Rising on the National Mall next to the Washington Monument, the
National Museum of African American History and Culture is a tiered
bronze beacon inviting everyone to learn about the richness and
diversity of the African American experience and how it helped shape
this nation. Begin with the Past: Building the National Museum of
African American History and Culture is the story of how this
unparalleled museum found its place in the nation's collective memory
and on its public commons.
Begin with the Past presents the long history of efforts to build a
permanent place to collect, study, and present African American history
and culture. In 2003 the museum was officially established at long last,
yet the work of the museum was only just beginning. The book traces the
appointment of the director, the selection of the site, and the process
of conceiving, designing, and constructing a public monument to the
achievements and contributions of African Americans. The careful
selection of architects, designers, and engineers culminated in a museum
that embodies African American sensibilities about space, form, and
material and incorporates rich cultural symbols into the design of the
building and its surrounding landscape. The National Museum of African
American History and Culture is a place for all Americans to understand
our past and embrace our future, and this book is a testament to the
inspiration and determination that went into creating this unique place.
