ScopeNMAAHC Freedom Sounds: A Community Celebration
Details
A Message from Janice Temple: There is a change in plans for this meetup due to the security surrounding President Obama's Ribbon-Cutting of the Smithsonian National African American History Museum.
This is our new event Periscope Meetup DC Celebration NMAAHC Opening (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/periscope-meetup-dc-celebration-nmaahc-opening-tickets-27512304042)
Periscope Community in the Washington DC, Virginia Maryland #DMV and beyond are invited to join our meetup.
Come and Enter Raffle to Win NMAAHC Museum Passes and Public Event Passes
Note the passes in the raffle are for events held during the week*
We do not have passes for NMAAHC Opening Weekend
We will scoping the American Legacy Know Your History Mobile Truck on Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 6 am to 8 am at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library 901 G St. NW, Washington DC 20001 http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/d/2/8/600_454120232.jpeg
American Legacy's "Know Your History" mobile truck exhibit is a must see traveling museum filled with photos, stories, and interactive learning stations that celebrate the African-American experience. The 18-wheel trailer transforms into a nearly 750 square foot black history museum focusing on the milestones and newsmakers of the 19th and 20th centuries. The truck contains artifacts, memorabilia, photographs, and art that thematically mirrors American Legacy magazine.
FEATURED EXHIBITS*
•Blacks in Aviation
•American Legacy's Black History Trivia Wheel
•Blacks in Sports
•American Legacy's Covers Exhibit
•American Reading Company's African-American Book Exhibit
- Subject to change.
After our Periscope Meetup view of the African American History exhibits in the American Legacy Know Your History Mobile Truck will be open to the general public at 8 am.
The Library is hosting a Watch Party for the Dedication after scoping the American Legacy Know Your History Mobile Truck's Black History Exhibits you have the option stay at the library or walk 15 minutes to the Washington Monument Grounds to view President Barack Obama Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony.
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture Dedication Ceremony (https://nmaahc.si.edu/visit/opening)
14th Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20001
National Museum of African American History and Culture (https://nmaahc.si.edu/)
Saturday, September 24, 2016
9:00 am Gathering and Musical Prelude
10:00 a.m. Dedication Ceremony Begins
1:00 p.m. Museum Opens to the Public
Museum Opens to the Public National Museum of African American History and Culture (https://nmaahc.si.edu/visit/opening)
Saturday, September 24, 2016, 1:00pm – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 25, 2016, 10:00 a.m. – Midnight
Entry to all Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. is free. The Freedom Sounds festival and public viewing areas for the outdoor Dedication Ceremony, are free and open to the public.
Freedom Sounds Festival Washington Monument Grounds
Friday, September 23, 2016, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 24, 2016, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 25, 2016, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Scopers must have a valid Periscope and Twitter username with saved broadcasts.
Admission to the event is free. However please reserve a ticket to get gift from the Periscope Party Pack.
What items are in a Periscope Party Pack?
Each Party Pack will contain the following:
Name TagsPeriscope BalloonsStickersOne surprise item for everyone who attends the meetup After the event, we will email Periscope Team the attendance list, our favorite broadcast from the meetup, and a group picture!
Please Register here
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/periscope-meetup-dc-celebration-nmaahc-opening-tickets-27512304042
Are you interested in Becoming A World Black History On Periscope Social Media Ambassador?
Apply here https://goo.gl/forms/cs9NzfdatM60eTN52 (https://www.eventbrite.com/Are%20you%20interested%20in%20Becoming%20A%20World%20Black%20History%20On%20Periscope%20Social%20Media%20Ambassador?%20Apply%20here%20https:/goo.gl/forms/cs9NzfdatM60eTN52) Sincerely,
Janice Temple
Founder
World Black History On Periscope
Atlanta, Georgia Scopers will meet up with Scopers from District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia for the three day weekend celebration of the National Museum African American History & Culture. Periscopers from around the world are welcome to join us. https://cdn.evbuc.com/eventlogos/137398331/fbimg1468506341869.jpghttps://cdn.evbuc.com/eventlogos/137398331/periscopeuse.png
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/b/5/1/600_452087953.jpeg
Public Enemy, The Roots, Meshell Ndegeocello, Living Colour and D.C.’s own Experience Unlimited are scheduled to play opening weekend (https://nmaahc.si.edu/visit/opening) of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Smithsonian announced today.
