The Journey Through History: 3 African American Museums
As part of my Centre Term class, I had the opportunity to visit three incredible museums dedicated to African American history and culture. We first visited the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, OH followed by the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, TN. We finished with a trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in DC. Through this experience, I was able to learn and reflect on the struggles and successes of African Americans throughout history.
Discovering the Stories of Freedom
"From Slavery to Freedom exhibit portrays three centuries of slavery from its introduction into the Americas to its abolition at the end of the American Civil War."
The quilts images are symbols of liberation, resistance, and empowerment, layered with memories and meanings. Slaves created “freedom quilts” and hung them at the windows of their homes to alert escaping fugitives to the location of safe houses and secure routes north to freedom.
As I walked through the museum, I was taken back in time to the Era of slavery in the United States and its revolutionary resistance. I had the chance to learn about the spirituals of the Underground Railroad, feel the tales of freedom seekers, and explore the stories of individuals and communities that changed the narrative of the nation’s history. Through the interactive displays, informative text, and audio stories, I was able to connect the dots between the coded language used in the spirituals and the truth about the Underground Railroad. It was a powerful experience that made me feel every step of the way, understanding the stories of bravery and determination these freedom seekers had to courageously make. The museum did an outstanding job of bringing history alive and emphasizing the importance of this defining period of the nation. It truly made me appreciate the struggles of my ancestors.
Exploring the Roots of African American Music
The National Museum of African American Music, located in Nashville, Tennesee is an invaluable resource for understanding and appreciating the impact of African American music on our culture and our lives. The museum was an incredible showcase of the many musical genres, styles, and traditions that have been instrumental in shaping the nation’s musical culture. It was inspiring to see how African American musicians have used their art to express themselves, as well as to push against the established boundaries of accepted music. From the earliest spirituals to the latest hip-hop and R&B, NMAAM covers over 50 genres and subgenres of music that were created, influenced, and/or inspired by African Americans. Each of these musical forms has served as a powerful tool for expressing the emotions, struggles, and stories of the African American community.
My visit to the NMAAM museum gave me a better understanding of how African American music has developed over the centuries, and how it has been used to express cultural values and experiences. I was moved by the stories of the individuals and groups that have shaped the genre, from the struggles and triumphs of the Harlem Renaissance to the Civil Rights Era and beyond. I also appreciated the emphasis on celebrating the power of music to bring people together in meaningful ways. I was particularly struck by the museum's focus on the importance of collaboration and the role of technology in the development of African American music.
Another shocking artifact I encountered at the museum was an African slave auction brochure that detailed the dehumanization of enslaved Africans. This powerful reminder of oppression and injustice surprisingly underscored my understanding of the musical spirit of resilience and perseverance amongst African Americans during this difficult time. It was a humbling experience to be able to explore and celebrate the rich musical heritage of African Americans and to be reminded of our collective responsibility to continue to use music to bring people together and to create positive social change.
A Journey Through Time
My most eye-opening journey into history was when I visited The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. This museum was established in 2016 as a tribute to the African American experience and has a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, documents, and art that tell the story of African Americans in the US. The first three floors focused on history and the fourth through sixth floors focused on culture and experience.
Through its comprehensive exhibits and interactive displays, I encountered incredibly powerful stories and artifacts that highlighted the resilience of African Americans and their contributions to the country. From the moment I stepped into the museum, I was surrounded by a vivid and powerful narrative of African American history and culture. The chronological display of artifacts, photographs, documents, and other media provided a unique look into the struggles and accomplishments of African Americans throughout history.
As I walked through the galleries, I felt a profound sense of connection to the history of African Americans, and the oppression, resilience, and strength that they have shown throughout the years. I was particularly struck by the museum’s powerful displays of the Civil Rights Movement and the contributions of African Americans to the advancement of science, technology, and the arts. Through the history display, I was able to gain insight into the struggle and hardships endured by African Americans throughout history. Though spirituals were not as prominent here as in some of the other museums, I still felt the presence of this influential music in the spirit of courage and hope that was pervasive throughout the exhibit.
Overall, I would highly recommend any of the three museums to anyone interested in learning more about African American Spirituals and History. All of the museums gave me insight into similar issues that are still prevalent in today’s society. My experiences at all museums were truly inspiring and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to explore this often-overlooked part of our history.
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Hey! I really enjoyed your post and the layout. It is very informative. I really liked how the first museum you talked about how it didn’t shed away the horrors enslaved people faced. That was something I also found that great about the museum. Sometimes history books try to downplay, or not tell all the horrors that happened. But, they need to be told. People need to know the truth of what exactly happened. This helps history from repeating itself. Regardless of how terrible it may be to hear it is more terrible to hear it happen again if we remain silent.
ReplyDeleteHey Rebecca! This post was so fun to read. I really enjoy your writing style and voice. I was also overwhelmed by the amount of music and genres at the National Museum of African American Music. There was so much content there to listen and experience. I am glad you were impacted by the National Museum of African American History. I agree that it was a very special place and each exhibit created a powerful intentional experience.
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