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Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

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Journey through the lens of the African American experience. #APeoplesJourney, #ANationsStory Legal: https://t.co/3sIRJi7PRE • @NMAAHCdirector

Shorts

#OnThisDay in 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX to read Order No. 3, which affirmed the end of slavery in the states of the former Confederacy. This momentous occasion has been celebrated as #Juneteenth — a combination of “June” & “19th” — for over 150 years.

#OnThisDay in 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX to read Order No. 3, which affirmed the end of slavery in the states of the former Confederacy. This momentous occasion has been celebrated as #Juneteenth — a combination of “June” & “19th” — for over 150 years.

422,086 Aufrufe

#OnThisDay in 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX to read Order No. 3, which affirmed the end of slavery in the states of the former Confederacy. This momentous occasion has been celebrated as #Juneteenth — a combination of “June” & “19th” — for over 150 years.

#OnThisDay in 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX to read Order No. 3, which affirmed the end of slavery in the states of the former Confederacy. This momentous occasion has been celebrated as #Juneteenth — a combination of “June” & “19th” — for over 150 years.

589,992 Aufrufe

#OnThisDay in 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX to read Order No. 3, which affirmed the end of slavery in the states of the former Confederacy. This momentous occasion has been celebrated as #Juneteenth — a combination of “June” & “19th” — for over 150 years.

#OnThisDay in 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX to read Order No. 3, which affirmed the end of slavery in the states of the former Confederacy. This momentous occasion has been celebrated as #Juneteenth — a combination of “June” & “19th” — for over 150 years.

204,093 Aufrufe

To fathers and father figures: thank you for everything, today and every day. Happy Father’s Day! 👔

To fathers and father figures: thank you for everything, today and every day. Happy Father’s Day! 👔

10,617 Aufrufe

#DYK we preserve home movies? Our media conservators can work with you to digitize your audiovisual media in various formats. Digitization services are free and by appointment. Schedule an in-person appointment by emailing NMAAHC-Digitization@si.edu

#DYK we preserve home movies? Our media conservators can work with you to digitize your audiovisual media in various formats. Digitization services are free and by appointment. Schedule an in-person appointment by emailing [email protected]

127,574 Aufrufe

DYK? In the years before the Civil War, January 1 was known as “Hiring Day,” or “Heartbreak Day” where many enslaved African Americans found out if their enslavers would contract their labor out in the new year. #OTD

DYK? In the years before the Civil War, January 1 was known as “Hiring Day,” or “Heartbreak Day” where many enslaved African Americans found out if their enslavers would contract their labor out in the new year. #OTD

128,513 Aufrufe

To mothers and mother figures: thank you for everything, today and every day. Happy Mother’s Day! 💐

To mothers and mother figures: thank you for everything, today and every day. Happy Mother’s Day! 💐

13,551 Aufrufe

#OTD in 1924, James Baldwin was born in Harlem, NY. He'd later become one of America's greatest literary voices, interrogating themes of racial and sexual oppression in America. Baldwin is regarded as one of the foremost writers and public intellectuals of the 20th century.

#OTD in 1924, James Baldwin was born in Harlem, NY. He'd later become one of America's greatest literary voices, interrogating themes of racial and sexual oppression in America. Baldwin is regarded as one of the foremost writers and public intellectuals of the 20th century.

64,761 Aufrufe

This #BlackHistoryMonth, we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of this nation and the expansion of liberty through migration. Learn more:

This #BlackHistoryMonth, we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of this nation and the expansion of liberty through migration. Learn more:

21,613 Aufrufe

African American soldiers have served in every war in the US. In choosing to join the military, African Americans sought to have their service understood by the nation as a demand for liberty and citizenship. We honor your sacrifice. #VeteransDay #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory

African American soldiers have served in every war in the US. In choosing to join the military, African Americans sought to have their service understood by the nation as a demand for liberty and citizenship. We honor your sacrifice. #VeteransDay #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory

54,199 Aufrufe

#OnThisDay in 1929, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia. By 1963, King had become the most recognized civil rights leader in the country. #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory

#OnThisDay in 1929, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia. By 1963, King had become the most recognized civil rights leader in the country. #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory

43,371 Aufrufe

Greens flavored with ham hocks is a survival story. Enslaved African Americans stretched their allotments of food by growing greens and using scraps of meat to add flavor and nutrients. This stockpot used to cook collard greens at DC’s Florida Avenue Grill.

