Events Schedule: National Museum of African American History and Culture

  DC Host Committee Announces String of Events Celebrating Grand Opening of National Museum of African American History The DC Host Committee has announced a string of DC community events celebrating the opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History, set for Saturday, Sept. 24, 10am-12 noon. The celebratory activities will begin September 18th through the opening on September 24th, and concluding the day after, according to Dr. Frank Smith, founder and executive director of the African American Civil War Memorial, Museum, which will host a string of events, including a watch party, a festival, a dramatic presentation and rides to and from the new museum. Dr. Smith notes that the events will be as much a celebration of the educational aspect of the museum as it will be the Black culture. He expressed hopes that children will be intricately involved with the activities as well as the Museum.  The following are highlighted events kicking off Sept. 18 and concluding Sept. 26: Sunday, September 18, 5 pm: A concert and Musical Program featuring a 200-voice choir, including chants, slave songs and spiritualsA Historical Odyssey from the Cradle to LiberationShiloh Baptist Church1500 Ninth Street NW Thursday, September 22, 6 - 9 pm:DC Host Committee's Official opening ceremony and reception sponsored by the Phi Sigma Chapter (Washington, DC) of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. www.SGRphisigma.org Official Host: DC Mayor Muriel BowserAfrican American Civil War Memorial Museum1925 Vermont Ave. NW. Saturday, September 24, 10 am. - 12 Noon:A series of free of charge Watch Parties to view the grand opening of the African American History Museum and speech by President Barack Obama:-African American Civil War Memorial Museum, 1925 Vermont Ave. NW-Ben's Chili Bowl, 1213 U St NW-Florida Avenue Grill, 1100 Florida Ave. NW Saturday, September 24, 12:30 pmAfrican American Civil War Memorial begins festival on the Memorial Plaza starting at 12:30. Events will include the following: Saturday, September 24, 11:00-2:00 pm:Descendants Presentation by Carol Cromwell - Private Richard Cromwell, 39th USCTAfrican American Civil War Museum1925 Vermont Ave, NW Saturday, September 24, 2:00-3:30 pm:Theatrical Presentation - Battle Hymn of a FreedmanPerformance of dramatic stage play written by Clarence Anthony Bush, descendent of a member of the 2nd Regiment US Colored TroopsPlay tells the story of the Fort Pillar Massacre of 1864 in which more than 300 Black soldiers were killed.African American Civil War Museum 1925 Vermont Ave. NW Saturday, September 24, 12:30-1:30 pm:Musical Performance - Malcolm X Drummers and DancersAfrican American Civil War Memorial10th and U street NW Saturday, September 24, 2:30-3:30 pm:Musical Performance - East of the River Steel Band African American Civil War Memorial10th and U street NW Saturday, September 24: FREE SHUTTLES from museum Plaza to the NMAAHC every hour on the hour beginning at 1 pm. Sunday, September 25, 12:00-3:00 pm:Theatrical Presentation - Battle Hymn of a Freedman and VIP Brunch Champagne ReceptionPerformance of dramatic stage play written by Clarence Anthony Bush, descendent of a member of the 2nd Regiment US Colored Troops. Play tells the story of the Fort Pillar Massacre of 1864 in which more than 300 Black soldiers were killed.Performance includes a VIP Champagne Brunch - $100African American Civil War Museum 1925 Vermont Ave. NW National Museum of African American HistoryThe National Museum of African American History and Culture will be a place where all Americans can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience, what it means to their lives and how it helped us shape this nation. A place that transcends the boundaries of race and culture that divide us, and becomes a lens into a story that unites us all. The African American Civil War MemorialThe African American Civil War Memorial allows the nation to finally pay tribute to the gallant acts of the African American soldiers of the Civil War, who answered when America called for help. These troops brought an end to slavery and reunited a torn country. The nation deserves an opportunity to honor their sacrifices.  African American Civil War Memorial Museum1925 Vermont Ave. NW., Washington, DC, 20001www.afroamcivilwar.org For More Information, Contact: (202) 667-2667