Bills Introduced to Establish a 'Commission on Negro History and Culture'
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Several bills were introduced in the House and Senate in 1968 and 1969 to establish a "Commission on Negro History and Culture" and to "examine the possibilities" of establishing a national museum. Plans to create a federal national museum dedicated to African American history and culture mushroomed in 1968, likely a result of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the surge of the Black Studies Movement. Despite widespread support in the African American community, none of the bills passed.
Chronology of Smithsonian History
"The Time Has Come: Report to the President and to the Congress". National Museum of African American History and Culture Plan for Action Presidential Commission, last modified April 2, 2003, http://nmaahceis.si.edu/documents/The_Time_Has_Come.pdf.
Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu
1968
United States