“Freedom Sounds: A Community Celebration” is a free, three-day concert taking place on the grounds of the Washington Monument from Friday, Sept. 23 to Sunday, Sept. 25. Co-produced by the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, the event ushers in the opening of the Smithsonian’s newest museum Sept. 24.
President Obama is expected to preside over the opening ceremony on the 24th, cutting the ribbon for a museum that was established as an Act of Congress in 2003.
Other performers on the bill include Stax Music Academy, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, 9th Wonder, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Josh White Jr., Dom Flemons, the McIntosh County Shouters and Jean Carne. D.C.-area dance groups the National Hand Dance Association (http://nationalhanddanceassociation.org/) and Urban Artistry (http://urbanartistry.org/) also appear on the bill.
“The themes of the festival highlight the social power of African American music as a
communicator of cultural values, challenges, aspirations and creative expression,” concert co-curator Mark Puryear says in a press release.
“Freedom Sounds” will run Friday, Sept. 23 from noon to 5 p.m. and the following Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Complete lineup and schedule information can be found on the museum’s website (https://nmaahc.si.edu/).
Evening Concerts
Evening concerts will be presented 6–9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 25. There is no evening concert Friday, Sept. 23.
The Saturday evening concert lineup features:
Living ColourPublic EnemyThe Roots
The Sunday evening concert includes:
Experience Unlimited (EU)Meshell NdegeocelloA special guest to be announced Festival Participants
Other festival participants include the Stax Music Academy, Len Chandler, Josh White Jr., Dom Flemons, Rising Star Fife and Drum Band, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, the Original Liberty Jazz Band, Medoune Gueye, Jean Carne, the McIntosh County Shouters, Bobi Cespedes, Paito y los Gaiteros de Punta Brava, Morgan State University Choir, the Dixie Hummingbirds, the Freedom Singers, Sonia Sanchez, Robert Randolph, Sweet Honey in the Rock, 9th Wonder, Stanley Clarke, Louise Toppin, the National Hand Dance Association, the National Association of Black Storytellers Inc. and Urban Artistry.
Air Travel
Book Flights to any of these airports BWI, DCA or IAD
Red Eye Flights arriving at Midnight
Buses, Metro and Airport Shuttle stop running around Midnight
Uber and Taxis available after Midnight for transport to hotel
Ground Transportation from BWI to Washington DC BWI Express B30
http://www.bwiairport.com/en/travel/ground-transportation/trans/wmata
http://www.wmata.com/rail/maps/map.cfm
Recommended Hotels for Washington DC:
Washington Marriott Marquis Convention Center Hotel (http://www.nabhood.net/home/index.php/hotels/hoteldirectory?pid=52&sid=324:Washington-Marriott-Marquis-Convention-Center-Hotel)
Fairfield Inn & Suites Washington, DC/Downtown (http://www.nabhood.net/home/index.php/hotels/hoteldirectory?pid=52&sid=365:Fairfield-Inn-and-Suites-Washington-DCDowntown)
Homewood Suites, Washington, DC (http://www.nabhood.net/home/index.php/hotels/hoteldirectory?pid=52&sid=366:Homewood-Suites-Washington-DC)
Hyatt Place DC/Downtown/K Street (http://www.nabhood.net/home/index.php/hotels/hoteldirectory?pid=52&sid=430:Hyatt-Place-DCDowntownK-Street)
Doubletree by Hilton Spring (http://www.nabhood.net/home/index.php/hotels/hoteldirectory?pid=52&sid=408:Doubletree-by-Hilton-Spring)
Courtyard Washington, DC. Dupont Circle (http://www.nabhood.net/home/index.php/hotels/hoteldirectory?pid=52&sid=385:Courtyard-Washington-DC-Dupont-Circle)
Recommended Restaurants for Washington DC:
Andrene’s Caribbean & Soul Food
308 Kennedy St NW, Washington, DC 20011
andrenes.com (http://www.andrenes.com/)
Avery’s Bar & Lounge
1370 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
averysonhst.com (http://www.averysonhst.com/)
Ben’s Chili Bowl
1213 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
benschilibowl.com (http://benschilibowl.com/)
Ben’s Next Door
1211 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
bensnextdoor.com (http://www.bensnextdoor.com/home)
Bin 1301 Wine Bar
1301 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
bin1301dc.com (http://www.bin1301dc.com/)
Brookland Cafe
3740 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017
thebrooklandcafe.com (http://www.thebrooklandcafe.com/)
CakeLove
1506 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
cakelove.com (http://cakelove.com/)
