The Program in Black American Culture began as a research group formed in 1972 to develop the African Diaspora program at the Smithsonian's Bicentennial Festival of American Folklife. For a time it operated as part of the Division of Performing Arts. When that Division was terminated the African American Culture Program was attached to the National Museum of American History in 1982. The office was renamed Program in African American History in 1989, and again renamed as Program in African American Culture, in 1992.

The Program's purpose is to systematically research, interpret, document and preserve the historical and cultural life and legacy of Americans of African descent through public programs, publications, and other media.

Staff have included Bernice Johnson Reagon, Director, 1982-1988; Niani Kilkenny, Acting Director, 1988-1989, and Director, 1992- ; and Gwendolyn Robinson, Director, 1989-1992.