When the Museum of African Art merged with the Smithsonian Institution in 1979 it included an educational component reporting to Amina Dickerson as Program and Education Director. In 1983 Edward Lifschitz became Curator of Education in the Department of Education and Research (from 1988, Department of Education), a position he holds at present. Veronika Jenke was appointed Assistant Curator of Education, 1987- .

The Education Department undertakes to interpret the field of African art to a variety of users, ranging from elementary school children to seasoned scholars, using a variety of educational techniques and formats.