters. 38: 2131:, a food scholar who researched the food of African Americans from the colonial era to the present and presented her research to the museum's scholarly committee in 2013. Albert Lukas, a supervising chef at Sweet Home Café, traveled the United States for two years to find recipes and interview home cooks and professional chefs. A committee of chefs, curators, and historians spent another two years working out the restaurant's concept, visual design, and menu. The final menu was designed by executive chef Grant not only to showcase the kinds of food African Americans of different regions ate at different times in American history, but also to demonstrate the impact African Americans had on both home cooking and haute cuisine in the broader society. 2200: 1418: 29: 54: 471:, in May 1990. The creation of the advisory board was an important step for the Smithsonian. There were many on the Smithsonian's Board of Regents who believed that "African-American culture and history" was indefinable and that not enough artifacts and art of national significance could be found to build a museum. On May 6, 1991, after a year of study, the advisory board issued a report in favor of a national museum, and the Smithsonian Board of Regents voted unanimously to support the idea. However, the proposal the regents adopted only called not for a stand-alone institution but a "museum" housed in the East Hall of the existing 602:

grants to African-American museums for internships and fellowships; scholarships for individuals pursuing careers African-American studies; grants to promote the study of modern-day slavery throughout the world; and grants to help African-American museums build their endowments. The legislation established a committee to select a site, and required it to report its recommendation within 12 months. The site selection committee was limited to studying four sites: The site just west of the National Museum of American History, the Liberty Loan Federal Building site, Banneker Park, and the Arts and Industries Building.

2176:, suggested that "even a full day's visit is insufficient for a careful survey. That alone is an imposing achievement". Rothstein wrote that the "museum is illuminating, disturbing, moving—and flawed". He wrote that we "see the evolution of African-American newspapers, businesses, churches and other institutions. Galleries devoted to music and sports make it plain how much African-American history and culture is simply American history and culture." He also wrote that there is a "reluctance, too, to cast doubt on one perspective or another, or to give a nuanced assessment of conflicts. The actual doctrines of 939:

made of reinforced concrete, with columns supporting each floor above, the above-grade floors were primarily exhibit space and needed to be kept column-free. To support the upper floors, four massive walls, consisting of steel frames and cast-in-place concrete infill, were constructed. Design and fabrication of the steel members of the above-ground structure required extreme precision, as the steel elements penetrated one another at more than 500 places and some beams had several hundred bolt-holes in them. All structural steel elements also had to work almost perfectly with the

372:, a tourist bus company) founded the National Council of Education and Economic Development (NCEED). Mack's intention was to use the non-profit group to advance his ideas about economic development, education, and the arts in the black community. Emboldened by Congress's action in 1981, Mack began using the NCEED to press for a stand-alone African-American museum in D.C. in 1985. Mack did not collaborate with other black-led cultural foundations that were working to improve the representation of African Americans by Smithsonian and other federal institutions. Mack contacted 611: 824:

proposed a low hedge. It brought this design to the Commission of Fine Arts in April 2013, which rejected it. The Commission expressed "great concern about the possible loss of the symbolic meaning that had been skillfully woven into the design of both the landscape and the building". In July, the Smithsonian replaced the hedge with a low dull black granite wall. The Commission of Fine Arts approved that redesign, and the Smithsonian brought it to the National Capital Planning Commission. As of August 2013, the NCPC was anticipated to approve it.

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museum of African-American culture and history, but also forceful in its advocacy of a national museum of national prominence and national visibility with a broad mandate to document the vast sweep of the African-American experience in the United States. The study was also highly critical of the Smithsonian's ability to adequately represent African-American culture and history within an existing institution, and its willingness to appoint African-American staff to high-ranking positions within the museum.

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in line in the museum foyer to take an elevator down to the underground level. The exhibits start with the Middle Passage and slavery where the hallway is intentionally designed to be cramped and somewhat claustrophobic. The large number of visitors who stop to read the exhibit's signs caused dangerous overcrowding. Museum officials began to limit the number of people who could take the elevator (and thus enter the exhibit) to mitigate this problem, although this led to still longer lines in the foyer.

2196:, while criticizing the Museum for repeatedly misleading visitors by failing to put facts in "comparative perspective" a deficiency that "misleads curators into making sweeping claims like the assertion in the introductory room that before 1400 "slavery was a temporary status", nevertheless concluded that "Taken as a whole, however, the NMAAHC shows that it is possible to do an identity museum well, to build a museum on a foundation of rigorous scholarship that can inform, excite, and even inspire." 557:, bounded by Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues NW and 1st and 3rd Streets NW. The commission ruled out establishing the museum within the Arts & Industries Building, concluding renovations to the structure would be too costly. It considered a site just west of the National Museum of American History and a site on the southwest Washington waterfront, but rejected both. The commission considered whether the museum should have an independent board of trustees (similar to that of the 475:. The regents also agreed to keep the Anacostia Community Museum a separate facility; to give the new museum its own governing board, independent of existing museums; and to support the proposal for a grant-making program to help local African-American museums build their collections and train their staff. The regents also approved a "collections identification project" to identify donors who might be willing to donate, sell, or loan their items to the proposed new Smithsonian museum. 619: 869: 815:, Louisiana. The original design proposed that the scrim be made of bronze, which would have made the museum the only one on the National Mall whose exterior was not made of limestone or marble. Cost issues forced the architects to change this to bronze-painted aluminum in September 2012. The change was approved by the Commission of Fine Arts, but the commissioners criticized the change for lacking the warm, reflective qualities of bronze. Noted architect 2311: 663:

understanding of the African-American experience. The winning design was required to reflect optimism, spirituality, and joy, but also acknowledge and incorporate "the dark corners" of the African-American experience. The museum design was required to function as a museum, but also be able to host cultural events of various kinds. Hundreds of architects and firms were invited to participate in the design competition. Six firms were chosen as finalists:

772:. The size of the upper floors were shrunk by 17 percent. Although three upper floors were permitted (instead of just two), the ceiling height of each floor was lowered so that the overall height of the building was lowered. The large, box-like first floor was largely eliminated. Added to the entrance on Constitution Avenue were a pond, garden, and bridge, so that visitors would have to "cross over the water" like slaves did when they came to America. 828:

was the first substitute proposed by the architects, but the commission members rejected it, noting that it had a "putty-like appearance under overcast conditions" and visually fell "far short of the beautiful poetic intention promised by the concept design". A second finish, the sprayable metal LuminOre, was rejected by the commission because it was difficult to produce in the high quality needed, and was prone to flaking and discoloration.

