The Harrison Museum of African-American Culture Celebrates Black History month with the Smithsonian Poster Exhibition, “A Place for All People: Introducing The National Museum of African American History and Culture,” on Sunday, Feb. 26, from 2-4:00 p.m. at the Harrison Museum of African American Culture, 1 Market Square, SE (2nd Floor), Roanoke.
“A Place for All People” highlights key artifacts that tell the rich and diverse story of the African-American experience. From the child-size shackles of a slave and the clothing worn by Carolotta Walls on her first day at Little Rock Central High School to Chuck Berry’s Gibson guitar, “Maybellene,” and the track shoes worn by Olympian Carl Lewis, the exhibition presents a living history that reflects challenge, triumph, and hope.
The poster exhibition and related public programs are an opportunity for Harrison Museum to showcase its work in sharing the many stories of African American and African Diaspora people and their contributions to the local community and the American story. The fact is evidenced by the many lectures and programs held at the museum underscored by the exhibits, which inform and highlight the history and culture of the African American.
The journey to establish this museum began a century ago with a call for a national memorial to honor the contributions of African American Civil War veterans. After decades of effort by private citizens, organizations and members of Congress, Federal legislation was passed in 2003 to create the National Museum of African-American History and Culture. Since then, thousands of artifacts have been collected to fill the inspiring new building that has risen on the National Mall. Through it’s exhibitions and programs, the museum provides a shared lens to view the nation’s history and the possibility for hope and healing. It is a place where all can gather to remember, reflect and embrace America’s Story: A Place For All People.
For those who have not had the opportunity to visit the Smithsonian’s newest museum on the National Mall, it is hoped that the “Poster Exhibit” will give you a vicarious experience before your sojourn to Washington, D.C. Moreover, it is our sincere and profound hope that those who have yet to make the journey, this exhibit will motivate and inspire you to place this on your “Must Do” list.
For more info contact the Harrison Museum of African American Culture at 540-857-4395.
Note: This Poster Exhibit was a gift to the Harrison Museum from Francois Clay-Tor, curator. Organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services (SITES) in collaboration with the National Museum of African-American History and Culture.
