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Welcome to the Searchable Museum

A place to explorehistory and culturethrough anAfrican American lens

Celebrate Black Music Month with our Interactive Timeline, Afrofuturist Flashpoints in Black Music

This timeline highlights where Afrofuturist expression can be seen in Black musical history, whether through experiments in composition, the design of new technologies, or the exploring of ideas.

Explore the Timeline

Donate to the Museum's Annual Fund

Join the Museum with a gift to the 2025 Annual Fund and it will be MATCHED by the Museum’s Corporate Leadership Council to create new and compelling avenues for audiences to experience the arc of living history.

In Slavery’s Wake

Learn how Black people resisted enslavement, claimed their humanity, and created freedom around the world. Learn how slavery and colonialism shape society today.

Explore the Wake

The Era of Segregation

Learn how African Americans defended their freedom against oppression. Explore the communities and culture African Americans built during segregation.

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Constellations

Artifacts and topics illuminating connections to history

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Discover

Stories

Shining a new light on the African American past and its people.

Explore Stories

Printed cartoon showing the assignation of Octavius Catto in Philadelphia in 1871.

Printed cartoon showing the assignation of Octavius Catto in Philadelphia in 1871.

Octavius V. Catto

Octavius Catto was a civil rights activist in Pennsylvania. Learn about his life and impact in Philadelphia’s Black community during Reconstruction.

A photograph of an African American woman washing laundry outdoors in a yard. Clothes hand behind her on a line.

A photograph of an African American woman washing laundry outdoors in a yard. Clothes hand behind her on a line.

Atlanta Washerwomen Strike

In 1881, washerwomen in Atlanta formed a union and went on strike to demand better wages. Learn about the harsh conditions they faced and how they won.

Black and white photgraph of 6 Black children standing in a line with hands by theri side. There are 2 boys and 4 girls pictured. The children are dressed up for school and look directly at the camera

Black and white photgraph of 6 Black children standing in a line with hands by theri side. There are 2 boys and 4 girls pictured. The children are dressed up for school and look directly at the camera

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka

The Brown v. Board decision overturned segregation in public schools. Learn how the Legal Defense Fund built lawsuits to challenge segregation in the courts.

Black and white photograph of three children walking down street. There are houses in the background.

Black and white photograph of three children walking down street. There are houses in the background.

George Henry White

George Henry White was the last African American congressman of the 1800s. Learn about his life before and after Congress and his commitment to justice.

The inside title page is covered in decorative floral and leaf scroll work. The title reads, [ILLUMINATED / DIARY / for / 1868.]. Underneath is an illustrated image of the sea with a mast ship. The publisher below reads, [PUBLISHED BY / TAGGARD & THOMPSON, No. 29 CORNHILL, / BOSTON.]

The inside title page is covered in decorative floral and leaf scroll work. The title reads, [ILLUMINATED / DIARY / for / 1868.]. Underneath is an illustrated image of the sea with a mast ship. The publisher below reads, [PUBLISHED BY / TAGGARD & THOMPSON, No. 29 CORNHILL, / BOSTON.]

The Remarkable Rollin Sisters

The Rollin sisters shaped the politics of Reconstruction-era South Carolina. Learn how they challenged society’s views of Black women and fought for equality.

Portrait of Bridget Biddy Mason

Portrait of Bridget Biddy Mason

Bridget "Biddy" Mason

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Bridget “Biddy” Mason helped to establish the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles.

Photograph of Boat in the Marshes of St. Simon’s Island

Photograph of Boat in the Marshes of St. Simon’s Island

The Water Spirit Will Take Us Home

The mass suicide by captive Africans at Igbo Landing marks one of the most significant acts of resistance by enslaved people.

Understand

How We Know What We Know

Methods, tools, and sources used to study African American history and culture

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Plan Your Visit

The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture's Searchable Museum is made possible through the generous support of:

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies