The National Museum Of African American History And Culture | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The National Museum Of African American History And Culture

A recap on my intriguing trip.

6
The National Museum Of African American History And Culture

Last month, as a kick off to my Winter Break, my family and I took a trip to Washington, DC. My mom was able to get tickets for the four of us to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It's a pretty new museum, since it's been less than 6 months after its grand opening to the public. I must say, it was a pretty awesome trip. Since its opening on September 24, 2016, there have been so many visitors of all different backgrounds. The museum is free of charge, but because it is so popular, I did not even think I would get the chance to visit anytime soon. However, my mom pulled through yet again and made a way for us to make another fun family trip! So, after a 4 hour car ride, we finally made it! The National Museum of African American History and Culture has collected over 36,000 artifacts to put on display throughout the building. There are 5 floors, 4 floors and one lower level floor, kind of like a basement.

We entered the museum and went up to the first floor, the entrance level, which was called Heritage Hall. In it were the welcome desk, the gift shop, the restrooms, and so forth. One cool sight to see on this floor was a wall of donors that donated money into the museum. Some notable names were Oprah Winfrey and Shonda Rhimes.

After we took time to read the names, we took the escalators up to the second floor. This floor was named "Explore More". There was a center for African American Media Arts, where short clips of films and photos were placed. There was an interactive stepping exhibit where anyone could step up to a screen and step with the people on the scree. There were also interactive screens where you could see all of the artifacts in the museum, read a little bit about them, and find out where they are in the museum. Also, there is a center, still in construction I might add, where visitors may be able to explore their family history.

With this, I move to the third floor, named "Community Galleries". This floor is full of exhibits. There's an exhibit called the "Double Victory: The African American Military Experience". It sheds light on African Americans in our armed forces and how many served, fought, and died in our battles throughout time. Quotes along the walls from Langston Hughes, W.E.B. Dubois, and Imam W.D. Mohammed were engraved. Another thing on this floor was a sports section, which showed how much African American men and women have shaped our country and influenced our sports teams. Religion was also displayed on this floor, how religions such as Christianity and Islam have effected African Americans.


The final floor, which was my favorite floor, was called Culture Galleries. There were exhibits that showed how African Americans would cook and the types of pots and pans they used to cook, how black hair has affected our culture, how black poets and authors, such as Zora Neale Hurston and Toni Morrison have changed the way we think, and so much more. Shows like Good Times, The Jefferson, Martin, and A Different World, were presented in clips to show how black television shows have changed how others view African Americans today. Musicians like Michael Jackson, Prince, Nat King Cole, and Whitney Houston were shown in the museum because black singers, rappers, and songwriters have had a huge impact on our society.


I did not even have time to visit the lower floor, the "Concourse", because I was so focused on the other floors. This was such a great trip, I learned so much, and even my parents learned some things as well. I would recommend that anyone would take a trip to see this. Most people, because of what is shown on television and movies and in history books, that the only history that African Americans have are slavery and the civil rights movement. There is so much more that a lot of us do not know and have yet to discover, This museum gives much more insight on the way African Americans have impacted our world. I will definitely be visiting again soon!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

182701
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

9429
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

454004
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24197
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments