As part of the weekend during the BloggerWeek UnConference we were invited to attend the National Museum of African American History in Washington, DC.
I had heard so much about the museum and was told by many that it takes more than one trip to take it all in and I couldn’t agree more. There were a few other speakers who also attended and we all agreed to start on the 4th floor, which contained the Culture Galleries.
The 4th floor was by far the most uplifting and prideful area of the tour as there was so much beautiful memorabilia in the Visual Arts and The African American Experience, Cultural Expressions. Exhibits included art, entertainment, television, movies and music. I was filled with overwhelming pride as we walked slowly through a few of the galleries. I could have easily spend several more hours taking it all in, but after about two hours we decided to stop and break for lunch which was a great idea as it got really crowded later.
Prior to eating lunch on the 3rd floor we took time for a quick tour of the Sports and Military Experience which was also eye opening and again, we could have spend several more hours checking out each of the exhibits. However, we were hungry so we stopped and ate lunch at Sweet Home Cafe’. I enjoyed the Chicken meal and even splurged on a slice of Sweet Potato Pie!
Time was running short so we bypassed the Explore More! exhibits on the 2nd floor and took the elevator down to the Lower Concourse Level which contained the History Galleries. This was when it got real…the elevator had open glass sides and we watched the years pass by as we were transported to the year 1400 from Slavery to the Era of Segregation.
My high became a low as my heart palpitated and tears formed as I viewed the historical cruelty of slavery….I couldn’t continue as the anger began to take control, however, I vowed to return for subsequent visits bringing my husband and sons as well.
There were young and old, men and women, black and white visitors and many of the millennials were brought to tears. This is is definitely a must see for everyone and school districts should make it mandatory.
Admission is free, but passes may be required. You can walk-up to the museum without a pass on weekdays beginning at 10am. Timed entry passes are only required on weekends and for groups of 10 or more. I am thinking about spending a family vacation week in DC as it will take us that much time just to absorb all there is to see.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a Smithsonian Institution museum located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in the United States. It was established in December 2003 and opened in September 2016 in a ceremony led by President Barack Obama.
There were so many memories evoked as we viewed the clothing and props featured from many of iconic television programs and sitcoms including, Julia, The Jeffersons, Richard Pryor Show, Good Times, Fat Albert and of course The Cosby Show.
We were permitted to take photography throughout except at the Emmett Till Memorial which we never got to see – however, I can only imagine the emotions evoked from that exhibit – a must see the next time.
