Exploring the Rich History of African Americans at the National Museum of African American History & Culture

The Rich History of African Americans at the National Museum of African American History & Culture

The National Museum of African American History & Culture is a museum that is located in Washington DC, USA. It was established in 2003 and opened to the public in 2016. The museum is home to over 37,000 artifacts, making it the largest collection of African American history and culture in the world. The museum is divided into 11 exhibits that tell the story of the African American journey, from slavery to freedom.

The History of the Museum

The National Museum of African American History & Culture was established in 2003. President George W. Bush signed into law the National Museum of African American History and Culture Act, which authorized the establishment of the museum. The museum was designed by the architectural firm Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup. The museum opened to the public on September 24, 2016, after a dedication ceremony at which President Barack Obama delivered a speech.

The Exhibits

There are 11 exhibits in the National Museum of African American History & Culture. The first exhibit is “Slavery and Freedom,” which explores the legacy of slavery in America and the struggle for freedom. The exhibit features artifacts like a slave cabin, a slave ship shackles, and other items that represent the history of slavery in America.

The second exhibit is “Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation 1876-1968,” which covers the period after the Civil War up to the Civil Rights Movement. The exhibit showcases the different forms of segregation in America, such as Jim Crow laws and the Civil Rights Movement.

The third exhibit is “A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond,” which covers the period from the Civil Rights Movement to the present day. The exhibit features artifacts from events like the Black Lives Matter protests and the election of President Barack Obama.

The other exhibits cover topics like Music, Religion, Sports, and the Arts.

Highlights from the Museum

One of the most popular artifacts in the National Museum of African American History & Culture is the dress that Rosa Parks wore when she was arrested in 1955 for refusing to give up her seat on a bus. The dress is on display in the museum’s “Defining Freedom” exhibit.

Another highlight of the museum is the Emmett Till Memorial, which honors the life of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African American boy who was lynched in Mississippi in 1955. The memorial is a glass-topped casket that holds artifacts from Till’s life, including a photograph of him taken shortly before his murder.

Conclusion

The National Museum of African American History & Culture is a powerful tribute to the African American journey. The museum brings to life the struggles and triumphs of African Americans, telling their stories with rich artifacts and engaging exhibits. Its collection of over 37,000 artifacts is the largest collection of African American history and culture in the world. The museum is a must-visit for anyone who wants to understand and appreciate the rich history of African Americans in America.