Smithsonian national museum of african american history and culture

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The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture's Searchable Museum is made possible through the generous support of:

Exhibition

Making a Way Out of No Way

Through community institutions and activism, African Americans crafted possibilities in a world that denied them opportunities.

A purple silk banner with gold fringe and the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs' motto, "LIFTING / AS / WE CLIMB" painted in large gold letters.

Explore

The Constellation

Artifacts and topics illuminating connections to history

Discover

Lesser-Known Stories

Shining a new light on the African American past and its people.

Portrait of Bridget Biddy Mason

Bridget "Biddy" Mason

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Bridget “Biddy” Mason helped to establish the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles.

Photograph of Workers at the Pacific Parachute Company

The Pacific Parachute Company

Skydiving entrepreneur Howard “Skippy” Smith founded one of the first Black-owned and managed war production plants during World War II.

Photograph of 5 women from AKA Sorority

The Mississippi Health Project II

In June and October of 2021, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. offered an array of health services to Mississippi residents in underserved communities.

Photograph of Homer G. Philips hospital and students

Portrait of Bridget Biddy Mason

Bridget "Biddy" Mason

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Bridget “Biddy” Mason helped to establish the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles.

Photograph of 5 women from AKA Sorority

The Mississippi Health Project II

In June and October of 2021, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. offered an array of health services to Mississippi residents in underserved communities.

Photograph of Workers at the Pacific Parachute Company

The Pacific Parachute Company

Skydiving entrepreneur Howard “Skippy” Smith founded one of the first Black-owned and managed war production plants during World War II.

Photograph of Homer G. Philips hospital and students

Connect

Present to Past

Current events and issues from a historical perspective

People waiting in line to vote

Law

African Americans continue the fight for social justice and equal treatment under the law.

Black women in masks at a protest

Health

Structural racism and racist beliefs about African Americans shape access to care and health outcomes.

Black and white photograph of Marva Collins in a classroom with students

Education

African Americans established schools for their communities and have taken innovative approaches to education while challenging segregation and discrimination.

A black and white photograph of two soldiers, in military fatigues, perched on the edge of the windshield, boots resting on the jeep's hood.

Military

While serving the nation, African Americans continued to fight for justice and their own freedom

People waiting in line to vote

Law

African Americans continue the fight for social justice and equal treatment under the law.

Black and white photograph of Marva Collins in a classroom with students

Education

African Americans established schools for their communities and have taken innovative approaches to education while challenging segregation and discrimination.

Black women in masks at a protest

Health

Structural racism and racist beliefs about African Americans shape access to care and health outcomes.

A black and white photograph of two soldiers, in military fatigues, perched on the edge of the windshield, boots resting on the jeep's hood.

Military

While serving the nation, African Americans continued to fight for justice and their own freedom

Understand

How We Know What We Know

Methods, tools, and sources used to study African American history and culture

Composite Image of items featured in How We Know What We Know

Visit the Museum

Photograph of museum exterior

What is the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture?

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 an Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans.

Why is the National museum of African American history closed?

Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the National Museum Of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) museum and other Smithsonian museums were closed down in 2020. But now, providing additional health and safety measures, the Washington D.C. museums are set for reopening in May.

Why is the National Museum of African American History and Culture Important?

The National Museum of African American History and Culture 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.

Who made Smithsonian National museum of African American history & culture?

The building design was the product of a collaboration of four design firms that formed Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroupJJR: The Freelon Group, Adjaye Associates, Davis Brody Bond and the SmithGroupJJR.