61: 221: 400: 240: 235: 411:"Field to Factory" encouraged Mack to continue pursuing a museum. In 1987 and 1988, NCEED began lining up support among black members of Congress for legislation that would establish an independent African-American national history museum in Washington, D.C. But NCEED ran into opposition from the African American Museum Association (AAMA), an umbrella group that represented small local African-American 230: 439: 565:), but rejected these approaches in favor of a board appointed by and answerable only to the Smithsonian Board of Regents. The commission proposed a 350,000 square-foot museum that would cost $ 360 million to build. Half the construction funds would come from private money, half from the federal government. Legislation to implement the commission's report was sponsored in the Senate by 357:, and 10 others to a commission charged with building a "National Memorial Building" showcasing African-American achievements in the arts and sciences. But Congress did not back the project, and private fundraising also failed. Although proposals for an African-American history and culture museum would be floated in Congress for the next 40 years, none gained more than minimal support. 500:, openly questioned the need for "ethnic" museums on the National Mall. Many, including Mary Campbell Schmidt, saw this as a step backward, a characterization Smithsonian officials strongly disputed. To demonstrate its support for African-American history preservation, the Smithsonian held a fundraiser in March 1998 for the new center which raised $ 100,000 (~$ 174,422 in 2023). 1178:

officially open the museum. The bell came from the first Baptist church organized by and for African Americans, founded in 1776 in Williamsburg, Virginia, where at the time it was unlawful for blacks to congregate or preach. During his speech at the museum's opening, Obama shed tears discussing his thoughts on visiting the museum with future grandchildren.

768:, and the D.C. Historic Preservation Commission all have review and approval rights over construction in the metropolitan D.C. area. As the design went through these agencies for approval, it was slightly revised. The building was moved toward the southern boundary of its plot of land, to give a better view of the Washington Monument from 1206:

timed-entry tickets allowed visitors to enter at a specific time of day, with a shorter wait in line than would be expected if everyone showed up at the same time. Patron traffic proved so heavy that the NMAAHC began offering many fewer same-day tickets, and changed their release from early morning to early afternoon.

581:. This controversy threatened to kill the legislation. To save the bill, backers of the museum said in mid-November 2003 that they would abandon their push for the Capitol Hill site. The compromise saved the legislation: The House passed the "National Museum of African American History and Culture Act" ( 536:, the Smithsonian Board of Regents reversed course yet again in June 2001 and agreed to support a stand-alone National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Smithsonian asked Congress to establish a federally funded study commission. Congress swiftly agreed, and on December 29, President 2223:

architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne wrote that the museum is the "most impressive and ambitious public building to go up in Washington in a generation" and that despite "some flaws and unfortunate signs of cost-cutting, the design succeeds almost precisely to the degree that it is enigmatic and

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The total cost of the museum's design, construction, and installation of exhibits was $ 540 million ($ 685,557,404 in 2023 dollars). By the time the museum's founding fundraising campaign had ended, the NMAAHC had raised $ 386 million ($ 490,046,589 in 2023 dollars), 143 percent more than its goal of

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Guy Nordenson and Associates were the engineers for the superstructure of the museum building and long-span porch. Robert Silman Associates oversaw the engineering of the below-grade structure and exhibit structural support. The steel was fabricated by SteelFab, Inc. While the below-grade floors were

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on November 17, 2013. These items were so large that they could not be dismantled and installed at a later date. Instead, the museum had to be built around them. By late December 2013, construction was just weeks from finishing the five basement levels, and above-ground work was scheduled to begin in

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Debate over the corona's finish continued into 2014 before being resolved. The Commission of Fine Arts repeatedly urged the architects to use bronze for the scrim, as it created a "shimmering, lustrous effect under many lighting conditions" and "conveyed dignity, permanence and beauty". Duranar paint

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architectural critic Philip Kennicott assessed the museum as its one-year anniversary, concluding that the NMAAHC has "changed the center of gravity on the Mall" and created "energy along 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW that feels new, and welcome". Generally effusive in his praise, Kennicott

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III was the museum's founding director being appointed in 2005, overseeing collections, traveling exhibitions as well as planning and building. On May 28, 2019, Bunch was elected Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. He became the Smithsonian's first African-American leader. The interim director

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Smithsonian officials announced that the museum had 3 million visitors in its first full year of operation. An average of 8,000 people a day attended the museum, double the number anticipated. The museum has become an "essential stop" for tourists, and patrons are diverse and international (not just

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Google donated $ 1 million (~$ 1.24 million in 2023) to the museum in early September 2016. The technology firm had previously worked with the NMAAHC to create a 3D interactive exhibit which allows visitors to see artifacts in a close-up, 360-degree view using their mobile phone. The 3D exhibit

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at the midpoint helps support the porch roof. An elliptical monumental staircase runs continually between the above-ground floors. This staircase has no intermediate supports, and weighs in at more than 80,000 lb (36,000 kg). SteelFab fabricated more than 4,050 short tons (3,670 t) of

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certified, and had to meet stringent federal security standards. The cost of construction was limited to $ 500 million ($ 707,573,416 in 2023 dollars). The competition criteria specified that the winning design had to respect the history and views of the Washington Monument as well as demonstrate an

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printer, which laid down tiny layers of molten plastic to slowly build the statue. The statue was "printed" in four sections, which were then put together, detailed, and painted. Smithsonian officials were so pleased with the process that they began laying plans use it to laser image and 3D print a

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After six months, 1.2 million people had visited the NMAAHC, making it one of the four most-visited Smithsonian museums. Patrons spent an average of six hours at the museum, twice as long as had been estimated before the museum's opening. The museum's popularity led to some problems. Visitors stood

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of the museum occurred in October 2014. That same month, the Smithsonian announced that the National Museum of African American History and Culture had received $ 162 million in donations toward the $ 250 million cost of constructing its building. To bolster the fundraising, the Smithsonian said it

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The Smithsonian then radically changed the landscaping of the under-construction museum in summer 2013. The original design for the museum planned a wetland with flowing creek, bridges, and native plants in this area. But cost considerations led the agency to eliminate it. At first, the Smithsonian

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The design of the architectural scrim which surrounds the building was changed in September 2012. The proposed building itself was a box-like structure. The three-part corona of the building's design was created by a structure only minimally attached to the building. The exterior of this structure,

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signed the bill into law on December 16. The legislation appropriated $ 17 million for museum planning and a site selection process, and $ 15 million for educational programs. The educational programs included grants to African-American museums to help them improve their operations and collections;

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The Smithsonian Board of Regents agreed in September 1991 to draft museum legislation, and submitted their bill to Congress in February 1992. The bill was criticized by Tom Mack and others for putting the museum in a building that was too small and old to properly house the intended collection, and

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wrote, "The extremely complex narrative, with uplift and tragedy seemingly on a fixed collision course, spreads over five floors of galleries", and that it "holds some of the oldest and most disturbing material." Cotter added that "It's great that the museum mixes everything together: It means you

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The restaurant features four food stations, where main and side dishes, desserts, and beverages important to the African American experience or developed by African Americans may be purchased. These include the Agricultural South station, the Creole Coast station, the North States, and the Western

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objected to the display. In response to the resulting controversy, the museum added the following sentence to its description of Cosby's career: "In recent years, revelations about alleged sexual misconduct have cast a shadow over Cosby's entertainment career and severely damaged his reputation."