Greens flavored with ham hocks is a survival story. Enslaved African Americans stretched their allotments of food by growing greens and using scraps of meat to add flavor and nutrients. This stockpot used to cook collard greens at DC’s Florida Avenue Grill.

65,764 Aufrufe

#OnThisDay, we acknowledge the National Day of Rest for Black Women in honor of Harriet Tubman, whose legacy of bravery and activism has influenced Black women throughout history.

#OnThisDay, we acknowledge the National Day of Rest for Black Women in honor of Harriet Tubman, whose legacy of bravery and activism has influenced Black women throughout history.

11,422 Aufrufe

#OnThisDay, the 40th anniversary of the King national holiday, we commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and remember his beliefs in the “great chain of humanity,” connecting neighborhoods and communities across the globe:

#OnThisDay, the 40th anniversary of the King national holiday, we commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and remember his beliefs in the “great chain of humanity,” connecting neighborhoods and communities across the globe:

13,493 Aufrufe

#OnThisDay in 1865, the 13th Amendment, which outlawed slavery, was officially adopted into the U.S. Constitution—246 years after enslaved Africans landed in Jamestown, Virginia. Learn more on our Searchable Museum: #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory

#OnThisDay in 1865, the 13th Amendment, which outlawed slavery, was officially adopted into the U.S. Constitution—246 years after enslaved Africans landed in Jamestown, Virginia. Learn more on our Searchable Museum: #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory

42,386 Aufrufe

#MemorialDay, also known as Decoration Day, is an annual holiday where our nation pauses to honor the service and sacrifice of military heroes who gave their lives for our freedoms. #ANationsStory #APeoplesJourney

#MemorialDay, also known as Decoration Day, is an annual holiday where our nation pauses to honor the service and sacrifice of military heroes who gave their lives for our freedoms. #ANationsStory #APeoplesJourney

26,927 Aufrufe

On the night of December 31, 1862, enslaved and free African Americans gathered, many in secret, to ring in the New Year and await news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. Learn more: #APeoplesJourney

On the night of December 31, 1862, enslaved and free African Americans gathered, many in secret, to ring in the New Year and await news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. Learn more: #APeoplesJourney

18,980 Aufrufe

Born #OTD in 1924, Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman elected to Congress and the first Black candidate from a major party to run for president of the United States.

Born #OTD in 1924, Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman elected to Congress and the first Black candidate from a major party to run for president of the United States.

18,474 Aufrufe

On #ChristmasEve in 1854, Harriet Tubman returned to Maryland’s Eastern Shore to emancipate her brothers Ben, Henry, and Robert from slavery. Learn more about Tubman and view her shawl & related objects in our Searchable Museum: #APeoplesJourney

On #ChristmasEve in 1854, Harriet Tubman returned to Maryland’s Eastern Shore to emancipate her brothers Ben, Henry, and Robert from slavery. Learn more about Tubman and view her shawl & related objects in our Searchable Museum: #APeoplesJourney

13,821 Aufrufe

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“I, Too” by Langston Hughes, 1926 📸 “The American Flag: Photographs from the National Museum of African American History and Culture”

“I, Too” by Langston Hughes, 1926 📸 “The American Flag: Photographs from the National Museum of African American History and Culture”

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

1,751,725 Aufrufe • vor 14 Tagen

#OnThisDay in 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX to read Order No. 3, which affirmed the end of slavery in the states of the former Confederacy. This momentous occasion became known as #Juneteenth, a combination of “June” & “19th." More:

#OnThisDay in 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, TX to read Order No. 3, which affirmed the end of slavery in the states of the former Confederacy. This momentous occasion became known as #Juneteenth, a combination of “June” & “19th." More:

