What’s next at NMAAHC? Find out inside this email.
MEMBER NEWS
What can get you out of the house in this heat? The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) can! Or, if you stay home, we’ve got you covered with virtual programming and online resources that bring the Museum to you, wherever you are. July is a great time to be a member of our community.
Preservation Station: Exploring the Family Treasures Toolkit Thursday, July 13 | 1 p.m. Eastern
In person | Free
Join us as we explore the Family Treasures Toolkit. Learn how to preserve your family treasures so they are available for generations to come. This interactive session will be led by museum professionals to help you care for your family heirlooms.
Historically Speaking: Chuck Berry: An American Life Thursday, July 13 | 7 p.m. Eastern
In person and online | Free
In his newest book, biographer RJ Smith crafts a comprehensive portrait of Chuck Berry, one of the great American entertainers, guitarists, and lyricists of the 20th century. Based on interviews, archival research, legal documents, and a deep understanding of Berry’s hometown of St. Louis, Smith sheds new light on the notoriously enigmatic icon. Smith will be joined by Daryl Davis, musician, activist, and friend of Berry, in a conversation moderated by Steven Lewis, curator of Music and Performing Arts at NMAAHC. Signed books will be available for sale courtesy of Smithsonian Enterprises.
Historically Speaking: The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church Thursday, July 20 | 7 p.m. Eastern
In person and online | Free
In 1838, a group of America’s most prominent Catholic priests sold 272 enslaved people to save their largest mission project, what is now Georgetown University. In a groundbreaking account, journalist, author, and professor Rachel L. Swarns follows one family through nearly two centuries of indentured servitude and enslavement to uncover the harrowing origin story of the Catholic Church in the United States. Through the saga of the Mahoney family, Swarns illustrates how the Church relied on slave labor and slave sales to sustain its operations and to help finance its expansion. Swarns will join in conversation with Michel Martin, host of NPR’s Morning Edition. Signed books will be available for sale courtesy of Smithsonian Enterprises.
Now online! Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures on Searchable Museum Online | Free
Now, visit Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures online through our Searchable Museum to explore worlds beyond Earth, immerse yourself in cosmic-inspired music, and learn about African Americans contributions to space exploration.
NMAAHC Summer Reading Challenge 2023: Afrofuturism Now through Thursday, August 31
Online | Free
Join the 2023 NMAAHC Summer Reading Challenge on the theme of our temporary special exhibition, Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures!
This is a self-guided program for 3rd- to 12th-grade students and their educators to read suggested selections by NMAAHC educators and complete reading-related challenges designed for enjoyment and enrichment in African American history. Deepen your experience with resources, including a reading log, activities, and a task list, and earn a certificate of completion by August 31.
Get involved! Fall 2023 Internships with NMAAHC Application deadline: July 8, 2023
Internships at the National Museum of African American History and Culture offer undergraduate and graduate students, and recent graduates, opportunities to work closely with professionals and scholars in the museum field. The museum provides a dynamic learning environment and access to supportive mentors that help interns reach their educational and professional goals. Interns can gain practical museum skills and program development experience in a variety of positions!
Get involved! Apply to become a NMAAHC Volunteer Application deadline: August 1, 2023
Doing good does you good! Apply to become a museum docent or public programs volunteer. Volunteers play essential roles in sharing our rich collections, exhibitions, research, and educational programming with the public. We are on the lookout for dynamic, curious individuals who want to be a part of our team.
Did you know that you may be able to join a free docent-led tour during your visit to the Museum? After you book your free timed entry passes to NMAAHC, check out our Ongoing Tours and Activities webpage to find out what’s going on that day! You may see a walking tour of the grounds; a 15-minute docent talk at one of our Big Objects, Big Stories programs; or an hour-long tour of one of our exhibitions.
If you’d like to see Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures, join a docent talk, or so much more, you’ll need a timed-entry pass to enter the Museum!
You can reserve your special Member timed-entry pass online at www.nmaahc.si.edu/mbrpass. Passes are released at least 30 days in advance at 8:00 a.m. Eastern on a rolling basis and, on days we are open, a limited number of same-day, timed-entry passes are released at 8:15 a.m.
THANK YOU
Thank you for being a Member! We hope to welcome you to the National Museum of African American History and Culture soon!
Image credits, top to bottom: Independence Day over NMAAHC, 2022, by Alan Karchmer / NMAAHC. Intern by Ben Sullivan / NMAAHC. Docent tour, 2019, by Walter Larimore / NMAAHC. Mae Jemison onboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor, 1992, NASA. Museum exterior by Alan Karchmer / NMAAHC.