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In January 2016, the Smithsonian set an opening day of September 24, 2016, for the museum's opening. President Barack Obama would dedicate the museum, which would be followed by a week of special events. The museum would open for extended hours during that week to accommodate crowds and visitors.

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publicly suggested in October 1989 that "just a wing" of the National Museum of American History should be devoted to black culture, a pronouncement that generated extensive controversy. The discussions by the ad hoc group prompted the Smithsonian to take a more formal approach to the idea of an

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In 2007, the NMAAHC became the first major museum to open on the Web before completing a physical structure. The web site included the museum's first exhibit, mounted in New York City. The site was also designed to encourage collaboration between scholars and the public. The main feature of the

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The National Museum of African American History and Culture Council (the museum's board of trustees) sponsored a competition in 2008 to design a 350,000 sq ft (33,000 m) building with three stories below-ground and five stories above-ground. The building was limited to the 5-acre

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Brown's group reported six months later that the Smithsonian should form a high-level advisory board to conduct a more thorough study of the issue. The Brown study was blunt in its discussion of the divisions within the African-American community about the advisability of a stand-alone national

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in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment. Renée Anderson, the NMAAHC's head of collections, oversaw the effort. After artifacts were selected for display, graphics and labels for each item were manufactured. Display cases for each item were also purchased, and exhibiting mounts or

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On September 24, 2016, President Barack Obama formally opened the new museum along with four generations of the Bonner family, from 99-year-old Ruth Bonner to Ruth's great-granddaughter Christine. Together with the Obamas, Ruth and her family rang the Freedom Bell (rather than cut a ribbon) to

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As Congress considered the legislation, the museum's location became the major sticking point. Various members of the public, Congress, and advocacy groups felt the Capitol Hill site was too prominent and made the National Mall look crowded. Alternative proposed sites included the Liberty Loan

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Lewis and Leland introduced another bill in 1989. Once more, cost considerations killed the bill. The Smithsonian Institution, however, was moving toward support for a museum. In 1988, an ad hoc group of African-American scholars—most from within the Smithsonian, but some from other museums as

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More than 600,000 people visited the museum in its first three months. The Smithsonian required all visitors to have a ticket to access the museum. At first, the organization used pre-purchased timed-entry tickets, combined with a limited number of same-day tickets released every morning. The

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also criticized the change: "The appeal of bronze is its warm golden sheen and the rich patina that it acquires over time, but uniformly painted surfaces lack these attributes, and over time they don't age, they merely flake. ... At the time of this writing, the African American museum risks

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noted the museum is practically—and unexpectedly to the museum's planners—"one of the toughest tickets to get in American culture" and posited that this was "proof that the nation wanted desperately to grapple with some of the thorniest questions about the people it brought here by force".

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and Rep. Leland introduced legislation for a stand-alone African-American history museum within the Smithsonian Institution. But the bill faced significant opposition in Congress due to its cost. Supporters of the African-American museum tried to salvage the proposal by suggesting that the

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NMAAHC officials said that construction scaffolding around the exterior of the building should come down in April 2016, at which time some of the more dust-and-humidity resistant artifacts and displays could be installed. Installation of more delicate items would wait until the building's

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The NMAAHC became the deepest museum on the National Mall. Excavators dug 80 ft (24 m) below grade to lay the foundations, although the building itself will be only 70 ft (21 m) deep. The museum is located at a low point on the Mall, and groundwater puts 27.78 psi

2041:, a monumental welded-bronze sculpture, is installed as the centerpiece of the Central Hall. The forms reference the movement evoked by the spiritual "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot". The hanging sculpture commemorates the Negro Spiritual and their place in the history of African Americans. 996:

environmental controls had stabilized the interior humidity and removed most of the dust from the air. The museum identified 3,000 items in its collections which would form 11 initial exhibits. More than 130 video and audio installations would be installed as part of these exhibits.

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can't just select a comfortable version of history." He concluded, " hope, actually—that the museum will never be finished, or consider itself so; that its take on African-American history, which is American history, stays fluid, critical and richly confused: real, in other words."

2490:(named for his mother, Naomi Barnett Aden) in October 1943, and together he and Herring built the collection. Aden died suddenly on October 13, 1961, and Herring on May 29, 1969. The collection was broken up into three pieces, although nearly all of it was left to Aden's friend, 1221:

By the end of 2018, the museum had received just under 5 million visitors since it opened, 1.9 million of whom visited in 2018. It was the organization's sixth most-visited museum, behind the National Portrait Gallery (2.3 million) and ahead of the National Zoo (1.8 million).

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so that elements would not run into one another and yet maintain structural integrity. A system of girders around the fifth above-ground floor supported the corona. Some of these girders were so complex they required more than 180 parts. The 200 ft (61 m) long-span

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donated $ 1 million (~$ 1.62 million in 2023) to help build the museum. On April 3, 2003, the study commission released its final report. As expected, the commission said a museum was needed, and recommended an extremely high-level site: A plot of land adjacent to the

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The museum reassessed the use of timed-entry passes in October 2017, and suspended the use of timed-entry ticketing on weekdays in September 2018. Overwhelming demand for entry led the museum to reinstitute the timed-entry ticketing policy for weekdays in October 2018.

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signed legislation establishing a 23-member commission to study the need for a museum, how to raise the funds to build and support it, and where it should be located. At the signing ceremony, the president expressed his opinion that the museum should be located on the

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Because of its lengthy name and the unpronounceable acronym NMAAHC derived from it, a few journalists, following the trend established on social media, used the nickname "the Blacksonian" for the museum, based on its content and its relationship to the Smithsonian.

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specially designed cases handcrafted for particularly fragile, important, or unusually sized objects. Museum officials said all artifacts and displays will be moved into the new museum in the summer of 2016, along with the museum's 175 full-time employees.

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donated $ 12 million (~$ 15.5 million in 2023) to the NMAAHC. This was in addition to the $ 1 million (~$ 1.42 million in 2023) she donated to the museum in 2007. The Smithsonian said it would name the NMAAHC's 350-seat theater after her. The

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about his idea for a national museum focusing on African Americans, and won his support for federal legislation in 1985. Leland sponsored a non-binding resolution (H.R. 666) advocating an African-American museum on the National Mall, which passed the

297:, although the modern push for such an organization did not begin until the 1970s. After years of little success, a legislative push began in 1988 that led to authorization of the museum in 2003. A site was selected in 2006, and a design submitted by 4623: 4199: 316:. The museum has more than 40,000 objects in its collection, although only about 3,500 items are on display. The 350,000-square-foot (33,000 m), 10 story building (five above and five below ground) and its exhibits have won critical praise. 4759: 2251:

for allegedly whistling at a white woman: "Though his body was severely disfigured, his mother insisted on an open casket at his funeral, hoping to show the world the effects of racial injustice. It helped ignite the civil rights movement."