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

107,148 Aufrufe • vor 29 Tagen

As membership month comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to thank all of our supporters and share this spotlight of Donnette Cooper, the first individual donor to our museum. View the full interview: Welcome Home: Our Legacy Continues. Sept. 24, 2026

As membership month comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to thank all of our supporters and share this spotlight of Donnette Cooper, the first individual donor to our museum. View the full interview: Welcome Home: Our Legacy Continues. Sept. 24, 2026

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

20,781 Aufrufe • vor 18 Tagen

🎉 SAVE THE DATE 🎉 for a spectacular celebration! Join us for a weekend of activities and surprises as we commemorate 10 incredible years since opening our museum in September. Sign up to stay in the loop: #NMAAHC10 🎤 MC Lyte

🎉 SAVE THE DATE 🎉 for a spectacular celebration! Join us for a weekend of activities and surprises as we commemorate 10 incredible years since opening our museum in September. Sign up to stay in the loop: #NMAAHC10 🎤 MC Lyte

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

38,796 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten

In 2016, at age 89, Opal Lee—the "Grandmother of Juneteenth"—made a symbolic walk from Fort Worth to Washington, DC, to advocate for federal recognition of #Juneteenth. Later this year, she will celebrate her 100th birthday. More about her life and legacy:

In 2016, at age 89, Opal Lee—the "Grandmother of Juneteenth"—made a symbolic walk from Fort Worth to Washington, DC, to advocate for federal recognition of #Juneteenth. Later this year, she will celebrate her 100th birthday. More about her life and legacy:

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

15,209 Aufrufe • vor 29 Tagen

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Summer Solstice: At the Vanguard — A '90s College Reunion. We loved seeing your HBCU gear, throwback looks, and the dance floor packed "The best Juneteenth Party in D.C." 👀 #NMAAHC10

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Summer Solstice: At the Vanguard — A '90s College Reunion. We loved seeing your HBCU gear, throwback looks, and the dance floor packed "The best Juneteenth Party in D.C." 👀 #NMAAHC10

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

13,397 Aufrufe • vor 25 Tagen

Thank you DC, for showing up! Yesterday was a powerful reminder that DC’s legacy is not just something we honor from the past; it’s something we continue to build together, right here and right now. Looking forward to continuing the connection throughout the year. #NMAAHC10

Thank you DC, for showing up! Yesterday was a powerful reminder that DC’s legacy is not just something we honor from the past; it’s something we continue to build together, right here and right now. Looking forward to continuing the connection throughout the year. #NMAAHC10

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

22,388 Aufrufe • vor 3 Monaten

Fannie Lou Hamer was born #OnThisDay in 1917. Hamer co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, which challenged the local Democratic Party’s efforts to block Black voters through violence, literacy tests, and intimidation. #APeoplesJourney

Fannie Lou Hamer was born #OnThisDay in 1917. Hamer co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, which challenged the local Democratic Party’s efforts to block Black voters through violence, literacy tests, and intimidation. #APeoplesJourney

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

132,910 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren

Our resistance is in our activism. Join us to explore the power of Black resistance: from activism, education, faith, press and #BlackJoy, with this year’s official ASALH theme: #BlackHistoryMonth #APeoplesJourney

Our resistance is in our activism. Join us to explore the power of Black resistance: from activism, education, faith, press and #BlackJoy, with this year’s official ASALH theme: #BlackHistoryMonth #APeoplesJourney

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

145,804 Aufrufe • vor 3 Jahren

#OTD in 2016, our museum opened its doors to the public. Today, we’re celebrating 9 years as the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting, and showcasing the African American story.

#OTD in 2016, our museum opened its doors to the public. Today, we’re celebrating 9 years as the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting, and showcasing the African American story.

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

44,964 Aufrufe • vor 9 Monaten

Richard Smallwood (1948-2025) was a legendary singer, composer, pianist, lecturer, and director whose musical mastery left an indelible mark on gospel music. One of D.C.'s most renowned artists, Smallwood, created moving arrangements that became staples of praise & worship.

