WASHINGTON, DC.- In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week to raise awareness, correct misinformation and encourage a deeper study of African American history and culture. The observance, originally held the second week of February, evolved into Black History Month in 1976. Ten years later, Congress formally designated February as Black History Month, solidifying its nationwide recognition in educational and public spaces. In honor of Black History Month’s 2026 theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” the Association of African American Museums (AAAM) invites everyone to support their local African American museums and forge ahead with Woodson’s mission to teach, study and celebrate the history and impact of African American culture in the United States and globally.

“As the nation celebrates this historic Black History Month as well as America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the Association of African American Museums remains committed to strengthening and advocating for the institutions and individuals dedicated to protecting and preserving African and African American history and culture,” said Vedet Coleman-Robinson, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Association of African American Museums. “There was a time when people told us that African American history was not worth preserving or interpreting and that it did not have value. Some of those sentiments have resurfaced today, but AAAM remains dedicated and steadfast as we continue to protect those stories and share full, honest histories.”



AAAM encourages everyday citizens to visit their local museums, volunteer, rent facilities and donate artifacts. In those ways, everyone can play a significant role in ensuring the study of Black history continues despite recent aims to remove museum exhibitions, rewrite narratives and discourage programs that accurately reflect America’s diversity.

AAAM was established nearly 50 years ago to combat threats to Black history. As cultural institutions face challenges, the nonprofit organization provides members with professional development and resources; engages with legislators and funders; and advocates for policies that safeguard funding, independence and academic freedom for museums.

“Museums and cultural institutions are innovating, expanding and reaching new audiences. The field has never been more vibrant nor the public more engaged. Soon, we will see even stronger community-based museums, greater use of digital archives and deeper collaboration across the sector. The attempts to marginalize our history will, I believe, be met with an even stronger resolve to preserve and celebrate it,” said Coleman-Robinson.



AAAM’s celebration of Negro History Week’s centennial will extend beyond Black History Month with the organization’s annual conference, themed “This Land Holds Our Stories: Celebrating America 250 and 100 Years of Negro History Week, We're Still Making America Whole.” To be held in August in Philadelphia, the 48th annual convening will invite museum professionals from around the world to strategize the next steps in preserving African American history and culture through discussions that address a range of topics including innovative approaches to interpreting difficult histories, museum-based advocacy and civic engagement, reclaiming history that is underrepresented or silenced, sustainability, ethics, wellness and the future of the Black community and African American-focused museums.

“As curriculums and other programs change, museums remain among the most trusted sources of information. The upcoming monumental milestone for Black history underscores the progress that has been made in acknowledging African American contributions to the national narrative. AAAM’s annual conference will equip attendees to continue with that work,” said Coleman-Robinson.

In 1915, Woodson co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Eleven years later, in 1926, he and the association established Negro History Week, centering the observance on the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Today, ASALH sets the annual theme for Black History Month.



The Association of African American Museums, founded nearly 50 years ago, devotes its work to ensuring institutions that protect and preserve African and African American history continue to prosper. AAAM’s network of buoyant institutions stand as trailblazers in their communities and the museum field. Many of its members have persevered through financial strain, structural threats and more. Membership is open to all individuals and institutions committed to protecting, preserving and interpreting African and African American art, history and culture.

To learn more about the Association of African American Museums and find an AAAM member institution near you, please visit blackmuseums.org.