2243:, author of the words 'All Men Are Created Equal,' who is depicted in front of a brick wall – and on every brick, the name of one of his 609 slaves, including at least six who were his own children." But she wrote that "t was the coffin of 2278:

In mid-July 2020, the museum removed a controversial chart from their website titled "Aspects and Assumptions of Whiteness & White Culture in the United States" that had been put up on March 31. Some examples that were claimed to be

512:(which broke ground in 2002). In 2000, a private group—upset with congressional delays—proposed constructing a $ 40 million (~$ 67.3 million in 2023), 400,000 sq ft (37,000 m) museum on Poplar Point, a site on the 4446: 3673: 1963: 5072: 6293: 2362:

A 1989 internal report by the Smithsonian's cultural equity committee released in January 1989 bluntly observed that the Smithsonian had a "shocking absence of minorities in senior-level administrative and professional

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Heymann left the Smithsonian in January 1999. In the meantime, other cities moved forward with major new African-American museums. The city of Detroit opened a $ 38.4 million, 120,000 sq ft (11,000 m)

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In 1995, citing funding issues, the Smithsonian abandoned its support for a new museum and instead proposed a new Center for African American History and Culture within organization. The Smithsonian's new Secretary,

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began to be placed that same month, with glass enclosure of the building complete on April 14, 2015. That same day, the first of the structure's 3,600 bronze-colored panels for the building's corona were installed.

1305:, by Lucia Stanton. NMAAHC director Lonnie Bunch III said that the exhibit explored one way in which slavery might be presented at the National Museum of African American History and Culture when it opens in 2015. 1247:

web-based initiative was the Memory Book application, which allowed individuals to contribute to the web site pictures, a story, or an audio application to spotlight unique experiences in African-American culture.

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Comparisons with other museums is difficult as they may be different in size, or designed for patrons to linger longer (thus slowing the entry of new visitors). With these caveats in mind, the newly-renovated

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The site selection committee did not issue its recommendation until January 31, 2006—a full 13 months late. It recommended the site west of the National Museum of American History. The area was part of the

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A worker was severely injured at the construction site on June 3, 2015, when scaffolding on the roof collapsed on top of him. 35-year-old Ivan Smyntyna was rushed to a local hospital, where he later died.

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The Barnett-Aden art collection documented African American culture, history, and lifestyles from 1800 to 1972. All the works in the collection are by African Americans. The collection was created by Dr.

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of South Africa, and items will be on long-term loan to the NMAAHC. (Finding a sunken slave ship, raising it, and displaying it at the museum had long been a dream of the museum's first director Lonnie

907:(which was the first African American-owned architectural firm in the United States) provided project management services on behalf of the Smithsonian, and acted as liaison between the Smithsonian and 2224:

even fickle, spanning huge gulfs in the national character without being naive enough to try to close them. The building embraces memory and aspiration, protest and reconciliation, pride and shame."

1301:. The 3,000 sq ft (280 m) exhibit was created by Rex Ellis (an associate director of the NMAAHC) and Elizabeth Chew (a curator at Monticello). It was accompanied by a companion book, ' 4114: 312:

The NMAAHC is the world's largest museum dedicated to African-American history and culture. In 2022 it welcomed 1,092,552 visitors, and was second-most visited Smithsonian Museum, and eighth in the

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whose frames lean outward to create the corona, consisted of a thin screen or "scrim" perforated by geometrical patterns based on historic iron grilles found in African-American communities in

5476: 2635: 923:(191.5 kPa) on the walls. To compensate, 85 US gal (320 L) per minute of water were pumped out every day during construction of the foundation and below-grade walls, and a 2660: 1025:

announced a $ 1 million (~$ 1.24 million in 2023) donation to the museum. On March 27, the museum drew criticism for agreeing to include a small number of items from the career of actor

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Ashley's Sack is among the 37,000 objects at the Smithsonian related to African American community, family, the visual and performing arts, religion, civil rights, slavery, and segregation.

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reported in May 2015 that the collection size had grown to 33,000 objects, although this had risen to more than 40,000 objects by May 2019. About 3,500 items are on display to the public.

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The Smithsonian estimated in February 2012 that museum would to open in 2015. Until then, the museum would occupy a gallery on the second floor of the National Museum of American History.

4272: 1062: 6608: 1080:, had given $ 20 million (~$ 24.9 million in 2023) to the NMAAHC. The gift was second-largest in the museum's history, exceeded only by the $ 21 million donated by Oprah Winfrey. 930:

The first concrete for the foundations was poured in November 2012. As the lower levels were completed, cranes installed a segregated railroad passenger car and a guard tower from the

5208: 2239:] about 60 percent of the gallery space, while cultural exhibits take up the other 40 percent." She wrote that the museum is "filled with difficult truths", such as a "statue of 4454: 6065: 6557: 790:

announced a $ 1 million (~$ 1.27 million in 2023) donation to the museum on January 22, 2014, to fund construction of the building and design and install permanent exhibits.

3842: 7643: 5858: 5740: 102: 2299:; self-reliance; and being polite. After criticism, museum officials apologized and removed the chart, explaining that it did not contribute to the discussion as planned. 1185: 4225: 4140: 2394:

At the time, Campbell was the commissioner of cultural affairs for New York City, and the highest-ranking African-American public arts administrator in the United States.

7313: 6132: 4350: 3785: 2494:. The National Museum of African American Art in Florida purchased Ealey's portion in 1989, and Johnson acquired the collection in 1997 after the museum went bankrupt. 5573: 4495: 5310: 6442: 5827: 5599: 6679: 548:

The study commission's work took nearly two years, not the anticipated nine months. In November 2002, in anticipation of a positive outcome, the insurance company

7633: 4785: 3546: 5123: 2097: 2048:

is separated into five colorful panels with glassy, varnished surfaces was inspired by the poem by Countee Cullen which refers to the resilience of creativity.

1011: 927:

of cement and sand injected into forms to stabilize the site. Lasers continually monitored the walls during construction for any signs of bulging or movement.

345:

they still faced, the veterans formed a committee to build a memorial to various African-American achievements. Their efforts paid off in 1929, when President

4297: 7603: 7395: 6697: 4324: 2547: 5688: 4811: 4420: 505: 1308:"Slavery at Jefferson's Monticello" also received attention for the striking statue of Jefferson that graced the exhibit entrance. The Smithsonian used a 6636: 4165: 338: 6401: 4676: 2645: 1351:

The Smithsonian Institution listed the number of items in the museum collection in 2012 as either more than 18,000 pieces or more than 25,000 pieces.

852:(PVDF). This coating was approved by the Commission of Fine Arts on February 20, 2014, and by the National Capital Planning Commission in April 2014. 7085: 2329: 1010:

Two unique documents, both signed by President Abraham Lincoln, would be loaned to the museum for its opening. These are commemorative copies of the

361: 313: 7613: 7555: 6829: 6316: 4402: 3786:

Delegated Action of the Executive Director: Façade Color and Finish, National Museum of African American History and Culture. NCPC File Number 6331

451:

well—began debating what an African-American history museum might look like. While the group discussed the issue informally, Smithsonian Secretary

6725: 5341: 626:

On February 8, 2005, with the site selection committee still deliberating, President Bush again endorsed placing the museum on the National Mall.

