
The National Museum of African American History and Culture, established by Act of Congress in 2003, is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. To date, the Museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts and nearly 100,000 individuals have become members. It was opened to the public, by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, on September 24, 2016, as the 19th and newest museum of the Smithsonian Institution. The legislation authorizing its construction was co-sponsored by, the late Georgia Congressman, John Lewis.