Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

African American History Museum Marks Decade

The National Museum of African American History and Culture celebrates its tenth anniversary, serving as a vital space for understanding and community.

Opened September 24, 2016, the museum is the result of a decades-long effort, signed into law in 2003. It features artifacts like Emmett Till's casket and a Pullman porter's uniform.

Exhibits on Pullman porters highlight their role in the Black middle class and the civil rights movement, showcasing items like a pump organ.

Curators aim for exhibits to foster connection, prompting reflection on personal histories and community.

The museum's creation involved bipartisan support and significant donations from individuals and celebrities.

Visitors find the museum impactful for educating youth and fostering broader understanding of African American history.

The museum's mission is to present a full, shared history, encouraging dialogue and correcting misconceptions.

Founding director Lonnie G. Bunch III envisioned it as a celebration of African American culture and an American story.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.