NMAAHC More than 100 years after it was originally proposed, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture recently opened its doors in Washington, D.C. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It was established by Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans. To date, the Museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts and nearly 100,000 individuals have become charter members. The Museum opened to the public on September 24, 2016, as the 19th and newest museum of the Smithsonian Institution. President Obama spoke during the dedication ceremony for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington. During President Obama's remarks at the dedication ceremony, he explained how this important new museum can inspire all of us and shine a light on stories that are often overlooked in the history books. "This national museum helps to tell a richer and fuller story of who we are," Obama said. "It helps us better understand the lives of yes, the president, but also the slave. The industrialist but also the porter, the keeper of the status quo but also the activist seeking to overthrow that status quo." President Obama speaks during the dedication ceremony for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP National Museum of African American History Opens Its Doors
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzU3OTQ=