A People’s Journey, A Nation’s Story
Our mission is to capture and share the unvarnished truth of African American history and culture. We connect stories, scholarship, art, and artifacts from the past and present to illuminate the contributions, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped our nation. We forge new and compelling avenues for audiences to experience the arc of living history.
Celebrating the Success of the Living History Campaign—Together
Director's Message
As we close the chapter on the Living History campaign, we celebrate a profound achievement—one made possible by you.
Your generosity and belief in our mission helped us surpass our goal. From pennies rounded up at the register to loyal major gift donors and multi-million-dollar grants, from gifts in a beloved's honor to the support of historic fraternity and sorority institutions, from grassroots fundraisers to contributions at family reunions, this campaign was built by a dedicated community that understands the power of history.
An astounding 250,000 members donated to keep Living History alive.
Because of you, the stories that shape our nation's past, present, and future will continue to be told. Since opening nine years ago, we have welcomed nearly 12 million visitors and engaged millions more through our ever-expanding digital resources. The success of the Living History campaign ensures that NMAAHC remains the faithful storyteller of a people's journey and the nation's story.
Thank you for investing in our shared future. This moment is a testament to what we can achieve together, but our work is far from over. As our 10th anniversary approaches, we renew our dedication to making history accessible to all—because understanding where we've been is key to shaping where we're going. Your support not only preserves our past, but it strengthens our museum and ensures that future generations will see themselves reflected in the full, unvarnished truth of the American story.
With gratitude,
Kevin Young
Andrew W. Mellon Director
