National Museum of African American History and Culture Celebrates 10th Anniversary Amidst Political Scrutiny

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) commemorates its 10th anniversary today, June 30, 2025, celebrating a decade of preserving and showcasing African American history and culture. Since its opening in 2015, the museum has become a pivotal institution, attracting millions of visitors and expanding its extensive collection.

Established in 2003 and inaugurated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in 2016, the NMAAHC is the world's largest museum dedicated to African American history and culture. The 400,000-square-foot facility houses approximately 40,000 artifacts, with notable items such as a robe worn by Muhammad Ali and the coffin of Emmett Till. In 2022, the museum welcomed over 1 million visitors, ranking as the second-most visited Smithsonian museum and the eighth-most visited museum in the United States.

To mark this milestone, the NMAAHC has organized a series of events, including special exhibitions, guest speakers, and community programs. These celebrations aim to reflect on the museum's journey over the past decade and its contributions to the understanding of African American history. Detailed information about the anniversary celebrations is available on the museum's official website.

However, the anniversary comes amid significant leadership changes and political scrutiny. Kevin Young, who has served as director since January 2021, began an indefinite personal leave on March 14, 2025. The Smithsonian's under-secretary for museums and culture, Kevin Gover, announced that Shanita Brackett, the museum's associate director of operations, would serve as acting director during Young's absence. No specific reason was provided for Young's leave, and it is unclear whether it is related to a recent executive order from President Donald Trump's administration, which mandates the removal of "improper, divisive or anti-American ideology" from Smithsonian institutions.

In March 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," targeting the Smithsonian Institution, including the NMAAHC. The order accused the institution of distorting American history with a race-centered ideology and empowered Vice President J.D. Vance to review Smithsonian properties and programs to prevent them from promoting divisive ideologies. This move has been criticized by civil rights advocates, historians, and Black political leaders as an attempt to downplay the impact of racism and the contributions of Black Americans throughout U.S. history.

In response to the executive order, Black churches across the U.S. have rallied behind the NMAAHC. Clergy members, such as Rev. Robert Turner of Baltimore and Rev. Otis Moss III of Chicago, have encouraged their congregations to support the museum financially, emphasizing its importance in preserving African American history. Turner included the museum in his latest protest and laid a wreath in solidarity. Other church leaders have echoed support through donations and public endorsements.

As the NMAAHC celebrates a decade of achievements, it stands at a crossroads, facing leadership transitions and political scrutiny. The museum's resilience and the support it garners from the community will be crucial in navigating these challenges and continuing its mission to preserve and showcase African American history and culture.