The Carolina Kitchen
2350 Washington Pl NE Washington, DC 20018
thecarolinakitchen.com (http://thecarolinakitchen.com/)
Cheerz Sports Grill
7303 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20012
cheerzdc.com (http://www.cheerzdc.com/)
Chuck & Billy’s Bar & Carryout
2718 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
facebook.com/ChucknBillys (https://www.facebook.com/ChucknBillys)
Creme Restaurant & Bar
2436 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
creme14th.com (http://www.creme14th.com/)
Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant and Apple Lounge
1110 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
dukemrestaurant.com (http://dukemrestaurant.com/)
Etete
1942 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
etetedc.com (http://etetedc.com/)
Evolve Vegan Restaurant
341 Cedar St. NW, Washington, DC 20012
mainstreethub.com/evolveveganrestaurant (http://m.mainstreethub.com/evolveveganrestaurant)
Florida Avenue Grill
1100 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
floridaavenuegrill.com (http://floridaavenuegrill.com/)
Horace and Dickies
6912 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012
horaceanddickies.com (http://www.horaceanddickies.com/)
Indulj Restaurant and Lounge
1208 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
induljdc.com (http://www.induljdc.com/)
The Islander Caribbean Restaurant & Lounge
1201 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
theislandercaribbeanrestaurantlounge.com (http://m.theislandercaribbeanrestaurantlounge.com/)
Jin Asian Caribbean Soul Lounge
2017 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
jindc.com (http://jindc.com/)
Lounge of Three
1013 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
loungeofthree.net (http://www.loungeofthree.net/)
Morgan’s Seafood
3200 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010
https://plus.google.com (https://plus.google.com/110550590719359223410/about?gl=us&hl=en)
Oohh’s & Aahh’s
1005 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
oohhsnaahhs.com (http://www.oohhsnaahhs.com/)
Peaches Kitchen Restaurant
6214 3rd St NW, Washington, DC 20011
peacheskitchen.com (http://www.peacheskitchen.com/)
Po Boy Jim
709 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
poboyjimdc.com (http://www.poboyjimdc.com/)
Sankofa Video Books & Cafe
2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
sankofa.com (http://www.sankofa.com/)
Smith Commons
1245 H Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
smithcommonsdc.com (http://www.smithcommonsdc.com/)
Smith Public Trust
3514 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017
smithpublictrustdc.com (http://smithpublictrustdc.com/)
Takoma Station
6914 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012
takomastation.com (http://www.takomastation.com/)
Twins Jazz
1344 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
twinsjazz.com (http://www.twinsjazz.com/)
Woodland’s Vegan Bistro
2928 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
woodlandsveganbistro.com (http://woodlandsveganbistro.com/)
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Featured Hotel
Doubletree Largo (http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/maryland/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-largo-washington-dc-BWILWDT/index.html)
Complimentary Shuttle
Silver / Blue Line (http://www.wmata.com/rail/maps/map.cfm) Metro Largo Town Center (http://www.wmata.com/rail/maps/map.cfm)
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Silver Spring , Maryland (http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/)- Large Affluent Black Community
Red Line Metro Silver Spring Station (http://www.wmata.com/rail/maps/map.cfm)
Hotels
Residence Inn Silver Spring (http://www.nabhood.net/home/index.php/hotels/hoteldirectory?pid=20&sid=178:Residence-Inn-Silver-Spring)
Sheraton Silver Spring Hotel (http://www.nabhood.net/home/index.php/hotels/hoteldirectory?pid=20&sid=343:Sheraton-Silver-Spring-Hotel)
Silver Spring Black Nightlife
The Society Restaurant & Lounge (http://societyss.com/)
The Fire Station 1 Restaurant & Bar
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Bethesda Maryland
Red Line Metro (http://www.wmata.com/rail/maps/map.cfm)
Residence Inn Bethesda Downtown (http://www.nabhood.net/home/index.php/hotels/hoteldirectory?pid=20&sid=373:Residence-Inn-Bethesda-Downtown)
Ground Transportation RT BWI
Bus 201 (https://mta.maryland.gov/share-bus-overview?service=Commuter%20Bus&route=Route%20201) from Shady Grove Metro to BWI (http://www.bwiairport.com/en/travel/ground-transportation/trans/icc) $5 One Way