7318: 4733: 4477: 4246: 798: 6468: 6360: 3816: 2127:. Mitsitam Café not only proved popular and won culinary awards, it made a substantial profit. The idea of regional food stations came from Dr. 7638: 7550: 7264: 1800: 5613: 6747: 6618: 3934: 3901: 2192:

are characterized as if they were defensively armed social workers, a PC view of radicalism that recurs in other contexts.". Museum reviewer

1371: 903:

Clark Construction Group, Smoot Construction, and H.J. Russell & Company won the contract to build the museum. The architectural firm of

659: 286:

in Washington, D.C., in the United States. It was established in 2003 and opened its permanent home in 2016 with a ceremony led by President

6888: 6158: 5369: 5043: 1263:) to create a major new exhibit, "Slavery at Jefferson's Monticello: Paradox of Liberty". The exhibition opened on January 12, 2012, at the 1255:

In January 2012, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History partnered with the

7483: 6659: 5910: 5850: 4376: 3875: 2324: 1845:. Clinton's original "Mothership" was scrapped in 1983; this replica was crafted by Clinton in the mid-1990s and used for about five years. 1492:, a mid-1800s hand-embroidered feedsack gifted from a slave mother, Rose, to her nine-year-old daughter, Ashley, when Ashley was sold away. 509: 5987: 5414: 1551:‘Whites Only’ – Men's restroom and smoking lounge in Southern Railway Company Coach No. 1200, 1923, redesigned as a segregated car in 1940 1230: 492:

refused to allow the legislation to come to the Senate floor (voicing both fiscal and philosophical concerns) despite bipartisan support.

6341: 860: 1090:(2016), tells of six significant events in African-American history that happened on the same date, August 28. The 22-minute film stars 7330: 5881: 3759: 1880: 911:

and D.C. government agencies. Guy Nordenson and Associates and Robert Silman Associates were the structural engineers for the project.

5961: 5174: 4521: 1315:

to create a digital image of a life-size bronze statue of Jefferson which is located at Monticello. RedEye on Demand (a subsidiary of

7385: 7352: 7335: 7254: 6916:

Blakey, Michael L. (1994). "American Nationality and Ethnicity in the Depicted Past". In Gathercole, Peter; Lowenthal, David (eds.).

6698:"African-American Museum Ignores Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' Career, Highlights Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Him" 4836: 2440: 384:

in 1986. The congressional attention motivated the Smithsonian to improve its presentation of African-American history. In 1987, the

7058: 3647: 2084:

Sweet Home Café is a 400-seat, luncheon-only restaurant located inside the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

435:(then moving through Congress) and African-American museum share the same space. But the compromise did not work and the bill died. 7608: 7524: 7280: 7205: 3099: 1538:. The dwelling was constructed by the Jones family, who were freed slaves. The Joneses later founded an all-black community nearby. 4041: 4014: 368:. The museum, built and funded with private money, opened in 1987. In the early 1980s, Tom Mack (the African-American chairman of 360:

Proposals for a museum began circulating again in Congress in the early 1970s. In 1981, Congress approved a federal charter for a

7369: 7308: 6526: 5503: 3726: 2468:

As of November 2022, veterans, active-duty personnel, and first responders with one guest could enter without timed entry passes.

558: 293:

Early efforts to establish a federally owned museum featuring African-American history and culture can be traced to 1915 and the

5017: 7618: 7227: 7161: 7149: 3224: 2448: 2120: 1468: 1460: 432: 381: 373: 5260: 2353:

As late as 1989, the Smithsonian was still refusing to hire blacks for important jobs as curators, researchers, and restorers.

971:

The entire steel superstructure and all above-ground concrete pouring was complete in January 2015. Glass for the windows and

914: 7222: 7078: 4298:"Wells Fargo Donates Visual Art and $ 1 Million to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture" 3960: 1527:

of the United Kingdom. Related items include a photographic portrait of Tubman (one of only a few known to exist), and three

1479: 1030: 765: 4879: 7623: 7593: 761: 37: 1018:, of which only a limited number were printed. Few of these have survived. David Rubenstein purchased both items in 2012. 7144: 6106: 5835: 5396: 4624:"'Who is this Robert Smith?': A quiet billionaire makes some noise with $ 20 million gift to the African American museum" 2436: 2100:. Joanne Hyppolite, NMAAHC curator for cultural expressions, oversees the restaurant as well as the museum's exhibits on 1267:, and closed on October 14, 2012. The exhibit received nationwide attention, garnering articles from sources such as the 1264: 1171: 385: 7040: 6775: 6204: 6014: 5801: 5775: 5655: 3572: 3465: 3393: 3374: 3333: 1966:. She was also the first American gymnast ever to win both the team and individual all-around gold at the same Olympics. 1086:

was commissioned by the museum to create a film which debuted at the museum's opening on September 24, 2016. This film,

614:

Construction signs at the future site of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

7340: 7237: 7232: 2124: 1872: 1464: 1442: 1367: 389: 5292: 3412: 2144:, was named a "culinary ambassador" for the restaurant. She engages in public outreach for the restaurant and museum. 7362: 7019: 6998: 6980: 6950: 6927: 2455:(a non-Smithsonian museum) had a calculated 300,000 visitors in its first three months of operation in 2002; and the 1386:

donated $ 2.5 million (~$ 3.11 million in 2023) to support the museum's exhibit on the accomplishments of boxer

1359: 643: 1007:. As of January 30, 2016, the museum still needed to raise $ 40 million toward its $ 270 million construction goal. 7200: 7071: 7044: 2212: 1127: 983:

The 350,000 sq ft (33,000 m) building has a total of 10 stories (five above and five below ground).

532:

re-introduced legislation for a museum in the House of Representatives. Under the leadership of its new Secretary,

456:

African-American heritage museum. In December 1989 the Smithsonian hired nationally respected museum administrator

333:

and culture can be traced back to the second decade of the 20th century. In 1915, African-American veterans of the

248: 5277: 4066: 2602: 2233:, Susan Glaser wrote that the museum "is really two museums in one: Its historical exhibits encompasses [ 2199: 508:

in 1997, and the city of Cincinnati was raising funds for a $ 90 million, 157,000 sq ft (14,600 m)

7628: 7132: 3590: 3225:

National Museum of African American History and Culture Plan for Action Presidential Commission (April 2, 2003).

2444: 1453: 1379: 4088: 1324:

vast number of items in their collection, which they could then share inexpensively with the rest of the world.

