PLANNING GUIDE

Lift Every Voice
Lift Every Voice and Sing

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” was written in 1900 by James Weldon 

Johnson (1871–1938) and his brother, John Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954). 

James was working as a school principal and John as a music teacher in 

their hometown of Jacksonville, FL, when James was asked to speak at a 

birthday celebration for President Abraham Lincoln. While James wanted 

to write a poem instead, he realized he would not have enough time, so 

asked his brother to help him write a song. 

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” was first performed by a choir of 500 school 

children at the Lincoln celebration. 

Lift every voice and sing

Til earth and heaven Ring

Ring with the harmonies of Liberty

Let Our Rejoicing Rise

High as the list’ning skies,

Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

As the Johnson brothers went on to pursue their respective careers, 

children continued to sing the song across the south and eventually 

throughout the United States. In 1920, James Weldon Johnson became 

the first black secretary of the National Association for the Advancement 

of Colored People (NAACP). “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was so popular 

by this time that the NAACP made it the organization’s official song. The 

song’s affirming call for unity in the path towards liberty continues to 

resonate just as it did 116 years ago. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lift_Every_Voice_and_Sing
3

Dear NMAAHC Partners:

The National Museum of African American History and Culture 

Grand Opening is an occasion to bring together our global family 

of African American museums, organizations, and individuals 

in celebration of an auspicious and unique accomplishment in 

American history. From the nascent imaginings of a national 

museum to celebrate the gifts of blacks to the nation over a 100 years 

ago, to the stirring and true-to-life realization of that long sought 

museum today in Washington, DC; it is the striving and unflinching 

support of steadfast partners, over innumerable years, that brought 

NMAAHC into existence.

Lift Every Voice is an online initiative that encourages partners, organizations, and individuals 

who study, love or support African American history and culture to join our inaugural year 

celebration from specific geographic locations. Whether a large museum planning to host 

thousands to watch the Dedication Ceremony of NMAAHC on September 24, 2016, or a small 

company, community center or family gathering to do the same; we want you to register your 

event with Lift Every Voice and become an official part of the year-long global celebration 

of this unique addition to the realm of African American museums. Whatever your level of 

participation, co-branded public program or exhibition to simply posting the conviviality and 

joy shared at your private event—Lift Every Voice will capture, document and track the global 

celebration of NMAAHC virtually through imagery and mementos. 

In fact, we hope that six months beyond the opening ceremonies of the museum, supporters 

around the globe will plan Watch Parties, or host Signature Events that inspire and ignite the 

joy of the museum’s founding day anew. With this realization, Lift Every Voice will meet its 

ambitious goal to encourage people all over the globe to be a part of the NMAAHC family 

through opening celebrations.

Thank you for connecting and sharing the historic opening of NMAAHC with those in your 

sphere of the world.

Sincerely,

Lonnie G. Bunch, III

Founding Director

National Museum of African American History and Culture 
4

Table of Contents

Director’s Letter.................................................................. 3

Introduction......................................................................... 5

Watch Party..........................................................................6

Signature Events.................................................................7

Social Media Engagement.................................................8

Why Registration is Important........................................9

Co-branding .......................................................................10

Planning Your Event:

Things to Consider................................................... 13

Resources............................................................................19

About the Museum.......................................................... 20

All photos of the National Museum of African American History 

and Culture building by Alan Karchmer/NMAAHC.
5

Introduction

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), situated 

on the nation’s most vital civic space—the National Mall, Washington, DC—is a 

museum where all people can engage, interpret and draw insight from the 400 year 

history of blacks in America. NMAAHC is a place that transcends the boundaries of 

race and culture, allowing visitors to reflect on and deeply explore the intricacies of the 

American story that unites us all.

Lift Every Voice is a global, web-based initiative that encourages participation in the 

museum’s year-long inaugural celebration of its opening. It will showcase the depth 

and breadth of co-celebrations around the world to herald the opening of the National 

Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. The Lift Every 

Voice Planning Guide is designed to offer ideas and resources to assist planning of 

Watch Parties, Signature Events and other categories of celebration hosted by NMAAHC 

partners and supporters globally. Register your event at https://nmaahc.si.edu/liftevery-voice. We will feature public pre-registered events on our website throughout our 

inaugural year (September 2016–December 2017). 

There are three principal categories of event participation in the museum’s Lift Every 

Voice online initiative:

1 Watch Party 

2 Signature Event(s) 

3 Social Media Engagement 

In the sections to follow, learn more about these Lift Every Voice event categories, how to 

co-brand your events, ideas and resources to enhance your event planning, and more.
6

Watch Party

What is a Watch Party?

Host or organize a group to watch the museum’s dedication ceremony, live or recorded, 

from your site.

What time should I host my party?

The NMAAHC dedication ceremony will occur on Saturday, September 24th, 2016, at 

10:00AM EST. The formal ceremony will last approximately one (1) hour.*

How do I watch the ceremony?

NMAAHC’s dedication ceremony will be live-streamed via a link on the museum’s 

website (nmaahc.si.edu). Live-streaming should begin at least 10-15 minutes prior to 

the beginning of the ceremony. The dedication may also be televised (check your local 

listings). Please be advised, technology can be unpredictable, so please plan accordingly.

*Due to the large number of dignitaries expected at this event and subsequent security 

requirements, all times are subject to change. Please continue to check our website for updates.
7

Signature Events

What is a Signature Event?

Present a program, exhibit or other event co-branded with NMAAHC. Registering your 

signature event is an opportunity to showcase and highlight the work your institution 

does to preserve, honor, and share the many stories of African American and African 

Diaspora people and their contributions to the American story. 

When should I host my signature event?

Your signature event can occur anytime within the museum’s inaugural year, which runs 

from September 24, 2016, through December 2017. 

What are examples of signature events?

Possible signature events include, but are not limited to, the following:

■ Evening reception or luncheon 

■ Fundraiser

■ Membership Drive

■ Exhibition 

■ Smithsonian Poster Exhibition: A Place for All People

■ Public Program

■ Tour 

■ Festival

■ Community Event
8

Social Media Engagement

How do I participate?

Share with us how you mark this occasion using #liftNMAAHC. Post messages, photos, 

or videos in celebration of the museum’s opening.

Your social media posts can occur any time – during the lead up to our opening, grand 

opening weekend, or any time during our inaugural year (September 2016 – December 

2017).

How can we connect to NMAAHC social media platforms?

Click below to connect to NMAAHC:

What other hashtags can we use?

#liftNMAAHC

#APeoplesJourney

#buildNMAAHC

#NMAAHC
9

Why Registration is 

Important

Why should I register my event?

Registered public events will be pre-screened for possible inclusion in the online global 

directory of celebrations. 

What information will appear on the website?

Featured events will include: Event Name, Organization Name, Web Address, Country, 

City and State. 

Events and activities can occur any time within our inaugural year (September 2016-December 2017) to be acknowledged as part of the initiative. 
10

Co-branding

How do I co-brand my event?

The following logos, taglines, and boilerplate are approved for use to co-brand your 

watch party, signature event and/or social media involvement.

Logo Usage Standards Guide

Please do not download and use NMAAHC logos without first reading the Logo 

Standards Guide

When using the NMAACH logo, you must include the following disclaimer statement:

The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this [watch party, program, 

exhibit, event name] do not necessarily represent those of the National Museum of African 

American History and Culture.

How can we show that our event is aligned with the Lift Every Voice campaign? 

Make sure you register your event. Registered public events will be pre-screened for 

possible inclusion in a global directory of celebrations.

Is there a required tagline?

If you are using the logo, you must also use the following tag line on event collateral or 

web materials:

This [watch party/event name] is presented in celebration of the Grand Opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

You may use the following boilerplate language on event collateral or web materials:

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the 19th museum of the 

Smithsonian Institution and is located at the foot of the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The museum provides for the collection, study, and establishment of programs and exhibitions related to African American life, history, art, and culture. 

It is a place where people can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American 

experience; it is a place of meaning, memory, reflection, laughter, and hope. 
11

NMAAHC Logo Usage Guide

Downloadable Logos

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) logo may be used in a variety of ways—

websites, electronic communications, signage, invitations, press releases and press kits, or other print materials. Please 

review the Logo Usage Standards Guide (PDF) before using the NMAAHC logo.

Click the link below using the right mouse button, then click “Save Target as” or “Save Link As” in the small pop-up 

window to save the image to your hard drive.

Color Logo

Light Background (Usage on WHITE or other LIGHT colors) 

.EPS – 2MB

.JPG – 53KB

.PNG – 31KB

Dark Background (Usage on BLACK or other DARK colors)

.EPS – 2MB

.JPG – 1.5MB

.PNG – 36KB

NMAAHC Logo Usage Guide

Downloadable Logos

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) logo may be used in a variety of 

ways—websites, electronic communications, signage, invitations, press releases and press kits, or other print 

materials. Please review the Logo Usage Standards Guide (PDF) before using the NMAAHC logo.

