Will be available for viewing March 17, 2017, through March 23, 2017
Four Rivers Cultural Center Celebrates Opening of the National Museum of African American
History and Culture With Smithsonian Poster Exhibition
The Smithsonian Institution opened its newest museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture Sept. 24, 2016. The celebration continues and reaches beyond Washington, D.C., to Ontario, Oregon as Four Rivers Cultural Center presents “A Place for All People: Introducing the National Museum of African American History and Culture.” The commemorative poster exhibition will be on view from March 17 – 23 at the Cultural Center in Ontario, and touring Eastern Oregon throughout March and April. The exhibit is free. The exhibit opens from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Friday, March 17. There will be a presentation at 7:00 PM.
Organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) in collaboration with the National Museum of African American History and Culture, “A Place for All People” highlights key artifacts that tell the rich and diverse story of the African American experience. From the child-size shackles of a slave and the clothing worn by Carolotta Walls on her first day at Little Rock Central High School to Chuck Berry’s Gibson guitar, “Maybelline,” and the track shoes worn by Olympian Carl Lewis, the exhibition presents a living history that reflects challenge, triumph, faith and hope.
The poster exhibition and related public programs are an opportunity for museums to showcase its work in sharing the many stories of African American and African diaspora people and their contributions to local communities and the American story.
The journey to establish this museum began a century ago with a call for a national memorial to honor the contributions of African-American Civil War veterans. After decades of efforts by private citizens, organizations, and members of Congress, federal legislation was passed in 2003 to create the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Since then, thousands of artifacts have been collected to fill the inspiring new building that has risen on the National Mall. Through its exhibitions and programs, the museum provides a shared lens to view the nation’s history and the possibility of hope and healing. It is a place where all can gather to remember, reflect and embrace America’s story: a place for all people. For more information, visit nmaahc.si.edu.
The tour of the exhibit through Eastern Oregon is highlighted by a discussion of the region’s African American history, presented by Gwen Trice from the Maxville Heritage Center in Joseph, Oregon. Trice will be attending the Opening Reception to be held at Four Rivers Cultural Center beginning at 6:00 PM. She will give a presentation at 7:00. School and other types of groups are encouraged to contact the Cultural Center and schedule a personal tour. For exhibition description, visit sites.si.edu, or contact Four Rivers Cultural Center at 541 889 8191 or matt@4rcc.com.