Richard Smallwood (1948-2025) was a legendary singer, composer, pianist, lecturer, and director whose musical mastery left an indelible mark on gospel music. One of D.C.'s most renowned artists, Smallwood, created moving arrangements that became staples of praise & worship.

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

29,153 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten

🎉 Our museum welcomed its 10 millionth in-person visitor today. This milestone takes place almost one week after our 7th anniversary of our grand opening on Sept. 24, 2016. Learn more: #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory

🎉 Our museum welcomed its 10 millionth in-person visitor today. This milestone takes place almost one week after our 7th anniversary of our grand opening on Sept. 24, 2016. Learn more: #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

92,437 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren

We are opening “At the Vanguard: Making and Saving History at HBCUs” today. This traveling exhibition draws from 5 partner institutions, highlighting their deep collections and roles in cultivating future artists, museum professionals, and scholars.

We are opening “At the Vanguard: Making and Saving History at HBCUs” today. This traveling exhibition draws from 5 partner institutions, highlighting their deep collections and roles in cultivating future artists, museum professionals, and scholars.

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

22,236 Aufrufe • vor 6 Monaten

Fashion doesn’t begin on the runway; it begins with vision. In 1979, Lois K. Alexander Lane founded the Black Fashion Museum to protect Black fashion history. Today, her 3,000-object collection is preserved here. Explore:

Fashion doesn’t begin on the runway; it begins with vision. In 1979, Lois K. Alexander Lane founded the Black Fashion Museum to protect Black fashion history. Today, her 3,000-object collection is preserved here. Explore:

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

11,234 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten

Big news! Since August 2016, ✨500,000✨ pages of the Freedmen's Bureau records have been successfully transcribed on the Smithsonian Transcription Center, thanks to the incredible efforts of our 50,000 #volunpeers. Explore the portal:

Big news! Since August 2016, ✨500,000✨ pages of the Freedmen's Bureau records have been successfully transcribed on the Smithsonian Transcription Center, thanks to the incredible efforts of our 50,000 #volunpeers. Explore the portal:

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

65,517 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren

#OnThisDay in 1865, the 13th Amendment, which outlawed slavery, was officially adopted into the U.S. Constitution—246 years after enslaved Africans landed in Jamestown, Virginia. Learn more on our Searchable Museum: #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory

#OnThisDay in 1865, the 13th Amendment, which outlawed slavery, was officially adopted into the U.S. Constitution—246 years after enslaved Africans landed in Jamestown, Virginia. Learn more on our Searchable Museum: #APeoplesJourney #ANationsStory

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

42,386 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren

This year marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop as a musical genre and a global movement. Over the decades, hip-hop’s lyrical, visual, cultural, and political impact challenged and redefined America and the world. #HipHop50

This year marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop as a musical genre and a global movement. Over the decades, hip-hop’s lyrical, visual, cultural, and political impact challenged and redefined America and the world. #HipHop50

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

38,385 Aufrufe • vor 3 Jahren

Our museum has recently acquired what is thought to be the largest & most complete set of historic Charleston Slave Badges. This collection includes 146 rare badges dating as far back as 1804.

Our museum has recently acquired what is thought to be the largest & most complete set of historic Charleston Slave Badges. This collection includes 146 rare badges dating as far back as 1804.

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

26,654 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren

On the night of December 31, 1862, enslaved and free African Americans gathered, many in secret, to ring in the New Year and await news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. Learn more: #APeoplesJourney

On the night of December 31, 1862, enslaved and free African Americans gathered, many in secret, to ring in the New Year and await news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. Learn more: #APeoplesJourney

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

18,980 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr

This year, we will celebrate Black women in their many roles. Sending warm greetings and profound love to Black women and the ancestors who have walked among them as nurturers, guides, community builders, and sages.

This year, we will celebrate Black women in their many roles. Sending warm greetings and profound love to Black women and the ancestors who have walked among them as nurturers, guides, community builders, and sages.

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC

14,849 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr