National Museum of African American History and Culture Joins White House To Celebrate Black History Month

The National Museum of African American History and Culture has contributed several historically significant artifacts from their collection for an exhibition at the White House. These artifacts are on view during public tours of the White House through Feb. 29.

The presentation includes the story of the creation of the newest Smithsonian museum on the National Mall. The objects represent a small sample of the more than 34,000 artifacts and works of art collected by the museum since 2006. They include:

• Charles Henry Alston’s bronze and marble bust of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., 1970
• Ceramic and glaze stoneware jug by Thomas Commeraw, 1802–1819
• Silver-plated metal beverage service from Wormley’s Hotel, ca. 1885
• Small model of the museum building and grounds, 2011
• Section of the museum building’s corona panel

The museum will offer a virtual tour of the artifacts via social media today, including live viewing of the objects with additional historical and collections information by curators on Twitter and Instagram. Photo highlights will be featured on Facebook and Tumblr.

“We are honored to contribute several artifacts to the White House that define American history and remind us of where we’ve been, where we are now and where headed as both a nation and as a people,” said Lonnie Bunch, director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. “Black History Month represents a beacon of change and hope—much of what is still needed in this world—and reminds us that history is not dead or distant from our lives. So, whether you are local to D.C. or travelling from across the globe, when touring the White House and viewing our sampling of artifacts, we hope you’re able to remember the past, reflect on the present and envision the future through the African American lens.”

Opening on the National Mall Sept. 24, the National Museum of African American History and Culture will be a welcoming place to celebrate, commemorate and contemplate the African American experience and its central role in the nation’s story.

# # #

SI-16-2016