All logo types will download as a Zip file.

NMAAHC Logo Usage Guide

Downloadable Logos

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) logo may be used in a variety of ways—

websites, electronic communications, signage, invitations, press releases and press kits, or other print materials. Please 

review the Logo Usage Standards Guide (PDF) before using the NMAAHC logo.

Click the link below using the right mouse button, then click “Save Target as” or “Save Link As” in the small pop-up 

window to save the image to your hard drive.

Color Logo

Light Background (Usage on WHITE or other LIGHT colors) 

.EPS – 2MB

.JPG – 53KB

.PNG – 31KB

Dark Background (Usage on BLACK or other DARK colors)

.EPS – 2MB

.JPG – 1.5MB

.PNG – 36KB

Light Background (Usage on WHITE or other LIGHT colors)

■ .EPS – 2MB

■ .JPG – 53KB

■ .PNG – 31KB

Dark Background (Usage on BLACK or other DARK colors)

■ .EPS – 2MB

■ .JPG – 1.5MB

■ .PNG – 36KB

Color Logos
12

Prohibited Uses:

- Do not skew, rotate, or compress the logo.

- Do not change the typeface. 

- Do not use a drop shadow on the logo.

- Do not crowd the logo with graphics and text.

- Do not obscure the logo with another shape.

- Do not outline the logo.

- Do not change logo colors. 

Black and White Logo Light Background (Usage on WHITE) 

.EPS – 1.9MB

.JPG – 430KB

.PNG – 29KB

Black & White Logo

Black and White Logo Dark Background (Usage on BLACK) 

.EPS – 727KB (ONLY VERSION AVAILABLE) 

Black and White Logo Light Background (Usage on WHITE)

■ .EPS – 1.9MB

■ .JPG – 430KB

■ .PNG – 29KB

Black and White Logo Dark Background (Usage on BLACK)

■ .EPS – 727KB (ONLY VERSION AVAILABLE)

Prohibited Uses:

■ Do not skew, rotate, or compress the logo

■ Do not change the typeface

■ Do not use a drop shadow on the logo

■ Do not crowd the logo with graphics and text

■ Do not obscure the logo with another shape

■ Do not outline the logo

■ Do not change logo colors

Black and White Logo
13

Planning Your Event:

Things to Consider

We encourage you to use the inaugural Grand Opening year (September 2016-December 

2017) to highlight the work your organization does to promote African American and 

African Diaspora history and culture. Show how your organization exists as part of a 

nation’s story.

Engage Others

Use this opportunity to collaborate with other organizations in your community. Grow 

existing relationships and discover new partners. Think about social organizations, civic 

groups, faith-based and community outreach organizations, schools, etc. 

Document the Experience

Document your event from planning through implementation; hire a photographer or 

take photos/videos to post on social media. Solicit participant feedback via surveys, 

guest books, and informal interviews; collect anecdotes to use in future publications and 

promotional materials.

Build Membership 

■ Use your event to increase membership of your institution– and ours!

■ Host a fundraising event.

■ Use this as an opportunity to strengthen your bottom line by incorporating a fundraising element into your event.

Public vs. Private Event

Determine whether your event is public or private:

■ Invitation-only

■ Ticketed

■ Open access
14

Spread the Word

Use social media and other marketing efforts to promote your event; make sure your 

local and regional officials (mayor, town council, representatives, senators, funders, etc.) 

are aware of your efforts.

Determine Your Media Needs

Make sure you have the appropriate media and can stream live video feeds to avoid any 

technical difficulties at the time of the Dedication Ceremony. 

Establish a Theme

Utilize food, music, and décor relevant to the occasion. Consider a theme focused on a 

prominent historical figure or event, or even a treasured artifact. 

