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Preview the Collection of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

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On Saturday, the doors of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture will open to the public, achieving a goal of black Americans that has been a century in the making.

The 19th Smithsonian Institution was designed to tell the story of the United States America—from its founding to today—from an African American perspective. The museum will also challenge visitors to grapple with some of the uglier points of American history, from the slave trade to Jim Crow.

“We felt it was crucial to craft a museum that would help America remember and confront, confront its tortured racial past,” said Lonnie Bunch, the director of the museum, at a press conference marking the museum’s opening. “But we also thought while America should ponder the pain of slavery and segregation, it also had to find the joy, the hope, the resiliency, the spirituality that was endemic in this community.”

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The pieces the museum houses are meant to tell the unique tale of African American resilience; from the handmade tin box a black man used to carry his freedom papers to the headgear the late Muhammad Ali used to protect his head during fights.

The museum acquired some 40,000 artifacts for its collection, which curators only expect to continue to grow. Click through to see just a few of them.

The Proclamation of Emancipation
"The Proclamation of Emancipation by the President of the United States, to take effect January 1st, 1863" Written by President Abraham Lincoln and published by John Murray Forbes, 1862.Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Collection box of the Rhode Island Anti-Slavery Society, owned by Garrison family, ca. 1830s - 1850s.
Collection box of the Rhode Island Anti-Slavery Society, owned by Garrison family, ca. 1830s - 1850s.Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Garrison Family in memory of George Thompson Garrison
Advertisement card for the "Great Negro Mart" in Memphis, Tennessee, ca. 1859-1860.
Advertisement card for the "Great Negro Mart" in Memphis, Tennessee, ca. 1859-1860.Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Joseph Trammel's tin box used to hold his freedom papers in 1852.
Tin box handmade and carried by Joseph Trammell to hold freedom papers, 1852.Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Elaine E. Thompson in memory of Joseph Trammell on behalf of his direct descendants
Oklahoma Federation of Colored Women's Clubs Banner, ca. 1924.
Banner with motto of Oklahoma Federation of Colored Women's Clubs, ca. 1924.Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Scrapbook page about the Wiley College Debate Team, 1929-1930.
Scrapbook page about the Wiley College Debate Team, 1929-1930.Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Dr. Edward L. Cox
Passport belong to James Baldwin.
United States passport belonging to James Baldwin, issued Aug. 2, 1965.Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of The Baldwin Family
Boxing headgear worn by Muhammad Ali, ca. 1973.
Boxing headgear worn by Muhammad Ali, ca. 1973.Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

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