Magazine Feature

Toolkit for "One Hundred Years in the Making"

This toolkit for “One Hundred Years in the Making” provides instructional ideas to experience the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) without traveling to Washington, D.C. 

Introduction

Here are two ideas for how you can bring the NMAAHC to your classroom.

 

Essential Questions

  1. How can my students experience the NMAAHC from the classroom?
  2. What’s the significance of having a museum centered on African-American history, culture and community?

 

Procedure

Host a Local Celebration

Through its “Lift Every Voice” campaign, the NMAAHC invites you to celebrate the museum’s grand opening on September 24, 2016, by hosting a local event in your community. Options include a watch party for the museum dedication, a program, exhibit or other signature event co-branded with NMAAHC and a social media campaign. Click here for more details.

 

Take a Virtual Tour

Visit the NMAAHC’s website as a class. Project the site onto an interactive whiteboard or have students work in pairs at computers.

  • Read about the purpose of the museum. Have students reflect on this quote from Lonnie G. Bunch III, founding director of the NMAAHC:

This Museum will tell the American story through the lens of African American history and culture. This is America’s Story and this museum is for all Americans.