Smithsonian's African American Museum Marks 10 Years Amid Political Pressure

The National Museum of African American History and Culture began operations on September 24, 2016 and is now celebrating its tenth anniversary with a series of special events, including ticketed galas, educational programs and a full museum activation. Acting director Shanita Brackett described the celebration as a “Welcome Home” reunion and indicated that planning for the next ten to twenty years of exhibitions is already in progress.

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, who announced his upcoming retirement, will headline a discussion called “Understanding America.” The museum, often called the “Blacksonian,” has drawn criticism from the Trump administration, which signed an executive order aimed at federal museums and placed warning signs at some Smithsonian sites. Museum officials assert that no exhibits or interpretive language have been changed, aside from routine conservation rotations, and they remain committed to presenting an unvarnished account of African American history.