The mission of the Museum’s Oral History Initiative is to document, preserve, and interpret African American stories through the art and practice of oral history.
We collect and preserve oral histories from iconic elders of African Americana and others who have shaped the culture in significant ways. We also develop oral history projects that support the research and exhibition goals of the Museum.
What is Oral History?
Watch: Andrew Young
Andrew Young discusses the origins of the 1968 Poor People's Campaign and his role in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference for the Museum's Oral History initiative, featured in the exhibition, City of Hope: Resurrection City and the 1968 Poor People's Campaign.
They ask me to remember
but they want me to remember
their memories
and I keep on remembering
mine why some people be mad at me sometimes Lucille Clifton
Contact Us
We encourage you to record the stories of your elders and others for your family and your community!
For more information, contact the Museum at NMAAHC-oralhistory@si.edu