National Museum Of African American History And Culture (nmaahc.si.edu)
WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- Wednesday morning, President Obama attended a groundbreaking on the National Mall for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. DC Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Mayor Vincent C. Gray were also in attendance.
In a written statement emailed by his office, Chairman Brown said, "Today was a proud and momentous occasion -- tangible evidence of a dream fulfilled...The convergence of national museums and memorials dedicated to the African American experience, along with the District's unique African American history, will further position our city as a leading destination for Americans and world citizens to explore and discover our rich and diverse heritage."
The National Museum Of African American History and Culture will be the last museum built on the Mall and will be located on the north side, between 14th and 15th streets.
The groundbreaking was held inside a tent right next to the Washington Monument and some streets were closed. (See the list of street closures at the bottom of this story)
WATCH: The Groundbreaking
The museum is scheduled to open in 2015, and will house exhibits including a Jim Crow-era segregated railroad car and Louis Armstrong's trumpet.
READ: More about the exhibits and events slated for the museum
The Smithsonian says on the NMAAHC website, that the museum will stand on "four legs":
The first is to create an opportunity for those that care about African American culture to explore and revel in this history.
Equally important is the opportunity to help all Americans see just how central African American history is for all of us. The museum will use African American history and culture as a lens into what it means to be an American.
Additionally, the museum will use African American culture as a means to help all Americans see how their stories, their histories, and their cultures are shaped and informed by international considerations â€" and how the struggle of African Americans has impacted freedom struggles around the world.
Finally, as a 21st century institution, the museum must be a place of collaboration. We must be a truly national museum that reaches beyond Washington to engage new audiences and to collaborate with the myriad of museums and educational institutions, both nationally and internationally.
Congress pledged to provide $250 million for construction costs for the museum. Two hundred and fifty million in private funds will be used to cover the rest of the costs.
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Street Closures for the groundbreaking:
- 15th Street between Independence and Constitution closed from 6:00 a.m. to 12 p.m
- 14th Street between Independence and Pennsylvania Ave NW closed from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Constitution Ave between 17th St and 12th St NW closed from 9:30 to 12 p.m.
- Madison Drive between 12th and 15th St NW will be closed from 9:30 to 12 p.m.
- The unit block of 14th street NW will also be closed.