DuSable Museum of African American History Obtains Smithsonian Affiliation Status

TBTNEWS REPORT

DuSable Museum of African American History Obtains Smithsonian Affiliation Status

The DuSable Museum of African American History has been granted Smithsonian Affiliation status by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The distinction signals the beginning of a long-term collaborative partnership between the DuSable and the world’s largest museum and research complex.

The DuSable, established in 1961, is only the second arts, culture and education facility in Chicago to receive Smithsonian Affiliate status; the other is Adler Planetarium. The Smithsonian established Affiliations in 1996 to increase discovery and promote lifelong learners by bringing the Smithsonian Institution to local communities. There are more than 200 Smithsonian Affiliate organizations in more than 45 states, Puerto Rico and Panama. Now, with DuSable, there are six Affiliates in Illinois.

The partnership permits DuSable to borrow Smithsonian artifacts and access traveling exhibits. Similarly, the Smithsonian will gain access to rarely seen paintings, sculptures and more that comprise DuSable’s collections. “With Affiliate status, the DuSable will bring the Smithsonian to the community and the DuSable to the world,” said DuSable President and CEO Perri Irmer. “The partnership will also expose the museum’s Masterworks Collection to a broader audience by giving the work and the artists international exposure.”

The DuSable debuted its new Masterworks Gallery in February. The museum increased its membership by 48 percent during a recent membership drive. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the DuSable may offer Smithsonian membership at a discount to its members.

As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the DuSable may participate in the annual Smithsonian Affiliations National Conference in Washington. Affiliates are also provided opportunities for more in-depth collaboration and influences over Smithsonian initiatives through programs funded by Smithsonian internal grant competitions.

Established in 1996, Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums, educational and cultural organizations to enrich communities with Smithsonian resources. For more information about Smithsonian Affiliations: www.affiliations.si.edu.

For more information on the DuSable museum and its programs, call Raymond Ward at 773.947.0600 or visit us at www.dusablemuseum.org. For media inquiries, contacts: Robin Beaman at rbeaman@beamaninc.com or 312-208-1212 or contact Shawn Taylor at tshawntaylor@yahoo.com or 312-371-6260.

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