Watching Oprah
The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture
Our new special exhibition uses the story of Oprah Winfrey and her phenomenally successful daytime television talk show as a lens through which to explore contemporary American history and culture. Opens June 8, 2018, Follow #WatchingOprah for more!
Press: Use the following links to view images of objects in the exhibition and photographs from Harpo Studios, exhibition b-roll, and our media kit.
Celebrate Solstice Saturday!
A complete list of events and programming can be found at si.edu/solsticesaturday.
The Smithsonian will celebrate the first Saturday of summer— “Solstice Saturday”—with free parties, programs and performances June, 23. Enjoy the Museum and great Solstice Saturday events:
- Dining: The Museum’s renowned Sweet Home Café will be opened for extended hours with tasty summer menu!
- Music: Rex Carnegie and the House Band will perform Rock, Soul and Rhythm and Blues favorites highlighted in the Musical Crossroads exhibition, 7:30-8:30 PM
- Shopping: Museum Store will be opened for extended hours.
- Stargazing: Courtesy of the Astronomy Festival, 6-11 PM
Powerful moments in African American
history, culture, and community.
Collection Stories
The Woman with the Violin
Violinist Ginger Smock was a critical figure in the development of the Los Angeles jazz scene and a trailblazing leader for female musicians in the male-dominated music industry of the 1940s and 1950s.
Carlotta Walls LaNier's Dress
In 1957, Carlotta Walls and six other African American students took on the difficult, dangerous task of integrating Little Rock Central High School. This dress tells the story of "Little Rock Nine" and the fight for a quality education for all Americans.
Frances Albrier
Frances Albrier was a leader in the American struggle for civil, labor, and human rights. Her collection brings into focus the role of west coast activists in the mid-twentieth century.
Seeing Black Women in Power
Photography and art of black women in the 1960s and 1970s created a new space of recognition, making clear the necessity of black women’s voices to movements for equality.
The African American experience is the lens through which we understand what it is to be an American.
Lonnie G. Bunch III Founding Director, NMAAHC
