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Culture September 23, 2016
When you hear the word, “museum,” you might be hit by flashbacks of boring high school field trips, abstract paintings you couldn’t understand or history facts you’d already heard countless times at school. But the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, opening September 24, promises to be anything but boring.
Why should you check out this museum as soon as it opens? Here are five reasons every woman should attend at least once!
Now, think back to high school (or college) US History. What was your favorite time period or subject? Did you love learning about the Wild West or the Civil Rights movement? What about segregation? Considering that the museum boasts over 37,000 objects to transport visitors to various places in time, the NMAAHC is sure to offer exhibits that capture anyone’s attention! Case in point? Even fashionistas will spend hours examining objects like the trendy fedora worn by Michael Jackson during his Victory tour or Joan Mulholland’s stylish denim vest from the Civil Rights movement!
Kindergarten story time just got a (historically accurate) upgrade thanks to the NMAAHC staff, who publish their interpretations of diverse objects at the museum. For instance, if you’re a hardcore boxing fan, you’ll love learning the history behind Muhammad Ali’s robe and headgear (worn while training at Miami’s 5th Street Gym). Music more your thang? Then dance to the (informative) beat of Katie Knowles’ article on the costumes of the broadway music, “The Wiz: The Supersoul Musical ‘Wizard of Oz.'”
Even the museum itself reflects African American history and culture. Just imagine standing at the steps of the museum. If you look north, you see the White House, where the first African American President was elected in 2008. Looking east, you can see hints of the U.S. Capital, home to legislature that has transformed Americans’ rights and culture. Finally, to the south and west, you can glimpse memorials to famous inspirational figures like Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. The museum’s architecture also reflects both African and American design thanks to the work of David Adjaye and Philip Freelon.
The museum doesn’t just provide a peek into the past; it also supports projects that correct past wrongs. For instance, its Civil Rights History Project collected personal stories from Civil Rights advocates, whose testimonies were previously missing from historical records. Highlighting understated activists from the 1950s and 1960s makes today’s understanding of the Civil Rights movement even more inclusive and accurate. The museum also supports the Slave Wrecks Project, which focuses on expanding research and information on the world’s slave trade.
Although you might think that an “African American” focused museum is mainly aimed at visitors of the same ethnicity, the NMAAHC actually welcomes people of all diverse ages, races and backgrounds. According to its Founding Director Lonnie G. Bunch III, “This museum will tell the American story through the lens of African American history and culture. This is America’s Story and this museum is for all Americans.”
So what are you waiting for? Besides learning about America’s history and African-American culture, you might not even think of “museum” the same way again.
