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The NATIONAL MUSEUM of AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY & CULTURE'S

Searchable Museum

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Exhibit

Revelation

Experience how abstract artists express history, identity, and emotion through color, line, and form in this digital companion to the National Museum of African American History and Culture's newest exhibition.

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Constellation

James Baldwin’s Passport

Born August 2, 1924, James Baldwin used travel as a path to freedom. View his passport and learn how he escaped segregation and racism while exploring his sexuality and identity through his writing.

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Stories / Historic Event

Hurricane Katrina

21 Years After Katrina: Explore the storm’s devastating impact on New Orleans and the resilience of the people who came together to rebuild their communities.

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Interactive Timeline

Afrofuturist Flashpoints in Black Music

1900-2023

Through innovation, imagination, and experimentation, Black artists have used Afrofuturism to expand creative possibilities and shape new musical futures. Explore the timeline to discover Afrofuturist influences across Black musical history.

At the top of the cover, Parliament is in yellow and pink font over a galaxy, above a UFO space ship.
Black-and-white photo of people viewing art in a gallery setting, with various framed artworks displayed on the walls.

Exhibit

At the

Vanguard

Making and Saving History at HBCUs

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Hands holding a colorful orchid against a background of green leaves.

Exhibit

More Than a Flower

The Connective Power of Orchids

A black-and-white photo of three women in white dresses standing in ocean waves during a memorial ritual.

Exhibit

In Slavery’s Wake

Making Black Freedom in the World

Sun Ra, a black alien , is dressed in a pharaoh looking headdress and colorful yellow costume.

Exhibit

Afrofuturism

A History of Black Futures

All of our digital exhibits are available virtually anytime.

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Stories / Community Story

Pullman Porters and Maids

African Americans working for the Pullman Company created the first Black labor union. Learn about the history of Pullman porters and maids, their working conditions, and their impact.

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Recent Stories

Upholstered stool with curved legs, wrapped in multicolored patterned fabric and featuring a rounded top and brass support.

Stories / Community Story

Abstraction in Seating Design

Seating designers transform everyday furnishings into objects of cultural storytelling. Learn how the principles of abstraction—form, line, gesture—shape seating design. 

People on a horse-drawn carriage decorated with flowers during Emancipation Day in Corpus Christi, Texas, 1913.

Stories / Historic Event

Juneteenth: Freedom on the Rise

African Americans have celebrated Juneteenth since 1866. Learn about early Juneteenth celebrations and discover how African Americans have defended their freedom since June 19, 1865. 

Framed daguerreotype of a seated person.

Stories / Community Story

The Syphax Family and Freedman’s Village

The Syphax family was enslaved by George and Martha Washington– one of the nation’s founding families. Learn about the Syphaxes’ journey from slavery at Mount Vernon to freedom at Freedman’s Village.

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Constellations

Juana Valdes’s "Redbone – Colored China Rags"

Women's Voices

Kevin Cole’s Increase Risk with Emotional Faith

Art

Tempy Bryant’s Emancipation-Era Dress

Freedom

The Vanilla Orchid

Nature

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Experience history you can trust.  
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About Us

Exhibit Resources

Resources that expand on the history and stories of the exhibit.

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Education Resources

Learning resources for students and teachers of all ages and grades.

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The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture's Searchable Museum is made possible through the generous support of:
Bloomberg Philanthropies

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