848:

plating was dismissed for not achieving the right color, luster, or warmth. In early 2014, tests were made with

7154: 7115: 5529: 2456: 2024: 1834: 647: 239: 234: 28: 6861:"African American Museum site removes 'whiteness' chart after criticism from Trump Jr. and conservative media" 7572: 7400: 7357: 7345: 7120: 6497: 2248: 1663: 294: 6803: 2459:(a non-Smithsonian museum) had a calculated 360,000 visitors in its first three months of operation in 1993. 1653: 7215: 7183: 7178: 6993:. Washington D.C.: National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution. 2015. 6558:"National Museum of African American History and Culture Review: A Moving but Flawed Accounting of History" 2109: 1677: 1404: 931: 671: 472: 229: 95: 3547:"A new Smithsonian museum highlights the enormous influence African American culture has had on all of us" 935:

late January 2014. At that time, the Smithsonian estimated the museum would be finished in November 2015.

594: 7125: 7102: 2640: 1876: 1256: 972: 452: 244: 3269: 1568:(the company he founded in 1985) donated more than $ 222,000 to restore the car, which was built by the 7457: 7173: 6748:"Review: D.C.'s New African American Museum Is a Bold Challenge to Traditional Washington Architecture" 4604: 2572: 2119:

In designing the museum, the Smithsonian was influenced by the development of the Mitsitam Café at the

1867: 1620: 1509: 1286: 1135: 1073: 1050: 999:

In January 2016, the museum announced the receipt of a $ 10 million gift from David Rubenstein, CEO of

829: 808: 582: 3270:"National Museum of African American History and Culture Act. Public Law 108-184; 117 Stat. 2676–2683" 7390: 7323: 7193: 7166: 5574:"LeBron James puts up $ 2.5 million for Muhammad Ali exhibit at nation's new African American museum" 3314: 1320: 1196:. National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 1015: 897: 837: 676: 6066:"The Legacy of Hip-Hop Producer J Dilla Will Be Recognized Among the Collections at the Smithsonian" 4567:"Acclaimed Violinist, Edward W. Hardy, Releases New Single Inspired By The Evolution Of Black Music" 3117:

Lee, Gary (August 29, 2004). "Going Underground: From Slavery to Freedom at New Cincinnati Museum".

2425:

At least 17 churches nationwide rang their bells at the same time to mark the opening of the museum.

7504: 7428: 7410: 7303: 7247: 6960:

Ruffins, Fath Davis (June 1998). "Culture Wars Won and Lost, Part II: Ethnic Museums on the Mall".

6498:"Even the Café Is Historical at the New Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture" 2452: 1970: 1684: 1576: 1427: 1417: 904: 574: 330: 147: 5935: 5233: 5175:"IBM and Smithsonian Open the National Museum of African American History and Culture – Virtually" 3192:

Trescott, Jacqueline (November 25, 2002). "African American Museum Plan Given $ 1 Million Boost".

820:

compromising its original intention. In architecture, beauty sometimes really is only skin-deep."

591: 446:, who championed the legislation for the museum after Rep. Leland's death in a plane crash in 1989 7433: 7094: 6562: 5557:

Kennicot, Philip; McGlone, Peggy (October 1, 2016). "The African American Museum in 11 objects".

4950:

Trescott, Jacqueline (November 23, 2004). "Indian Museum Attracts Healthy Crowd in First Month".

4760:"African-American Museum Opening: 'This place is more than a building. It is a dream come true.'" 4652: 2167: 2038: 1921: 1565: 1193: 968:

would contribute a portion of its $ 1.5 billion capital campaign to help complete the structure.

849: 562: 561:) or a board answerable both to the Smithsonian and independent trustees (similar to that of the 554: 279: 137: 7059:

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture at Google Cultural Institute

4377:"Microsoft is giving $ 1 million to the National Museum of African American History and Culture" 2486:, and Alonzo J. Aden, the first curator of Howard University's Gallery of Art. Aden founded the 7598: 7519: 7470: 7450: 7259: 6585: 2416:

of Mississippi, an escaped slave who lived through the years of Reconstruction and segregation.

1999: 1738: 1557: 1438: 944: 691: 650:

Advisory Board had considered the parcel in 1995. On March 15, 2005, the Smithsonian named Dr.

155: 2439:

had 720,000 visitors in its first three months of operation in 2007–2008; the newly-renovated

2123:. That cafeteria had been established to acquaint museum-goers with the rich food heritage of 7529: 5149: 3439: 3147:

Trescott, Jacqueline (May 2, 2001). "Congressmen to Push Again For African American Museum".

2292: 2006: 1978: 1909: 1723: 1535: 1408:, a sunken slave ship excavated off the coast of South Africa in 2015. The wreck is owned by 1276: 1214:

African American and domestic). The heavy attendance has caused wear and tear on the museum.

1077: 753:

culture; specifically, these three stacked trapezoidal shapes were inspired by the top of an

468: 342: 6527:"Review: The Smithsonian African American Museum Is Here at Last. And It Uplifts and Upsets" 4812:"New African-American Museum Tells 'Essential Part' of American Story, President Obama Says" 7560: 7499: 7405: 7242: 7188: 6641: 6290:"Gymnast Gabrielle Douglas Donates Olympic Items to Smithsonian's New Black History Museum" 5182: 4708:"Descended from a slave, this family helped to open the African American Museum with Obama" 3495: 3352:"Lonnie G. Bunch Named Director of National Museum of African American History and Culture" 3210:

Trescott, Jacqueline (November 25, 2002). "Capitol Site Favored for Black History Museum".

2487: 1955: 1932: 1670: 1642: 889: 517: 485: 412: 151: 5477:"Shovels Break Ground for the New National Museum of African American History and Culture" 4653:"Why Is August 28 So Special To Black People? Ava DuVernay Reveals All In New NMAAHC Film" 3226: 8: 7478: 7210: 6865: 6702: 6655: 6613: 5689:"At new Smithsonian African-American history and culture museum, Catholic stories emerge" 5452:"The Collections of the African American History and Culture Museum Await Their New Home" 5097: 3069:

Roberts, Roxanne (March 2, 1998). "Smithsonian Gala Is a Big Boost to Anacostia Museum".

2447:

drew an estimated 322,000 visitors in their first three months of operation in 2007; the

1984: 1947: 1734: 1592:

from the Jim Crow era with the sign "colored" (indicating it was for use by blacks only).

1297: 769: 700: 651: 631: 354: 350: 7049: 4935:

Trescott, Jacqueline (May 23, 2008). "Some People Would Die to Wind Up at This Museum".

3351: 3298:

Trescott, Jacqueline (November 21, 2003). "African American Museum Bill Clears Senate".

2661:"'We did it': Read John Lewis's emotional speech at the African American Museum opening" 1634:

in 1942, one of the first businesses in Philadelphia owned by an African-American woman.

610: 7567: 7514: 6939: 6531: 6469:"Revealed: This Year's James Beard Foundation Awards Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists" 4657: 3132:

Slevin, Peter (January 9, 2000). "Black History Museum Has Artifacts but No Building".

2548:"Kevin Young Named Director Of National Museum Of African American History And Culture" 2154: 2073: 1974: 1742: 1608: 1431: 1363: 1281: 1151: 833: 497: 181: 6188:

Iverem, Esther; Allen, Henry (October 2, 1997). "Prized Art Will Return to District".

4247:"Opening date, events set for National Museum of African American History and Culture" 3988: 3961:"Darkness and light: A bold new museum helps tell multifaceted African-American story" 3177:

Trescott, Jacqueline (December 29, 2001). "African American Museum Idea Moves Ahead".

2108:. The cafeteria opened on September 24, 2016. It was named a 2017 semifinalist by the 1029:

in a planned exhibit about African Americans in the entertainment industry. Women who

885: 646:

originally planned to build its headquarters there in the early 20th century, and the

7015: 6994: 6976: 6946: 6923: 6752: 2610: 2483: 2288: 2219: 2128: 1940: 1894: 1838: 1822: 1694: 1589: 1235: 1163: 1091: 1000: 816: 578: 533: 457: 365: 4586:"How Critically Acclaimed Violinist Edward W. Hardy Is Transforming Mood Into Music" 3521: 1714:

The glass-topped casket originally used to display and bury the body of 14-year-old

6780: 6680:"New Smithsonian Museum Ignores Justice Thomas Legacy, Despite Focus on Anita Hill" 6553: 4325:"More Patriotic Philanthropy: A Quick Look at Rubenstein's Gift to the Smithsonian" 4166:"Construction Worker Killed in Accident on Museum of African American History Roof" 4042:"Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture" 2479: 2280: 2240: 2229: 2173: 1849: 1659: 1604: 1581: 1489: 1358:

Items obtained by the museum initially were received, conserved, and stored at the

1268: 1155: 779: 746: 734: 667: 654:

to be the Director of the National African American Museum of History and Culture.

635: 420: 306: 224: 220: 209: 191: 6889:"In Smithsonian Race Guidelines, Rational Thinking and Hard Work Are White Values" 5859:"Mae Reeves' Hats Hang At National Museum Of African American History And Culture" 4478:"Google Gives $ 1 Million to Nat'l Museum of African American History and Culture" 4273:"Smithsonian donor David Rubenstein gives $ 10 million to African American museum" 3162:

Trescott, Jacqueline (June 26, 2001). "Black History Museum On Mall Is Endorsed".

2215:

senators which argued that Thomas should have a "prominent place" in the museum.

2116:

Range. Each station offers several vegetarian entrees in addition to meat dishes.

1119: 7137: 7009: 6970: 6917: 6664: 6342:"Statement on the Death of Basketball Icon and Museum Founding Donor Kobe Bryant" 6042: 3251:

Reel, Monte (November 20, 2003). "Preservation Law Puts Leash on Mall Projects".

2987:

Trescott, Jacqueline (March 18, 1993). "Key Smithsonian Projects Get Early Nod".

2382: 2284: 2265: 2208: 2181: 2177: 2089: 2020: 1852: 1757: 1646: 1624: 1569: 1272: 1115: 1042: 713: 704: 513: 309:

was chosen in 2009. Construction began in 2012 and the museum completed in 2016.

6361:"Lonnie Bunch III Set To Become Smithsonian Institution's First Black Secretary" 5741:"'Filled with my love' Slave artifact to be displayed in new Smithsonian museum" 5656:"Lonnie Bunch, Gathering Pieces for National Museum of African American History" 4447:"Smithsonian acknowledges Bill Cosby's sexual assault allegations in new museum" 4200:"Lonnie Bunch Has Eight Months to Get Ready for African American Museum Opening" 4141:"Worker Killed in Scaffolding Collapse at Smithsonian's African American Museum" 4067:"National Museum of African American History & Culture - Clark Construction" 3674:"GM Foundation Gives $ 1 Million to National Museum of African American History" 1329:

Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing: The Apollo Theater and American Entertainment

7545: 7509: 6637:"Museum's Slight of Clarence Thomas Does African American History a Disservice" 6522: 6133:"Watch George Clinton's P-Funk Mothership Get Reassembled For Its Museum Debut" 5802:"Collector Donates Harriet Tubman Artifacts to African American History Museum" 4403:"African-American history museum's plan to include Cosby items draws criticism" 4230: 2793:

Trescott, Jacqueline (April 13, 1997). "A Splendid Setting For Black History".

2491: 2413: 2316: 2296: 2189: 2159: 2052: 1959: 1704: 1688: 1600: 1524: 1516: 1309: 1159: 1107: 1058: 908: 877: 787: 750: 726: 685: 598: 537: 346: 60: 6402:"Inside the African American History Museum's Sweet Home Cafe with Carla Hall" 5530:"Leader of Smithsonian's African American Museum to Direct Entire Institution" 4677:"Ruth Bonner, Woman Who Helped Open Smithsonian African-American Museum, Dies" 3760:"How the Smithsonian Will Bronze Its Newest Museum, Without Using Real Bronze" 1733:

was sewing the day she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a bus in

7587: 7286: 6632: 5209:"Spring Preview — Museums: Slavery at Monticello, Space Shuttle, Fish X-Rays" 2865:

Swisher, Kara (October 16, 1989). "Black History Museum Plan Sparks Debate".

2811:

Swisher, Kara (October 16, 1989). "Black-History Museum Plan Sparks Debate".

2614: 2093: 1951: 1898: 1862: 1826: 1483: 1409: 1103: 893: 782: 695: 680: 639: 566: 542: 404: 376: 283: 117: 104: 6274:

Hall, Carla; Shirley, Don (October 13, 1978). "Art in Search of A Gallery".

5073:"The African American Museum a year later: Still the hottest ticket in town" 3051:

Trescott, Jacqueline (July 30, 1995). "African American Museum Is Stalled".

6015:"Smithsonian's African American History Museum Acquires Emmett Till Casket" 5044:"National Museum Of African American History And Culture Celebrates 1 Year" 2883:

Weinraub, Judith (December 12, 1989). "Smithsonian Launches Mall Project".

2381:

Brown was assistant director for government and community relations at the

2085: 2069: 2064: 1998:

Items from President Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign office from

1774: 1763: 1638: 1387: 1383: 1303:

Those Who Labor for My Happiness': Slavery at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

1167: 1131: 1123: 1111: 1083: 956:

and box columns (also made of plate). A 16 in (41 cm) long steel

884:

and museum director Bunch were among the speakers at the ceremony. Actress

881: 754: 738: 730: 718: 688: 618: 302: 298: 287: 205: 201: 7063: 5018:"Why The African American Museum Won't Get Rid of Timed Entry Tickets Yet" 2517: 1333:

For All the World to See: Visual Culture and the Struggle for Civil Rights

868: 6683: 6443:"African-American Museum Cafe Serves Up Black History With Every Forkful" 4496:"Google Is Redefining 3D Tech at the New African American History Museum" 3573:"African American Museum's revised design gets favorable reviews by NCPC" 2931:

Masters, Kim (May 7, 1991). "Smithsonian Backs African American Museum".

