February is Black History Month, a perfect time for museums and education centers to celebrate African American history, art, and culture. The African American story is the American story, and museums should be at the forefront of teaching the community’s important history, achievements, and triumphs. Exhibits have the power to highlight these remarkable stories in ways that books, movies, and lesson plans simply cannot. So, if you work at a museum or education center, try to find a way this month to honor African American history. Everyone else – try to visit a nearby museum that is celebrating Black History Month. And in the meantime, enjoy these interesting stats:

1868

The first African American history museum was the College Museum in Hampton, Virginia, established in 1868.

150

Approximate number of African American history museums currently in the United States.

400,000 square feet 

The size of the Smithsonian’s new National Museum of African American History and Culture, opened in September 2016.

The new National Museum of African American History and Culture. Photo courtesy of Prabal.tiwari1993.

80,000+

The number of school children who visit the National Civil Rights Museum every year. The powerful museum is located at the spot of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination.

Photo courtesy of Adam Jones.

35,000+ 

The number of artifacts and archival materials held at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit.

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Photo courtesy of Knight Foundation.

Inspired? Head to a nearby museum and discover some incredible history, art, and culture!