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A Journey Through History with Deborah Tulani Salahu-Din
In this second installment of WorkHuman Radio’s month long series celebrating Black History Month, Mike Wood visits the National Museum of African American History and Culture and chats with museum specialist Deborah Tulani Salahu-Din about what the museum has in terms of artifacts and objects, as well as the stories behind them. Before joining the museum, Deborah worked in higher education; in her present role she has been able to merge her expertise in African American literature into the exhibitions.
The Museum’s Origins
The museum was first conceptualized as a way to recognize African Americans who served in the military. The idea evolved into a national edifice to recognize the achievements of African Americans in all fields, and to use the African American experience as a lens through which to examine American history as a whole. Legislation passed in 2003 under the Bush administration gave the mandate for the museum’s creation. Construction began in 2012 and the museum was officially opened in 2016.
6 Floors of History
African American history, from pre-slavery days in West Africa to present day is on display in the 6 floors and 11 galleries of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Deborah says that although the exhibitions display America’s tortured past, it is still a celebratory expression of the resilience African Americans had and still have in the face of adversity. In describing the layout of the museum, she mentions that young people will particularly enjoy learning how to step dance on the interactive stepping floor. Two other notable exhibits are the Making A Way Out of No Way Gallery, and the Culture Gallery which showcases how African American culinary arts influenced American cuisine.
Roots
Mike asks about the family history resource at the museum. Deborah replies that you can come to the museum to discover your lineage and the staff will help you search for at least 30 minutes. She mentions that the museum will be opening a new exhibit on Pauli Murray, author of Proud Shoes, activist and the first woman to serve as a priest in the Episcopalian Church.
Resources
NMAAHC.si.edu
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By Workhuman
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In this second installment of WorkHuman Radio’s month long series celebrating Black History Month, Mike Wood visits the National Museum of African American History and Culture and chats with museum specialist Deborah Tulani Salahu-Din about what the museum has in terms of artifacts and objects, as well as the stories behind them. Before joining the museum, Deborah worked in higher education; in her present role she has been able to merge her expertise in African American literature into the exhibitions.
The Museum’s Origins
The museum was first conceptualized as a way to recognize African Americans who served in the military. The idea evolved into a national edifice to recognize the achievements of African Americans in all fields, and to use the African American experience as a lens through which to examine American history as a whole. Legislation passed in 2003 under the Bush administration gave the mandate for the museum’s creation. Construction began in 2012 and the museum was officially opened in 2016.
6 Floors of History
African American history, from pre-slavery days in West Africa to present day is on display in the 6 floors and 11 galleries of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Deborah says that although the exhibitions display America’s tortured past, it is still a celebratory expression of the resilience African Americans had and still have in the face of adversity. In describing the layout of the museum, she mentions that young people will particularly enjoy learning how to step dance on the interactive stepping floor. Two other notable exhibits are the Making A Way Out of No Way Gallery, and the Culture Gallery which showcases how African American culinary arts influenced American cuisine.
Roots
Mike asks about the family history resource at the museum. Deborah replies that you can come to the museum to discover your lineage and the staff will help you search for at least 30 minutes. She mentions that the museum will be opening a new exhibit on Pauli Murray, author of Proud Shoes, activist and the first woman to serve as a priest in the Episcopalian Church.
Resources
NMAAHC.si.edu