A People’s Journey, A Nation’s Story

Welcome to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture

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As a public health precaution due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), the National Museum of African American History and Culture will temporarily close to the public starting Monday, November 23. We are not announcing a reopening date at this time and will provide updates on our website and social media. 

In the meantime, we invite you to explore our virtual exhibitions, online collections and digital resources. Please visit our calendar of events for the latest updates. We appreciate your understanding.

Celebrating African American Foodways, Cuisine and Culture

Foodways are the food people eat, how it’s grown and prepared, and its part in their lives. Africans brought with them planting and cooking techniques and memories of recipes.
Thanksgiving table
01/01

A Recipe to Top Off Your Holiday Meal

Nothing tops a holiday meal like a smooth, rich gravy. Chef Jerome Grant shares the perfect gravy recipe and tips for ensuring yours is just right.
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Chef Jacket Worn by Leah Chase
01/01

African American Chefs You Should Know

Before the 1970s, Aunt Jemima’s pancake box carried the stereotypical image of a black cook. Today, a new wave of African American chefs safeguard Southern foodways.
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Featured Exhibition

View of the Cultural Expressions exhibition with a large 360 degree video screen around the center of the room.
01/01

Cultural Expressions

Culture shapes lives. It’s in the food people eat, the languages they speak, the art they create, and many other ways they express themselves. These traditions reflect the history and creative spirit of African American and other cultures of the African diaspora.
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Explore the Collection

Discover signature objects from the Museum's collection
Stockpot used to cook collard greens at the Florida Avenue Grill

Stockpot used to cook collard greens at the Florida Avenue Grill, mid to late 20th century

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Cast iron skillet owned and used by Beatrice Mack, 1951

Cast iron skillet owned and used by Beatrice Mack, 1951

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Chef jacket worn by Leah Chase, ca. 2012

Chef jacket worn by Leah Chase, ca. 2012

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"The Dooky Chase Cookbook"

"The Dooky Chase Cookbook," 2009

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"A Taste of Heritage: The New African American Cuisine"

"A Taste of Heritage: The New African American Cuisine," 2002

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Colander used by Chef Joseph Randall

Colander used by Chef Joseph Randall, 1976

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"What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking"

"What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking," 1881

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Stockpot used to cook collard greens at the Florida Avenue Grill
Cast iron skillet owned and used by Beatrice Mack, 1951
Chef jacket worn by Leah Chase, ca. 2012
"The Dooky Chase Cookbook"
"A Taste of Heritage: The New African American Cuisine"
Colander used by Chef Joseph Randall
"What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking"

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

Upcoming Events

Historically Speaking: Leadership During COVID 19

Monday, December 14, 2020 | 7:00pm to 8:00pm

Poetry Workshop: An Ode to James Baldwin

Tuesday, December 15, 2020 | 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Artful Observations

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 | 4:00pm to 5:00pm
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Recent News

Monday, December 7, 2020

Smithsonian Hosts Daylong Program To Collect Stories From Across America

Friday, December 4, 2020

Statement on the Passing of Decorated Olympian Rafer Johnson

Thursday, December 3, 2020

National Museum of African American History and Culture Celebrates Kwanzaa and Offers Expansive Digital Programming in December

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