How to Build a Museum: Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture

by Tonya Bolden

Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture is truly groundbreaking! 

The first national museum whose mission is to illuminate for all people, the rich, diverse, complicated, and important experiences and contributions of African Americans in America is opening.
And the history of NMAAHC--the last museum to be built on the National Mall--is the history of America.

The campaign to set up a museum honoring black citizens is nearly 100 years old; building the museum itelf and assembling its incredibly far-reaching collections is a modern story that involves all kinds of people, from educators and activists, to politicians, architects, curators, construction workers, and ordinary Americans who donated cherished belongings to be included in NMAAHC's thematically-organized exhibits. 

Award-winning author Tonya Bolden has written a fascinating chronicle of how all of these ideas, ambitions, and actual objects came together in one incredible museum. Includes behind-the-scenes photos of literally "how to build a museum" that holds everything from an entire segregated railroad car to a tiny West African amulet worn to ward off slave traders.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Art, Middle Grade, Childrens, African American, Museums

64 pages, Hardcover

First published September 6, 2016

About the author

Author and publisher Tonya Wilyce Bolden was born on March 1, 1959, in New York City to Georgia Bolden, a homemaker, and Willie Bolden, a garment center shipping manager. Bolden grew up in Harlem in a musical family and loved to read; she attended Public M.E.S. 146, an elementary school in Manhattan, and then graduated from the Chapin School, a private secondary school, in Manhattan in 1976. Bolden attended Princeton University in New Jersey, and, in 1981, obtained her B.A. degree in Slavic languages and literature with a Russian focus. Bolden was also a University Scholar and received the Nicholas Bachko, Jr. Scholarship Prize.

Upon graduating from Princeton University, Bolden began working as a salesperson for Charles Alan, Incorporated, a dress manufacturer, while working towards her M.A. degree at Columbia University. In 1985, Bolden earned her degree in Slavic languages and literature, as well as a Certificate for Advanced Study of the Soviet Union from the Harriman Institute; after this she began working as an office coordinator for Raoulfilm, Inc., assisting in the research and development of various film and literary products. Bolden worked as an English instructor at Malcolm-King College and New Rochelle School of New Resources while serving as newsletter editor of the HARKline, a homeless shelter newsletter.

In 1990, Bolden wrote her first book, The Family Heirloom Cookbook. In 1992, Bolden co-authored a children’s book entitled Mama, I Want To Sing along with Vy Higginsen, based on Higginsen’s musical. Bolden continued publishing throughout the 1990s, releasing Starting a Business from your Home, Mail-Order and Direct Response, The Book of African-American Women: 150 Crusaders, Creators, and Uplifters, And Not Afraid to Dare: The Stories of Ten African-American Women, American Patriots: The Story of Blacks in the Military from the Revolution to Desert Storm and The Champ. Bolden became editor of the Quarterly Black Review of Books in 1994, and served as an editor for 33 Things Every Girl Should Know, in 1998. Bolden’s writing career became even more prolific in the following decade; a partial list of her works include:, Our Souls: A Celebration of Black American Artists, Maritcha: A Nineteenth Century American Girl, MLK: Journey of a King, Take-Off: American All-Girl Bands During World War II, and George Washington Carver, a book she authored in conjunction with an exhibit about the famous African American inventor created by The Field Museum in Chicago.

(source; http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biogr...)

Reviews

[Obsidian · Rating 5 out of 5]

History, as nearly no one seems to know, is not merely something to be read. And it does not refer merely, or even principally, to the past. On the contrary, the great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do. It could scarcely be otherwise, since it is to history that we owe our frames of reference, our identities, and our aspirations.
-James Baldwin, "The White Man's Guilt," 1965

A great introduction to how the newest Smithsonian African American Museum of History and Culture was built.

This coffee table book was great and I am so happy that I took time out to deal with the crowd of people at the National Book Festival and get a copy of this. Since you cannot even get into this museum until March sometime (the timed passes sell out in seconds, yes getting in here is more prized than Hamilton tickets) this gives you a great peek at the history behind the museum. The book also has a lot of photographs and other memorabilia tucked within its pages.

On December 16, 2003, President Bush signed the bill that authorized the creation of a national museum of African American History and Culture. After that the book follows the man who would be tasked with bringing the museum into being, Lonnie G. Bunch III. From there it goes into the museum looking for objects to display and to find someone to design it. The museum showcases thinks important to the African American culture that takes a look at slavery, emancipation, serving in the military, fighting for equal rights, and impact to sports, music, and other forms of art.

I was able to stand outside and listen to President Obama as he gave a speech and opened the museum this year. I felt connected and seen in this world in a way I had not before. It was wonderful to have so many people of all different races and background there to witness this museum opening. I will never forget it.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book and I revisit it all the time! I frequently book talk it to 3rd graders and up, first and foremost because it's engaging and really interesting; but secondly because it helps children understand how museums come to be! Well, how good museums can come to be. I am working on an ancient Egypt virtual escape room with my coworker and I've been trying to find a good way to introduce children to the fact that a lot of the artifacts we see in museums are the ill-gotten gains of imperialism. All that cool stuff is stolen. There is a section in this book where Bolden talks about the process of traveling all over the United States to meet people, interview them, and acquire their possessions that tell both big and small stories of American Black history. Not all museums are created like this! This book tells the story of a museum, every single step of which is intentional, purposeful, and meaningful. Kids generally don't get as excited about museum curation as I do, but periodically I will find the exact right person and they will dive right in.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bolden divides this book into three sections: preliminary planning of the museum, construction, and what is currently featured in the museum. Sometimes the text feels jargon and stat heavy but an otherwise interesting look at this exciting addition to our nation's capitol.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you build a museum from scratch?? Read this and find out. Not only did they have to find a site for this museum and design and build it, but they also had to solicit items and artifacts to include in the museum, which boggles my mind. Most museums start with a collection that is donated and design a museum around it, but in this case they started literally from nothing. I wish I could have been there as items were being donated. Imagine the treasures! Such excitement!

