In late Summer 2020, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is scheduled to open here in Nashville. With a prime location downtown at 5th and Broadway, NMAAM will provide an opportunity to showcase the many contributions individuals of African descent have made to the musical landscape not only in this country but abroad.
At our meeting yesterday morning, AAHGS Nashville was delighted to host Dr. Steven Lewis, curator at NMAAM, as he shared with us an overview of the museum’s development history and extensive details about the museum’s layout, exhibits, and programs.
This museum is going to be just incredible!
The exhibits will feature 5 main galleries and there will be additional gallery space for rotating exhibits. The five main galleries and their central themes include:
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- Wade in the Water – music reflecting the religious experience
- Crossroads – about the emergence of the blues
- A Love Supreme – jazz music
- One Nation Under A Groove – funk, r&b music
- The Message – hip-hop music
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Additionally, the museum has artifacts and items from individuals affiliated with many different segments of the music industry and the educational immersion via the exhibits are very well designed. There will be a theater that seats almost 200 individuals, a digital hub and music research library, community meeting spaces, and more.
Many thanks to Dr. Lewis for sharing with us so extensively about the museum.
Visit the museum website to learn more and consider becoming a member and/or signing up for their email news list.
