The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) had its historic opening on September 24 th - just last month. Efforts for the development of a national museum honoring the history of African Americans dates back to meetings held by local D.C. African American Civil War veterans in 1915, as detailed in a speech given by Representative John Lewis at the museum opening. Over a great many decades and relentless efforts, the availability of funds and possible site locations for the museum came as a result of an Act of Congress, Public Law 108-184. The legislation provided $17 million and the possibility of four sites in D.C.: a site just west of the National Museum of American History, the Liberty Loan Federal Building site, Banneker Park, and the Arts and Industries Building. Subsequently, an appointed site selection committee deliberated and chose the site adjacent to the National Museum of American History.

 

	Smithsonian Institute,  CC BY-SA 4.0

The development site acts as a compass to the history of African American culture. To the north of the museum is the White House, which is currently home to the first African American US president; to the east is the US Capitol, the home of legislature; to the west and south are monuments and memorials to some of the biggest influencers, such as Dr. King and Abraham Lincoln. At the center of the compass lies the NMAAHC, home to the past, present, and future of African American culture.

 

The development project team was comprised of lead designer David Adjay, lead architect Philip Freelon, architect firms Freelon Adjaye Bond and SmithGroup, and a general contractor team of Clark Construction, Smoot Construction, and H.J. Russell & company. Adjay's experience and vision for the museum is fascinating and further explained in an interview with Smithsonian. The biggest design  

challenge was creating a historical building with presence that also respected and honored the Washington, DC master plan.

 

The facility is LEED Gold, featuring solar panels on the roof and a geothermal ground water system. The facade, known as a Corona, is created from glass and bronze and wraps around the five above-ground levels supported by four concrete towers linked by steel trusses. The concourse, mezzanine, and mechanical levels are the three below-grade levels.

 

Public entry to the museum has been booked through 2016; don't miss your opportunity to walk the halls of this magnificent museum in 2017, visit https://nmaahc.si.edu/visit/passes to obtain a Timed Entry Pass.