The first half of Bolden's book describes how the museum came to be built. The idea for it was conceived 100 years ago! Decades were spent in trying to get legislation passed that would authorize the building of a national museum and a commission to plan it, and well as provide matching funding from the government. Millions of dollars had to be raised. No wonder it took 100 years! Bolden then describes how the building's design was chosen and how it was built.

The second half of the book describes some of the artifacts to be found in some of the museum's 11 permanent exhibits. I would love to see them! I hope this book will inspire young readers (and older ones too) to want to see it for themselves. By recommended!

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story about the history behind the development of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. There is text, photographs, drawings, all very well done.

[Ms. Tongate, TLC Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now inspired to tour the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History & Culture on the next trip to D.C.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This title is a little deceptive as it is how the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture came to be. It is the historical beginnings of this museum that was most interesting to me. The first chapter entitle, "The Dream" revealed to me that the beginning of this museum was in 1915during a meeting of the Grand Army of the Republic where a group of African American veterans put forth the idea of erecting a monument to the Negro Soldiers and Sailors of the United States of America. Ultimately after a hundred years this idea became a museum of the African American experience in the United States. Sorry but somehow the text of the book did not engage me in the way I hoped it would. Lots of photographs of the actual building of the Museum and artifacts that are on display.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I visited this museum building twice when I was in Washington in September. It is a brilliant building to experience in person. I was happy to have been able to borrow and read this book at my local Canadian library branch before leaving on my trip. It was a wonderful introduction to a bold new museum. A museum where the subject matter is both emotionally seering and joyful. The cover illustration of the building actually under construction was an inspired choice. I was thrilled to find this lovely book.

[Laura Giessler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated this book because I VERY MUCH appreciate the Smithsonian's new National Museum of African American Culture and History. The museum was a long-time coming, and this book walks through that back-story. I have been to the museum only once, and there is so much more I want to see and read, and the book did a good job of outlining various floors and types of exhibits. Not a gripping narrative, but helpful and full of information.

[Victoria Y. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical informational book provides readers with a glimpse into the process of building the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History, with both real and historic graphics. The book is categorized into sections of explaining the vision of the museum, finding artifacts, construction of the building, and it's importance for today's society. This book not only explains the upbringing of the museum, but helps the reader understand the importance of learning about other cultures and their history.

[Taylor Lydon · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Build a Museum is a great Narrative Non-fiction story that brings a new aspect to all other books. This is based on the new build of the National Museum of African American History in Washington D.C.. This book would be an amazing read right before traveling to go see the museum. It gives extra background knowledge and interesting facts that would enhance the experience.

[Rachel Nations · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've heard it said that the best introductions to topics often come from children's books because of the ways in which they narrativize the most important facts of a subject. While some of the writing is somewhat dense, this book is a good overview of how and why the NMAAHC came about, as well as some of what goes into the ground-up creation of a major museum.

[Julie Botnick]

More information about the history and design of the space than at the museum itself! A great set of highlighted memorabilia at the end as well.

The reading level is a bit all over the place - sometimes it’s at the top of my museum professional reading comprehension, and sometimes it’s at elementary school level. Probably not accessible for very young readers.

[Brenda Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This attractively designed and informative book belongs in all library collections. Succinct and readable, packed with many well-captioned photos. My colleague who teaches eighth grade social studies and runs the eighth grade class trip to DC is very excited about this!

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture book format, but definitely not a picture book.

This is a great book about the National Museum of African American History, from the initial idea a century ago, to the final approval, selection of director, building design, artifact gathering, and creation of the exhibits.

[Annie Oosterwyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting, behind-the-scenes, look at the creation of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. The photos are great and the book itself is like a history museum.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bolden is brilliant. She carefully writes the story on how the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture was created. It took over 100 years for this dream to come to fruition. The story along with pictures will inspire you. Now to go plan my trip to Washington DC...

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about the history of creating the museum, the construction and the artifacts that are in the museum. Lots of information and a good overview. I was hoping for more info on the artifacts. I'm not sure that a kid will find this book engaging.

[Krystie Herndon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book about a place I have had the blessing of walking through, and seeing as many of these artifacts commemorating the human spirit as my twin sister, my daughter, and I could cram into a short afternoon. So well written, makes me want to plan my next trip to this museum!

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating story and I loved seeing and reading about a sampling of the artifacts that are collected in the museum. This project had been in the making since 1920. Long overdue.
Would like to purchase for my library collection.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible enough for middle school readers, interesting enough for adults.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean, this is as interesting as a book about a museum can be. Great information, lovely pictures, made me want to visit the museum in person and soon.

[Rani · Rating 5 out of 5]

#American #story and the making of America showcased! #YoungReaders #PictureBook #BookReview #ChildrensBooks #amreading #leaders #Heroes

[Kikiboo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing, I read it right after my visit to Washington D.C. It was fun to read the time line of how this particular museum was built. This book was good.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it but think some kids would be bored with the building process chapters. The end sections are the best.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot wait to see in person.

[Chris Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this the night before I visited the NMAAHC. Great introduction to a phenomenal museum.

[Kyra Hahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juvenile NF book about the building of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the newest museum on the Washington Mall

[Alina Borger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just a great guide to the museum but to history.

[Library Lady Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find that I now want to spend a week in D.C. visiting all of the museums in the Smithsonian family.

I love the give back to the community events that the museum instituted for their artifacts.