https://mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/201CommuterLineForWeb.pdf
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Rockville Maryland
Red Line Metro (http://www.wmata.com/rail/maps/map.cfm)
Hilton Rockville (http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/maryland/hilton-washington-dc-rockville-hotel-and-executive-meeting-ctr-IADMRHF/index.html)
Ground Transportation RT BWI
Bus 201 (https://mta.maryland.gov/share-bus-overview?service=Commuter%20Bus&route=Route%20201) from Shady Grove Metro to BWI (http://www.bwiairport.com/en/travel/ground-transportation/trans/icc) $5 One Way
https://mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/201CommuterLineForWeb.pdf
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Sightseeing Tour
SUN, SEP 25 AT 8:00 AM, WASHINGTON, DC
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Guided Bus Tour Periscope Meetup (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harriet-tubman-underground-railroad-guided-bus-tour-periscope-meetup-tickets-26005942474)
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/1/4/d/600_452085389.jpeg
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE TRAIL BOOKLET
http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/portal/african-american-heritage-trail-booklet
DC ITINERARY: AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY & HERITAGE
https://washington.org/dc-itinerary/dc-itinerary-african-american-history-heritage
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Schedule of Events
Beginning Friday, September 23, 2016, on the Washington Monument grounds, the NMAAHC presents Freedom Sounds: A Community Celebration. Conceived and presented in festival fashion, Freedom Sounds programming will include musical performances, spoken word, oral history activities and evening concerts.
What are the Grand Opening Weekend Events?
Freedom Sounds: A Community Celebration
Washington Monument Grounds
Friday, September 23, 2016, 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Saturday, September 24, 2016, 12:00pm – 5:00pm and 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Sunday, September 25, 2016, 12:00pm – 5:00pm and 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Beginning Friday, September 23, 2016, on the Washington Monument grounds, the National Museum of African American History and Culture presents Freedom Sounds: A Community Celebration. Conceived and presented in festival fashion, Freedom Sounds programming will include musical performances, spoken word, oral history activities and evening concerts. A drum circle, storytelling, and interactive workshops provide opportunities for families and large groups of the public to explore and celebrate the museum’s rich content and stories. This three-day music festival presents artists who represent the numerous cultural threads encompassing our shared African diasporic histories and traditions. Two tented stages will offer local, national and international performers, contributing to NMAAHC’s Grand Opening Weekend. The Freedom Sounds festival continues on Saturday and closes the Grand Opening Weekend on Sunday evening, September 25, 2016. Designed to accommodate the crowds anticipated; the festival is free and open to the public.
Dedication Ceremony
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Saturday, September 24, 2016,
8:00 am Gathering and Musical Prelude
10:00 am Dedication Ceremony Begins
On Saturday, September 24, 2016, the public witnesses the outdoor Dedication Ceremony of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. In the afternoon, the museum officially opens to the public. Tickets are not required for the public to view the outdoor Dedication Ceremony. Extensive large-screen viewing areas are well-positioned for crowds during the Dedication Ceremony.
Museum Opens to the Public
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Saturday, September 24, 2016, 1:00pm – 6:00pm
Sunday, September 25, 2016, 10:00am – 10:00pm
The Museum officially opens to the public at 1pm, following the Dedication Ceremony on Saturday, September 24, 2016. The museum will keep its doors open for extended hours Sunday, September 25, from 10 am to 10pm.
Where is the museum located?
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is located at 1400 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, between Madison and Constitution Avenues and 14th and 15th Streets, NW, Washington, DC. There are two entrances to the Museum: one on Madison Avenue and another on Constitution Avenue.
How do I get there?
