Save Our African American Treasures: A National Collections Initiative

Save Our African American Treasures: A National Collections Initiative of Discovery and Preservation, is a collaboration among cultural institutions, community leaders, and the public to preserve and collect African American material culture.

The concept of the Treasures project stems from the realization that the material culture of this important aspect of American history is at risk. Objects that speak to critical moments in our history reside in the homes of families and community institutions around the country — some are yet to be discovered and some may slowly deteriorate due to inadequate conservation.

Treasures will stimulate preservation activity nationwide, assist people in identifying and preserving objects of historical and cultural significance, and help to identify potential collaborations among other cultural institutions and communities across the country. To begin, Treasures programs will occur in five target cities: Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; and Washington, DC.

Treasures—LA, July 12, 2008 at the Japanese American National Museum
Treasures—Chicago, January 19, 2008 at the Harold Washington Library Center

Treasures programs will include Preservation Classrooms to guide community participants how to best preserve the treasures they find in their attics, closets, and basements and consider the American stories their personal treasures tell. Professionals will share information with participants about how to protect photographs, wedding suits, paper documents, decorative objects, and the other personal treasures that they hold dear.

To reserve a slot for a personal review of one or two your family's private treasures during the Los Angeles July 12, 2008 event write to rsvpnmaahc@si.edu or call 1-888-249-8033. Space is limited. Furniture, art, rugs/carpets, or objects larger than a shopping bag will not be reviewed. Maximum of three (3) items per participant.

Your reservation will not be considered complete unless you include in your message:

• The participant’s first and last name
• What item(s) he/she will be bringing
• What time of day he/she would like to have his/her review
• Group A - 10:00AM to 11:30AM
• Group B - 11:45AM to 12:30pm
• Group C - 1:30AM to 4:15pm