The National Museum of African American History, which opened in September, 2016, was a long time coming. The seed of the idea and efforts to gain Congressional approval span almost a century, including 15 years of advocacy spearheaded by Congressman John Lewis that culminated in a bill approving the museum signed into law in December 2003. This account begins with that history and goes on to provide a fascinating look at the next 13 years. The museum, says Executive Director Lonnie Bunch, is not about African American history but about American history through the lens of African American experience. The physical design and construction took place simultaneously with outreach and education efforts and work to acquire and organize materials. This conversational narrative conveys the commitment and excitement and sense of responsibility of all involved, and includes fascinating anecdotes about specific objects and artifacts. The glimpse provided here of what can be found at the museum is enticing, while the importance of the lives and experiences represented by the history documented in this book and within the museum’s walls is a powerful implied refrain. Ample visual material including photos of many museum artifacts, and dynamic page design add to the volume’s appeal. (Age 9 and older)

Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture is truly groundbreaking! 

The first national museum whose mission is to illuminate for all people, the rich, diverse, complicated, and important experiences and contributions of African Americans in America is opening.
And the history of NMAAHC--the last museum to be built on the National Mall--is the history of America.

The campaign to set up a museum honoring black citizens is nearly 100 years old; building the museum itelf and assembling its incredibly far-reaching collections is a modern story that involves all kinds of people, from educators and activists, to politicians, architects, curators, construction workers, and ordinary Americans who donated cherished belongings to be included in NMAAHC's thematically-organized exhibits. 

Award-winning author Tonya Bolden has written a fascinating chronicle of how all of these ideas, ambitions, and actual objects came together in one incredible museum. Includes behind-the-scenes photos of literally "how to build a museum" that holds everything from an entire segregated railroad car to a tiny West African amulet worn to ward off slave traders.