Please visit http://www.si.edu/Visit/Maps for directions to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington Monument and National Mall.
What are admissions or entrance costs for the museum and festival during Grand Opening Weekend?
Entry to all Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. is free. Thousands of visitors are attending the Grand Opening celebration of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The museum, as well as the Freedom Sounds festival, are free and open to the public. Tickets are not required for admission to the museum or the festival. Tickets also are not necessary for the public viewing of the Dedication Ceremony.
Are Timed Passes available to enter the National Museum of African American History and Culture?
Yes, Timed Passes will be available. To facilitate entry and for the convenience of visitors, the museum is offering a Timed Pass option available soon on the NMAAHC website and via a Call Center. The museum hopes to alleviate extended wait times for the public through use of hourly timed passes. The passes have a one-hour time range, within which you may enter the museum. There are two timed pass options: 1) passes will be available online and by telephone in advance or 2) can be obtained at the museum on the day of your visit.
Option One – Passes will be available online and by telephone prior to your visit.
Online and By Telephone: The museum will distribute in advance, Timed Passes online and via a Call Center. If you obtain a Timed Pass online, please remember to print it and bring it with you to the museum. Hourly Timed Passes obtained through the Call Center are mailed to visitors; remember to bring them with you to the museum. These are the same hourly Timed Passes that will be distributed at the museum in person each day.
Option Two – Timed Passes will be available at the museum on the day of your visit.
In Person at NMAAHC: Passes are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis by the Visitor Services staff and volunteers on the day of your visit. While Timed Passes will be available online and by telephone, a number of Timed Passes will be available in person at the museum.
Special Consideration: With identification, members of the armed forces (including veterans and retirees), law enforcement and firefighting personnel, and federal government employees may obtain complimentary passes for themselves and their families in person on the day of their visit.
Is the museum partnering with any third party organization for Grand Opening weekend to provide packaged tours including tickets, transportation, and hotel?
No. There are currently no authorized agents, organizations or companies permitted to sell tour packages on the museum’s behalf. All of the Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC are free to the public, including the new National Museum of African American History and Culture. Beware of offers, websites, and other unauthorized information.
Thousands of visitors are attending the Grand Opening celebration. The museum, as well as the Freedom Sounds festival, are free and open to the public. Tickets are not required for admission to the museum or the festival. Tickets also are not necessary for the Dedication Ceremony. Extensive outdoor large-screen viewing areas are well-positioned for crowds during the Dedication Ceremony.
How do I contact the museum with questions?
For information about Grand Opening, call the toll-free number 1-844-750-3012.
Is there public transportation available?
Please consult the following resources for information on public transportation in the Washington DC Metropolitan area:
Washington DC Official Visitors Guide
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Trip Planner (WMATA)
http://www.si.edu/Visit/Maps
Is parking available for cars and buses?
There are no Smithsonian Institution public parking facilities on the National Mall. A few nearby commercial lots and garages may have available parking. For additional information visit http://www.si.edu/Visit/Maps.
For additional information on bus parking, contact the National Park Service Mall Operations Office at 202-426-6841.
How can I find out about local traffic and road closures?
Check local traffic and road closures for September 23-25 at DC Traffic Advisory: http://ddot.dc.gov/newsroom.
Is there a drop-off location at the museum entrance for persons who are disabled?
All areas around the museum will be restricted to vehicular access on the morning of September 24, 2016. If you need to drop someone off as close to the ceremony as possible, please follow the directions of the police or security. The museum is pursuing resolution of this important issue and will provide more details as they become available.
How do I prepare for weather conditions?
Grand Opening celebrations proceed rain or shine. Please give consideration to the possibility of inclement weather while attending the dedication and festival on Grand Opening Weekend. Check local forecasts before traveling. If you are within the museum security perimeter during the Dedication Ceremony on the morning of Saturday, September 24, be aware that in the event of rain, umbrellas are not permitted. Bring ponchos or raincoats. If planning to attend the Freedom Sounds festival only, or visit the museum building after its public opening, umbrellas are permitted.
Is food available to purchase?