Historically, food and music has played a role in bringing people together. Whether you 

are hosting a small or large gathering, consider incorporating the museum’s culinary 

expertise into your event. 
15

The Africa Cookbook:

Tastes of a Continent

Pages: 382 

Recipes: 200+ 

Copyright © 1998 

ISBN: 0684802759 

Find out more >>

Beyond Gumbo:

Creole Fusion Food from 

the Atlantic Rim

Pages: 400 

Recipes: 150 

Copyright © 2003 

ISBN: 0684870622 

Find out more >>

High on the Hog: 

A Culinary Journey from 

Africa to America

Pages: 304 

Copyright © 2011 

ISBN: B00B9ZMNVO 

Find out more >>

Iron Pots & Wooden 

Spoons: Africa’s Gift to New 

World Cooking

Pages: 224 

Recipes: 175+ 

Copyright © 1999 ISBN: 

0684853264 

Find out more >>

The Martha’s Vineyard Table

Pages: 204 

Recipes: 80

Copyright © 2010 

ISBN: 0811866998 

Find out more >>

Sky Juice and Flying Fish: 

Traditional Caribbean 

Cooking

Pages: 246 

Copyright © 1991

ISBN: 9780671681654 

Find out more >>

Other Jessica B. Harris Cookbooks Include:

Dr. Jessica Harris,

award-winning author 

and scholar, serves as 

NMAAHC’s expert on 

African American and 

African Diasporic food 

ways. She has developed the menu for the 

museum café, showcasing traditional African-American cuisine from 

the Northern States, the Agricultural South, the 

Creole Coast, and the Western Range. 

Party Planning Resources

The Welcome Table:

African-American Heritage Cooking

Pages: 288

Recipes: 200+

Copyright © 1996

ISBN: 068481837X 

Find out more >>

Rum Drinks: 50 Caribbean Cocktails, 

From Cuba Libre to Rum Daisy

Pages: 168

Copyright © 2010

ISBN: 0811866998

Find out more >>
16

MENU: Kwanzaa Feast

Roasted Peanuts 

Pickled Black-eyed Peas 

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds 

Chicken Yassa 

Plain White Rice 

Cucumber Salad 

Salade de Fruits (Fruit Salad) 

MUSIC: Olatunji's Drums of Passion! 

Youssou N’Dour

 

MENU: Chitlin’ Soiree

Super-rich Virginia Crab Cakes (small size) 

Chitterlings 

Southern Succotash 

Wilted Dandelion Greens with Hot 

Bacon Dressing 

Jalapeno Cornbread 

Vintage Champagne 

MUSIC: Anything by Duke Ellington

 

MENU: “I Loves You Porgy” Carolina Fish Fry

Fried Porgies 

Deviled Eggs 

Cole Slaw 

Potato Salad 

Hush Puppies 

Pecan Pie 

MUSIC: Songs from Porgy & Bess

by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis 

“Satchmo” Armstrong, or

Bess You Is My Woman Now 

(Duet) by Leontyne Price and 

William Warfield

 

MENU: Low Country Luxe

Cheese Straws 

Shrimp Fritters 

She-Crab Soup 

Limpin' Susan 

Avocado and Grapefruit Salad 

Fresh Ham with Peach-Sage Marinade 

Minted -Green Peas 

Broiled Peaches 

Benne Seed Wafers 

MUSIC: Marsalis and Battle "Baroque Duet"

MENU: Palm Sunday Tea

Pound Cake 

Pink Pralines 

Sweet Potato Pie 

MUSIC: Aretha Franklin's "Amazing Grace" 

James Cleveland’s “Peace Be Still”

Al Green’s Gospel Album

 

MENU: "Sweet Tooth" Dessert Buffet

Molasses Pie 

Chess Pie 

Fast Fudge 

Pralines 

Aunt Zora's Tea Cakes 

Pound Cake 

MUSIC: Scott Joplin's Rags and Cakewalks 

 

MENU: Funeral Meats

Macaroni and Cheese 

Mixed Greens 

Slow-cooked String Beans and Ham 

Iron-Skillet Fried Chicken 

Baked Ham 

Molasses Pie 

Pecan Pie 

Sweet Potato Pie 

MUSIC: Olympia Brass Band and the Zion 

Harmonizers

 

MENU: Maryland Crab Feast

Deviled Crabmeat 

Batter-fried Soft-Shell Crabs 

Maryland Crab Cakes 

Hot Vinegar 

Okra and Rice 

French-fried Sweet Potatoes 

MUSIC: Cool Jazz 

 

MENU: Classic Creole

Fried Eggplant (Galatoire Style) 

Gumbo Z'Herbes

Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce 

Cafe Brulot Cocktail 

MUSIC: Sweet Emma and the Preservation Hall Jazz 

Band 

Thematic Menu and Music Selections from The Welcome Table

by Dr. Jessica B. Harris
17

MENU: Motown Munchies

Deviled Eggs 

Peanut Soup

Carrot and Raisin Salad 

Gospel Bird 

Creamed Corn

Quick Greens (Brazil Style) 

Bean Pie 

MUSIC: Motown Classics by the Supremes, 

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, and the rest...

