Recently, I asked several of you to take part in our Supporter Survey to help ensure the successful launch of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2016.

If you completed the survey, please accept my heartfelt thanks for providing your personal guidance as we make important decisions about our opening exhibitions, special events, and other programming.

We’re still analyzing the survey responses, but I wanted to share the results from one key question: “How do you feel about the Museum’s commitment to presenting painful episodes of the African American experience, such as slavery and the Jim Crow era, in addition to positive aspects?”

An overwhelming 95% of survey respondents agreed that it’s important for the Museum to include the negative as well as the positive when presenting African American history. These results reaffirm strong support for the Museum’s mission to bring the entire African American experience to life.

The survey answers will provide our curators, educators, and historians with a better understanding of how especially dedicated Museum supporters like you feel on a wide range of issues — from the periods and areas of African American history we should focus on, to how we can best increase public awareness of the Museum.

I hope you’ll help us put the insights we gain from the Supporter Survey to the best possible use — and help us raise the $250 million from private sources needed to match the funds Congress has approved to build the Museum. Can I count on you to make a special donation of $50 or more now?

With the personal support of people like you, we’re building a living, breathing museum that will educate all Americans about the central role that African Americans have played in our nation’s history … inspire a constructive national conversation on race … and foster understanding, healing and reconciliation. It’s a legacy you can be proud of.

Thank you again for your leadership and commitment as a supporter of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

All the best,

Lonnie Bunch
Founding Director