Food vendors for the Freedom Sounds festival are located on the grounds. And, once the National Museum of African American History and Culture opens on Saturday afternoon, September 24, the museum’s café seats 399 people and features a rotating menu of seasonal offerings served at four stations and includes family-friendly options. The stations are organized to showcase traditional African American cuisine from the following US regions: the Northern States, the Agricultural South, the Creole Coast, and the Western Range.
Visitors are not allowed to bring food into the museum and coolers are also not permitted in the museum or on the grounds.
Can I take photos and videos at the Freedom Sounds festival or Dedication Ceremony?
Yes. Any prohibitions on photography at individual festival performances will be announced from the stage.
The Smithsonian permits still and video photography for noncommercial use only in its museums and exhibitions. For the safety of our visitors and collections, the use of tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks is not permitted at any time. Working members of the media who need to use a tripod or monopod must obtain permission from the museum’s Office of Public Affairs and must be escorted by a museum staff member while in the building.
Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed, or recorded by the Smithsonian for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on the Smithsonian’s and other public websites.
Can I plan a tour or receive advice about what to see at the museum?
Volunteer Visitor Services Representatives and Docents are available to provide advice and to help navigate the 12 galleries, the Museum Store, café and all of the various opportunities and services that are part of the museum experience.
Mobile device tours offer detailed stories about exhibitions and collections and also include four different options: gallery, family, building, and outdoor as well as an enhanced audio tour for blind visitors. These digital tours are available in English, French and Spanish. A Grand Opening Event App will be available to download from the museum’s website or to request during your visit.
Printed brochures and loaner mobile devices are available at the museum’s Welcome Desk at the time of your visit. Join Gallery Talks led by trained museum volunteers. Specific times for Gallery Talks are posted in the museum.
Will there be a security check-in for the museum?
For everyone’s safety, all visitors are required to go through screening during the security process. You are greeted upon entry by one of our security personnel who conduct a thorough but speedy hand-check of all bags, briefcases, purses, strollers, and containers. All visitors are required to walk through a metal detector. Those who are unable to go through the metal detector will be hand-screened with an electronic wand by security personnel.
What can I bring into the museum?
The following items are NOT PERMITTED in the Museum:
tripods
monopods
selfie sticks
guns
3D weapons
knives
pen knives
pets
food and drinks
scissors
aerosol cans, including pepper spray and Mace
tools
smoking
placards, signs, or banners
Is there a coat or bag check at the museum?
There is no coat or bag check available within the museum building. We encourage visitors to leave large bags and packs behind, and to travel as lightly as possible for the best museum experience.
Are there family friendly restrooms?
Restrooms designated for family use are on the upper levels of the museums—each level above the museum’s Central Hall.
Is the Museum accessible and ADA compliant?
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and accessible. Accommodations include accessible facilities, entrances, and maps. There are free manual wheelchair loans on a first-come, first-served basis. Open captioning is included in all exhibition videos. Audio descriptions are incorporated into some exhibitions through the museum’s mobile “Sojourner” tour. When the museum opens in September, mobile tours will be available through the website and at the Welcome Desk.
American Sign Language interpretation and Access Services are available by contacting http://nmaahc.si.edu/Connect/Contact with two weeks advance notice. Movies shown during regular museum hours of operation offer assistive listening devices and audio-description. T-Loops, publications, and brochures in Braille and CD are available at the Welcome Desk.
Can I bring my stroller, scooter, walker, wheelchair or any type of mobility device?
The museum is accessible to visitors using strollers, scooters, walkers, wheelchairs and mobility devices. There are elevators available to visitors on every floor of the museum.
Are wheelchairs available?
A very limited number of manual wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis for use while visiting the museum. You are encouraged to bring a wheelchair with you due to limited availability. Visitors may ask for assistance from security personnel at the entrances.
How Do I Share my NMAAHC Images and Experiences on Social Media?
NMAAHC embraces social media as a way to stay connected with current audiences, reach out to new ones, and foster dialogue. Numerous opportunities to share your presence at NMAAHC events through social media are also available.
Please check out on the following social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
How do I support the museum?
Be a part of this seminal American moment. Individuals, foundations, corporations, and other organizations, please join us in this historic endeavor. Become a member or donor! http://nmaahc.si.edu/GetInvolved/Ways
More NMAAHC FAQs https://nmaahc.si.edu/visit/faq