MENU: Dunbar Food Feast

Roasted Peanuts 

Iron-Skillet Fried Chicken 

Plain White Rice 

Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad 

Corn on the Cob 

Basic Okra 

Fried Pies 

Watermelon 

MUSIC: African-American 

Classic spirituals, work songs, 

blues

MENU: Pigfeet and a Bottle of Beer Bash 

Spicy Pecans 

Deviled Crabmeat 

Hot Potato Salad 

Pig's Feet 

Hot Vinegar 

Iron-Skillet White Cornbread 

Banana Pudding 

MUSIC: Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, and the 

Blues Queens 

MENU: Saturday Night Stomp

Pickled Okra 

Fried Chicken Livers 

Plain White Rice 

Cole Slaw 

Biscuits 

Banana Fritters 

MUSIC: Jazz by your favorite Artists 

MENU: Breakfast Bonanza

Ham with Red-Eye Gravy 

Grits 

Fried Green Tomatoes 

Broiled Peaches 

MUSIC: None, just blissful silence 

and the sound of quiet chewing 

MENU: North Ca'lina Cue

Chopped Barbecue Sandwich 

Cole Slaw 

MUSIC: Old Rhythm and Blues Tunes

MENU: Something Special

Jerusalem Artichokes 

Wilted Spinach 

Milk Rice 

Creamed Corn 

Grilled Tomatoes 

Roast Leg of Lamb 

Beaten Biscuits 

Lemon Meringue Pie 

MUSIC: Anything by the Neville Brothers 

MENU: Nighttime Is the Right Time 

(Chicken and Waffles Midnight Supper)

Iron-Skillet Fried Chicken 

Waffles 

Vintage Champagne 

MUSIC: The Platters, The Chantells, Ray 

Charles and black music of the Fifties and 

Sixties 

MENU: How I Got Ovah Slave 

Remembrance Supper

Gospel Bird 

Hominy Grits 

Mixed Greens 

Baked Sweet Potatoes 

Iron-Skillet White Cornbread 

Molasses Pie 

MUSIC: Fisk Jubilee Singers or the 

Soundtrack from "Roots"
18

Thematic Menu and Music Selections from Rum Drinks: 

50 Caribbean Cocktails, from Cuba Libre to Rum Daisy

by Dr. Jessica B. Harris

Fete Francaise

This party celebrates the 

French side of the Caribbean 

and is inspired by the festivities that accompany the Fete 

des Cuisinieres (The Feast 

of the Women Cooks) that is 

held annually on Guadeloupe 

around August 10, the feast day of their patron. 

St. Lawrence was martyred on the grill. In fact, the 

embroidered aprons that are a part of the traditional 

dress of the Cuisinieres have a grill as their centerpiece. Each August, the ladies - the oldest of whom 

is over 100 - get together, don their matching grades 

robes creoles, and tons of real 18-karat gold jewelry 

and head off to mass followed by a grand gorge. 

Try one yourself in their honor. Go backward in 

time and look for music by old bands that play traditional bigines, like Alexandre Stellio who was popular 

in France in the 1930s. Or select your music from the 

albums by Kassav, the classic zouk group from the 

French Antilles.

■ ‘Ti Punch (pg. 58)

■ Pineapple-Infused Rum (pg. 106)

■ Avocado and Saltfish Paste/Feroce of ‘Avocat (pg. 

149) with French Bread Toasts

■ Marinated Green Mangos/Souskai de Mangues 

Verts (pg. 146)

■ Olives

■ French saucissons secs (dry sausage)

Pirate Party

Arrgh! Well shiver me timbers, 

why let Johnny Depp have all the 

fun? Sometimes getting dressed up 

makes for a grand time. Have your 

friends sign on to the good ship of 

fun. Send invitations in the form of 

treasure maps. Require costumes 

and have eye-patches and clip-on earrings and bandanas 

for the recalcitrant.

