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A People’s Journey, A Nation’s Story

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

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Museum News & Highlights

Ruth Simmons

Ruth J. Simmons to Deliver 2023 NEH Jefferson Lecture

Our museum celebrates its seventh anniversary in September with a diverse set of programming and tours.
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large central vignette an African American family enjoy domestic tranquility around a "Union" stove while, immediately below, a baby symbolizing the New Year breaks the shackles of a kneeling slave. Scenes at left detail horrors associated with slavery–whipping, branding and the separation of families. At right, these are contrasted with future blessings–payment for work, public education, and enjoying one’s own home, goals that could only be realized if the Union won the war.

The Emancipation Proclamation: A Mighty Blow to Slavery

The year 2023 marks the 200th anniversary of one of the most important documents in the nation’s history, the Emancipation Proclamation.
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Demonstrators at Pool

“I Have a Dream Speech” on View for a Limited Time

Commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington by experiencing MLK's iconic speech, Aug. 7–Sept. 18, in the “Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom” gallery.
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Early architectural model of the museum building

Our Musem Building

Learn about this historic building and its unique architectural features
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Image of Charlotte Lyons in the Ebony Test Kitchen, featured in the November 1992 issue of Ebony magazine. Lyons is shown leaning frontward over a counter

Iconic Ebony Test Kitchen Finds a Home at Our Museum

Built in 1972 as a prominent feature of the Johnson Publishing Co. building in Chicago, the Ebony Test Kitchen is where recipes were tested and prepared before they were published in Ebony magazine for home cooks around the country.
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Dr. N. Anthony Coles

Museum Announces New Council Chair

Dr. N. Anthony Coles will serve as Chair of the Advisory Council for the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
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Merchandise

“Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures” is Now Open

On view until March 24, 2024, the exhibition explores and reveals Afrofuturism’s historic and poignant engagement with African American history and popular culture.
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Hip-Hop Block Party Merchandise (Large)

Shop our Hip-Hop Block Party Limited-Edition Collection

Represent this momentous occasion honoring hip-hop at 50 from the block to the world! All income from our sales supports the chartered educational purposes and activities of the Smithsonian Institution.
Shop the Collection
African American Flag, 1990, by David Hammons

David Hammons’ “African-American Flag” on View

One of the original five flags made in 1990 by Hammons, the artwork is currently on view in the museum’s “Reckoning: Protest. Defiance. Resilience.” exhibition.
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Elaine Nichols

Explore Our Museum Store

Elaine Nichols, Supervisory Museum Curator, offers a look at unique items the museum store has to offer for everyone.
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A child wearing a mask holds a doll with a mask while sitting in The Rink at Rockefeller Center as the city continues Phase 4 of re-opening following restrictions imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus on August 02, 2020 in New York City.

Dolls Break Cultural and Racial Barriers

Our newest story explores how the nuanced history of Black dolls in America challenge political, cultural and racial barriers while bringing restorative joy to children during the holiday season and beyond.
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What's Happening at the Museum

A look at all the upcoming programs and events

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Ten shards of stained glass from the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, September 1963
Story

Lives in Pieces

In memory of Addie Mae Collins, Carol Denise McNair, Cynthia Diane Wesley and Carole Robertson who were killed on Sept. 15, 1963, when a bomb, planted by the Ku Klux Klan, detonated at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

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Image of Fashion designer Willi Smith, April 1984.
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Black Fashion Icons You Should Know

During September, our museum recognizes the contributions of four key figures in fashion. 

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Upcoming Events

Thursday Sep. 28, 2023 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Preservation Station: Exploring the Family Treasures Toolkit

Tuesday Oct. 3, 2023 | 11:00am - 1:00pm

Explore More! in STEM: Having Fun with Frequencies

Wednesday Oct. 4, 2023 | 11:00am - 1:00pm

Explore More! in STEM: Having Fun with Frequencies

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Recent News

Monday, September 25, 2023

Afrofuturism and HBCUs Highlight October Programming at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

National Museum of African American History and Culture Presents September Programming

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

National Museum of African American History and Culture Recognizes the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington

$50,000 Annual Match. Give by September 30 to Double your impact!