National Museum of African American History & Culture

The National Museum of African American History and Culture captures and shares the **unvarnished truth** of African American history and culture. We connect **stories, scholarship, art, and artifacts** from the past and present to illuminate the contributions, struggles, and triumphs that have **shaped our nation**. We forge new and compelling avenues for audiences to experience the **arc of living history**. **There are four pillars upon which the NMAAHC stands:** 1. It provides an opportunity for those who are interested in African American culture to explore and revel in this history through interactive exhibitions 2. It helps all Americans see how their stories, their histories, and their cultures are shaped and informed by global influences 3. It explores what it means to be an American and share how American values like resiliency, optimism, and spirituality are reflected in African American history and culture 4. It serves as a place of collaboration that reaches beyond Washington, D.C. to engage new audiences and to work with the myriad of museums and educational institutions that have explored and preserved this important history well before this museum was created.