Museum News & Highlights

Collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, gift of Dr. Patricia Heaston

Honoring Black Women Entrepreneurs

Join us for tours, workshops and special programming this Women’s History Month.
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“Penny” dress

New on View in the Museum

Take a closer look at new objects from our museum's collection and exhibitions.
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The Sweet Home Cafe dining room area

Women Lead Sweet Home Café

Enjoy a carefully curated menu celebrating women in hospitality every Friday from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
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Image of Charlotte Lyons in the Ebony Test Kitchen, featured in the November 1992 issue of Ebony magazine. Lyons is shown leaning frontward over a counter

Iconic Ebony Test Kitchen Finds a Home at Our Museum

Built in 1972 as a prominent feature of the Johnson Publishing Co. building in Chicago, the Ebony Test Kitchen is where recipes were tested and prepared before they were published in Ebony magazine for home cooks around the country.
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Dr. N. Anthony Coles

Museum Announces New Council Chair

Dr. N. Anthony Coles will serve as Chair of the Advisory Council for the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
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Merchandise

“Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures” is Now Open

On view until August 18, 2024, the exhibition explores and reveals Afrofuturism’s historic and poignant engagement with African American history and popular culture.
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What's Happening at the Museum

A look at all the upcoming programs and events

black and white photo of woman washing laundry near Augusta, Georgia
Searchable Museum

Atlanta Washerwomen Strike

In 1881, washerwomen in Atlanta staged the largest-ever strike by African Americans, walking off the job for weeks until their demands and those of other service workers were met.

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Black Women Afrofuturists
Story

Five You Should Know: Black Women Icons of Afrofuturism

Their influence spans across disciplines, genres and decades – while re-imagining the past, present and future through a Black cultural lens. 

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This painting depicts two rows of women picking cotton. Both the top and bottom row has three women in purple, blue, and yellow dresses, each with a red hat. Each woman has a large white bag slung over her shoulder. Each figure stands in front of a low bush dotted with white spots of paint to indicate cotton. The artist has signed her initials [CH] in the lower right margin, with the "C" written backwards.
Digital Learning Resource

Black Women Artists

Meet Black women artists through their artwork in our collection and other Smithsonian museums.  

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