How to Build a Museum: Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture by Tonya Bolden
For 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 con- trolled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do. It could scarcely be other- wise, 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
James Baldwin, "The White Man's Guilt" 1965
This handsome volume by award-winning author Tonya Bolden is jointly published by Penguin Random House and the Smithsonian Institution. The story of the creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture unfolds from its early beginnings at the September 1915 Grand Army of the Republic's Forty-ninth National Encampment in Washington D.C. to the realization of the dream over one hundred years later. This unique national landmark is built upon the last available acreage on the national mall and provides a fitting addition to the Smithsonian Institution's nineteen museums and galleries.
The book's organization focuses on the museum's over-arching vision, the collecting and curation of artifacts, as well as the building's architecture and construction. Concluding sections highlight aspects of the eleven permanent exhibitions. The trim size is well suited to the subject matter and is best experienced with pages spread out on a flat viewing surface. Excellent page layout with a unifying graphic design element echoes the museum's intricate bronze-colored panels.
History comes to life with inclusion of details such as the design of the museum's distinctive corona. The effort required to include in the exhibit a 155,000 pound Southern Railway car is fascinating. The passanger coach retains the original segregated sections which were in keeping with the prevailing Jim Crow laws.
Excellent photographs from the collection's treasure trove of historical artifacts are liberally and thoughtfully placed throughout the entire book.
More extensive back matter including a timeline, short biographies of key players involved in the creation of the museum, and a bibliography highlighting related reference materials would have been helpful additions.
An outstanding addition to library collections for young people.
The book's organization focuses on the museum's over-arching vision, the collecting and curation of artifacts, as well as the building's architecture and construction. Concluding sections highlight aspects of the eleven permanent exhibitions. The trim size is well suited to the subject matter and is best experienced with pages spread out on a flat viewing surface. Excellent page layout with a unifying graphic design element echoes the museum's intricate bronze-colored panels.
History comes to life with inclusion of details such as the design of the museum's distinctive corona. The effort required to include in the exhibit a 155,000 pound Southern Railway car is fascinating. The passanger coach retains the original segregated sections which were in keeping with the prevailing Jim Crow laws.
Excellent photographs from the collection's treasure trove of historical artifacts are liberally and thoughtfully placed throughout the entire book.
More extensive back matter including a timeline, short biographies of key players involved in the creation of the museum, and a bibliography highlighting related reference materials would have been helpful additions.
An outstanding addition to library collections for young people.
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