Hear the past come alive through dramatic portrayal of first-person journal entries of African American artists, musicians, historical figures, and heroes. After the show, see documentary images of the featured writers and their ancestry in the gallery’s stunning exhibition of African American portraits.

A Closer Look – About the Performance:

In this Meet the Museum program, Discovery Theater has created a performance to accompany the first ever exhibit by the new National Museum of African American History and Culture. This gallery of photographs, displayed at the National Portrait Gallery, is a virtual timeline of Black History, featuring astounding close-ups of the wildly famous and not so famous, the movers and shakers in culture, politics, entertainment and more.

In a 25 minute interactive performance with power point in the recently reopened McEvoy Auditorium at the National Portrait Gallery, audiences will meet these heroes through their actual words stirringly recalled; see images from the life and times of these real people who made history and learn why a person’s life can be powerful enough to change history.  The moving title of the exhibit and the performance are those of Maryland clergyman and Black abolitionist Henry Garnett, who in 1843 proclaimed:  “Rather die freemen than live to be slaves. . . . Let your motto be resistance! Resistance! RESISTANCE!”

The performance will be followed by a docent led gallery tour of the portraits explored in the program. Please note, audiences are also welcome extend their visits to view the entire exhibit on their own.

The strength, radiance, and courage of people living their lives to the fullest, making their lives an act of resistance, are the theme of this performance and gallery visit. Join us for this invaluable opportunity to allow these historical figures to educate young hearts and minds directly through words and images.

About the Meet the Museum Series:

Look for other Meet the Museum partnerships offered in Smithsonian museums on and off the mall. These programs are specially designed by Discovery Theater and the education departments of the nation’s top museums to engage young people during their visits to the Smithsonian and foster scholarship (and fun!) Each program introduces themes and topics in a 20-30 minute Discovery Theater performance in a theater or space within a museum. The main event is the gallery visit to see objects, artifacts, or artwork on that theme; all in a one hour format. Students have more opportunities to apply critical thinking skills such as extended focus and interpretation by experiencing the museums on a smaller, more focused scale (more time in the galleries is always an option as well).We have planned a very special day for you and your children: plan to attend them all!

More information at these websites:

National Portrait Gallery: www.npg.si.edu

From the Smithsonian news desk: newsdesk.si.edu

About the Museum of African American History and Culture: http://nmaahc.si.edu/
 
From the New York Times: www.nytimes.com