In honor of Black History month, Southwestern College  presents “A Place for All People: Introducing the National Museum of African American History and Culture.” The Smithsonian Institution opened its newest museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture Sept. 24, 2016. The commemorative poster exhibition will be on view throughout the month of February in the Christy “Top of the Hall” gallery, located on the top floor of the Christy Administration Building. There is no admission charge. 

Organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) in collaboration with the National Museum of African American History and Culture, “A Place for All People” highlights key artifacts that tell the rich and diverse story of the African American experience. From the child-size shackles of a slave and the clothing worn by Carlotta Walls on her first day at Little Rock Ceto share the many stories of African American and African diaspora people and their contributions to the local community and the American story. 

Gabe Gonzales, SC film major who has visited the new museum in Washington D.C., says that it is one of the most important landmarks in the United States.

“There is so much rich history that once you go through it, you are likely to have a shift in perspective regarding the world around you,” Gonzales says.

The journey to establish this museum began a century ago with a call for a national memorial to honor the contributions of African American Civil War veterans. After decades of efforts by private citizens, organizations and members of Congress, federal legislation was passed in 2003 to create the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Since then, thousands of artifacts have been collected to fill the inspiring new building that has risen on the National Mall. Through its exhibitions and programs, the museum provides a shared lens to view the nation’s history and the possibility for hope and healing. It is a place where all can gather to remember, reflect and embrace America’s story: a place for all people.

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. For more information, visit nmaahc.si.edu.

SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for over 65 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play. For exhibition description and tour schedules, visit www.sites.si.edu.