2451:

had 820,000 visitors in its first three months of operation in 2004; the

2244: 2045: 2016: 1913: 1902: 1793: 1767: 1749: 1719: 1715: 1673:, from the Jim Crow era which indicates which seating is for blacks only. 1472: 1143: 1139: 1099: 1095: 1004: 964: 957: 812: 737:

won the design competition. The above-ground floors featured an inverted

709: 597:) on November 19, and the Senate followed suit two days later. President 529: 489: 416: 5715:"National Museum of African American History and Culture Groundbreaking" 4734:"'Let Freedom Ring': Church Founded by Slaves Rings Bell For First Time" 3084:

Trescott, Jacqueline (January 23, 1999). "Heyman to Leave Smithsonian".

7464: 6830:"Smithsonian's 'Watching Oprah' a powerful reminder of why we miss her" 4421:"Museum's Plan to Include Cosby Material Draws Criticism From Accusers" 3394:"Architectural Firms Compete to Design African American History Museum" 2193: 2135: 1992: 1928: 1917: 1842: 1815: 1789: 1730: 1631: 1616: 1499: 1449: 1312: 1260: 1038:

was created by designers and engineers from the Black Googler Network.

1026: 658:(20,000 m) site chosen by the site selection committee, had to be 443: 427: 393: 369: 334: 3727:"'Value Engineering' Costs New Smithsonian Museum a Key Water Feature" 3598: 3010:

Trescott, Jacqueline (September 29, 1994). "Helms Stalls New Museum".

2964:

Trescott, Jacqueline (February 4, 1992). "Regents Back Museum Plans".

2027:. Bryant and his wife Vanessa were also founding donors of the museum. 1630:

A recreation of part of "Mae's Millinery Shop", the hat shop begun by

634:

grounds, but had been set aside for a museum or other building in the

407:, an early supporter of federal legislation for a black history museum 4909: 4522:"He followed his passion for classical music from Harlem to Colorado" 2185: 1612: 1495: 1316: 1291: 1022: 5776:"Black Fashion Museum Collection Finds a Fine Home With Smithsonian" 5124:"Tips for Getting Tickets to NMAAHC and When They Are Not Necessary" 4965:

Kastor, Elizabeth (July 2, 1993). "Tourists in the Hall of Horror".

4540: 3783: 3018:

Trescott, Jacqueline (October 1, 1994). "Black Museum Loses Again".

2310: 2211:

drew criticism and prompted the introduction of a resolution by six

388:

sponsored a major exhibit, "Field to Factory", which focused on the

4989:"Crowds at African American museum are expected to get even bigger" 4089:"D.C.'s African American Museum wins 2017 Design of the Year award" 3625:

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

3595:

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

3002:

Trescott, Jacqueline (June 10, 1994). "Project Passes Key Hurdle".

2949:

Masters, Kim (September 23, 1991). "New Museum Takes a Baby Step".

2140: 2101: 1891: 1804: 1785: 1596: 1561: 1528: 1352: 1063:

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

845: 341:

in Washington, D.C., for a reunion and parade. Frustrated with the

5600:"Wreck of a 221-Year-Old Slave Ship Is Confirmed Off South Africa" 4015:"National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)" 3935:"Lonnie Bunch's 10-year trek to showcase African-American history" 1818:, the New Orleans–based chef known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine. 4786:"Historic Bell Helps Ring in New African American History Museum" 4450: 3843:"African American Museum Groundbreaking Showcases Living History" 2372:

The Secretary is the highest-ranking official at the Smithsonian.

2247:

that finally got to me." She describes 14-year-old Till, who was

2105: 1988: 1857: 1808: 1656: 1482:

that was deconstructed and rebuilt from its original location on

1366:. Dozens of permanent curatorial staff and temporary contractors 1003:

and a Smithsonian regent, as well as a $ 1 million donation from

892:

for the event, which also featured poetry and music performed by

3876:"Behind the Fences of the Smithsonian's African American Museum" 1393:

As of September 2016, notable items in the collection included:

399: 6609:"At New Smithsonian Museum, Justice Thomas Is an Invisible Man" 6159:"Robert Johnson Donates Art to African American History Museum" 5962:"Charlie Parker "Bird" Legend Series Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece" 2826:

Swisher, Kara (March 27, 1989). "Black American Museum Urged".

1887: 1520: 1337:

The Scurlock Studio and Black Washington: Picturing The Promise

1147: 1054: 953: 924: 841: 742: 5293:"New Smithsonian Exhibit Explores Jefferson's Slave Ownership" 3620: 3227:

The Time Has Come: Report to the President and to the Congress

2685:

Wilkins, Robert L. (March 23, 2003). "A Museum Much Delayed".

2005:

A pair of hand-painted sneakers, titled "Obama 08", by artist

467:

The Smithsonian formed a 22-member advisory board, chaired by

3036:

Newsome, Steven (August 13, 1995). "New Name, Same Mission".

2916:

Trescott, Jacqueline (May 8, 1990). "Toward a Black Museum".

1666:

and used in 1944 for training members of the Tuskegee Airmen.

949: 940: 549: 6726:"Senate GOP: National museum should include Clarence Thomas" 6107:"Museum Cafeteria Serves Black History and a Bit of Comfort" 4855:"Even a $ 540 million building can suffer from cost cutting" 3708: 3706: 2403:

The new center was housed at the Anacostia Community Museum.

438: 7054:

interview with NMAAHC Director Lonnie Bunch, August 6, 2006

5311:"Thomas Jefferson as Slaveholder is Subject of New Exhibit" 2979:

Brace, Eric (October 5, 1992). "Senate Okays Museum Bill".

1830: 1781: 1753: 1691:

in 1947, which he played from 1947 until his death in 1955.

721:

and Associates, with Sulton Campbell Britt & Associates

5415:"Smithsonian Turns to 3D to Bring Collection to the World" 2636:"13 destinations for African-American history and culture" 2055:

is about the changes that shape people's lives and legacy.

415:, cultural, and history museums across the United States. 7035: 5911:"Relics of a Notorious Prison Go to Black History Museum" 5713:

Trescott, Jacqueline; Judkis, Maura (February 22, 2012).

3902:"National Museum of African American History and Culture" 3703: 3691: 2235: 2012: 1936: 1770:

worn by Cassius Clay (later to be known as Muhammad Ali).

1718:, the victim of racially motivated torture and murder in 5614:"S. Africa Shipwreck a 'Milestone' in Slave Trade Study" 4115:"Smithsonian Announces $ 1.5 Billion Fundraising Effort" 2896: 2894: 2834: 2746: 2744: 1958:. Douglas was the first African American, and first non- 1341:

Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits

1170:

accepted the Democratic nomination for president at the

258: 7041: