National Museum of African American History and Culture Honors Black Women This Women’s History Month with Digital Offerings and Special Programming
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) celebrates Black women entrepreneurs the entire month of March on the museum’s social media channels @NMAAHC. African American women began taking charge of their lives and livelihoods immediately following Emancipation. Undaunted by gender conventions and racism, these women worked to build revenue streams that enhanced their own lives, while fortifying and uplifting the race. In 1881, washerwomen in Atlanta staged the largest-ever strike by African Americans, walking off the job for weeks until their demands and those of other service workers were met. Learn more about the Atlanta Washerwomen Strike of 1881 on the Searchable Museum page. Throughout March, visitors can participate in tours, including “Big Objects, Big Stories: Afrofuturist Harriet Tubman.” The series “Explore More! In Stem” for ages 8 and older continues with a series of workshops that explore STEM concepts in relation to African American history, culture and the museum.
Sweet Home Café
Sweet Home Café guests can enjoy a carefully curated menu celebrating women in hospitality every Friday from 12 p.m.–3 p.m. throughout March during the “Chef’s Table” program. Through a selection of creative dishes and desserts, the chefs share stories and share experiences related to their heritage, influences and identities. Participating chefs include Aida Bah, Victoria Cloud, Alexandra Strong and Denise Jones. For more details, visit the Sweet Home Café’s webpage. Entry to the museum includes access to the café. Menu items vary in price.
March Programming Schedule
All programs are free; advanced registration is required unless noted below.
New View in the Museum
“Penny” dress worn by Janet Jackson on “Good Times"
Gold sequin and black chiffon scarf worn by Ophelia DeVore
The Case of Dred Scott in the United States Supreme Court
Pointe shoe and tights worn by Ingrid Silva of Dance Theatre of Harlem
Last Chance
The museum’s “Spirit in the Dark: Religion in Black Music, Activism and Popular Culture” exhibition closes April 7. The exhibition includes photographs of several prominent African Americans, such as Aretha Franklin, Duke Ellington, Marvin Gaye, Angela Davis, Malcolm X, Maya Angelou, Reverend Ike and Jesse Jackson, examining religion’s impact on their lives and the larger Black community. Photographs featured in the exhibition are taken from the recently acquired Johnson Publishing Company archive, which is jointly owned by the museum and the Getty Research Institute. “Spirit in the Dark” showcases 37 framed photographs from the Johnson Publishing Company archive and approximately 25 objects from the museum’s collection.
About the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Since opening Sept. 24, 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture has welcomed 10 million in-person visitors and millions more through its digital presence. Occupying a prominent location next to the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the nearly 400,000-square-foot museum is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. The museum has also launched and is continually expanding its reach with the Searchable Museum portal and other efforts to bring the African American history into the world’s hands and homes. For more information about the museum, visit nmaahc.si.edu follow @NMAAHC on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or call Smithsonian information at (202) 633-1000.
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