New to Washington DC School Trip Itineraries…Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
On September 24, 2016, during a historic Washington DC school trip, students might learn that President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and other dignitaries, including former President George W. Bush, Mrs. Laura Bush, US Supreme Court Justice John Roberts, and Congressman John Lewis, attended the opening ceremony of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. President Obama also delivered the opening remarks at this significant event.
Museum Grand Opening
The grand opening is the culmination of a journey lead by Congressman Lewis that began in 1986 the desired result of which was the creation of this venue. Lewis introduced the museum bill in every session of Congress for fifteen years before it was finally passed in the house and senate and was signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2003. Attempts to get the bill passed were thwarted by a field of bipartisan legislators. His victory was achieved through persistence and a belief in the need to preserve United States African American
history and culture. A Washington field trip wouldn’t be complete without this new venue.
The most successful educational field trips, such as a Washington DC school trip, focus on exciting opportunities that enhance classroom learning experiences. This venue will not disappoint. The museum, a highlight of many Washington DC school trips, is divided into three sections—history, culture, and community—and houses over 36,000 artifacts. Located in a 400,000-square-foot building on a five-acre tract adjacent to the Washington Monument, it’s a must-see destination. Collections include the American West, American South, Civil Rights, Education, Family, Literature, Military, Photography, Politics, Religious Groups, Segregation, and Slavery.
Our Student Washington DC Trip
Student travel programs to Washington DC will highlight the museum’s permanent collection that will compliment rotating exhibits also featured at the museum. The museum website describes the permanent collection by saying “the collection showcases tales of African American trailblazers, innovators, visionaries, and history makers who helped to shape this great nation.” Permanent collection highlights include Harriet Tubman’s hymnal, Jim Crow railroad car, Chuck Berry’s red Cadillac, black fashion pieces, a Tuskegee Airman plane, Sammy Davis Jr. tap shoes, Muhammad Ali’s robe and a slave cabin from Edisto Island, South Carolina.
Student educational travel needs will be 
met at the museum. The “Early Childhood Education Initiative” of the museum “seeks to empower, enrich and educate young children from birth to eight years old and provide resources and support to the parents, caregivers and educators of early learners.” The “Dialogue on Race Initiative is committed to inspiring a more tolerant and inclusive society.” The organization plans on creating options for discourse among educators, students, parents and the public. Professional learning events will be hosted at the museum and will range in duration from one day to multi-day programs.
The museum website summarizes the experience as “A place that transcends the boundaries of race and culture that divide us, and becomes a lens into a story that unites us all”.
Educators that plan Washington DC student trips, can get students involved in the grand opening by watching parties and other signature events that are being organized by local museums, individuals and corporations as co-celebrants with the NMAAHC Grand Opening. To find these events you can go to Lift Every Voice at http://s.si.edu/2bqLD3o. The ceremony will also be streamed live on the museum website NMAAHC.Si.edu.
Credits to:
“Washington Post, 9/15/16 John Lewis”