■ Zombies (pg. 124)

■ Navy Grogs (pg. 117)

■ Your Own Spiced Rum (pg. 103-109)

■ High-Octane Limeades made with Captain 

Morgan Spiced Rum (pg. 96)

■ Plantain Chips (pg. 128)

■ Coconut Crisps (pg. 130) 

■ Caribbean-Style Deviled Eggs (pg. 144)

Holiday Happenings

While Caribbean cocktails mainly 

bring to mind tropical beaches 

and soft breezes, holiday season 

in the Caribbean has its own version of cheer. Try to bring some 

warmth into your holiday the Caribbean way with this festive fete.

Steel bands playing Christmas carols, Parang from 

Trinidad, or any one of the numerous compilations of 

Caribbean music are a good background for a Caribbean 

holiday party.

■ Sorrels (pg. 92)

■ Shrubbs (pg. 103)

■ Ponche Cremas (pg. 85)

■ Puerto Rican Corn Fritters/Surrulitos (pg. 136)

■ Flaked Saltfish/Chiquetaille de Morue (pg. 148)

■ Bacon-Wrapped Pickled Watermelon (pg. 131)
19

Resources

How can I access NMAAHC collections?

NMAAHC Collections

NMAAHC Collection Stories

NMAAHC’s Next Exit History Backpack

Smithsonian Online Collections and Datasets

Request Images of NMAAHC Collection Objects

What other resources are available on-line? 

NMAAHC Building

NMAAHC YouTube Channel

NMAAHC Membership 

Smithsonian Gift Store

Smithsonian Website

Smithsonian Membership

Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition 

Services Free Poster Exhibit

Smithsonian Affiliations

Smithsonian Museum Day Live! 9/24/2016

Questions?

Please send all inquiries to: 

NMAAHCPartners@si.edu 
20

About the Museum

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. To date, the museum has 

collected more than 36,000 artifacts. Nearly 140,000 individuals have become charter 

members of the museum. When the NMAAHC opens on September 24, 2016, it will be 

the 19th and newest museum of the Smithsonian Institution.

There are four pillars upon which the NMAAHC stands:

1. It provides an opportunity for those who are interested in African American culture to explore and revel in this history through interactive exhibitions;

2. It helps all Americans see how their stories, their histories, and their cultures are 

shaped and informed by global influences;

3. It explores what it means to be an American and share how American values like 

resiliency, optimism, and spirituality are reflected in African American history 

and culture; and

4. It serves as a place of collaboration that reaches beyond Washington to engage 

new audiences and to collaborate with the myriad of museums and educational 

institutions that have explored and preserved this important history well before 

this museum was created.

The NMAAHC is a public institution open to all, where anyone is welcome to participate, 

collaborate, and learn more about African American history and culture. In the words of 

Lonnie G. Bunch III, founding director of the NMAAHC, “there are few things as powerful and as important as a people, as a nation that is steeped in its history.” 
21

Building

National Museum of African American History and Culture 

building features include five natural-light-filled stories, with 

several levels of galleries below ground, and includes an atrium, café, and contemplative space. Prominent in the exterior 

design is the corona, which honors an African column, the 

Yoruban Caryatid. This column support, often carved in the 

female form, is also found in western architecture. The building’s metal work mesh “skin”, designed to simulate bronze, is a 

tribute to ironworkers in the American South, both enslaved and free, past and present.

Collections

NMAAHC is a living repository of one of America’s unique and vital narratives—the 

history, connections, and journeys of African Americans within America and around 

the globe. Every aspect of the African American experience be it slavery, freedom, race, 

politics, economics, sports, music, and so much more, comes to life through NMAAHCs 

collections and exhibitions.

Twelve inaugural exhibits look at American history, culture, and community through an 

African American lens.

History Galleries

■ Slavery and Freedom

■ Defining Freedom, Defending Freedom

■ A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond 

Culture Galleries

■ Musical Crossroads 

■ Cultural Expressions

■ Taking the Stage

■ Visual Arts in the American Experience 

Community Galleries

■ Power of Place 

■ Making a Way Out of No Way 

■ Leveling the Playing Field

■ Double Victory
22

Grand Opening Sponsors
Participation in the museum’s Lift Every Voice initiative signals to 

your community, and to the world, the significance of a national 

African American museum in Washington, DC. One that can 

anchor and nurture the work of institutional and organizational 

partners earnestly engaged with the project of collecting, 

studying, interpreting and educating the public about African 

American history and culture in locales around the globe.

Thank you, again, for acknowledging the historic opening of 

NMAAHC through your official participation with Lift Every Voice.
1400 Constitution Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20560.