The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) invites visitors to celebrate Kwanzaa this December with a series of healing and uplifting events, including an event with renowned culinary historian Jessica B. Harris sharing culinary connections to Kwanzaa. Additionally, on Dec. 13, NMAAHC will unveil its newest exhibition, “In Slavery’s Wake: Making Black Freedom in the World” in the Bank of America Special Exhibitions Gallery. On the evening of Dec. 13, visitors are invited to the first public program related to this exhibition, with an evening screening of the “Unfinished Conversations” documentary film. For more details about upcoming museum events, visit nmaahc.si.edu/events.
Explore More! In STEM: How the Museum Uses Light
Dec. 4, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Second floor classrooms
Explore More! in STEM is a classroom program for ages eight and older to explore STEM concepts in relation to African American history, culture, or the museum. In this lesson, visitors will learn about what light is, how solar power is used in the museum, and the purpose of the museum’s “Corona.” This event is free.
NMAAHC Kids Connect: Joyous Kwanzaa!
Dec. 5, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Fourth floor
Connect with history and culture through art and play at the NMAAHC! This month the museum is celebrating Kwanzaa. Learn about the seven principles of the holiday and create art inspired by African and African American stories. This event is free; however, registration is required.
Community Day: The Universal Message of Kwanzaa
Dec. 7, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Heritage Hall
Kwanzaa is deeply rooted in the history, culture and solidarity of the African diaspora. During a series of activities, visitors can explore ways to celebrate Kwanzaa for the first time, while others may find ways to refresh their existing practice of celebrating the holiday. This event is free; however, registration is required.
A Taste of Kwanzaa: A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook: Celebrating the Holiday with Family, Community and Tradition –A Conversation with Jessica B. Harris
Dec. 7, 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
Oprah Winfrey Theater
Jessica B. Harris, author of “High on the Hog,” will participate in a conversation with NMAAHC curator, Joanne T. Hyppolite, about Harris’ latest work, a new and updated edition of “A Kwanzaa Keepsake.” Books will be available for purchase from 6:30 p.m.–7 p.m. courtesy of Smithsonian Enterprises. After the presentation, the audience is invited to sample a tasting menu adapted from “A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook.” This event is free; however, registration is required.
Explore More! In STEM: The Legacy of Rice
Dec. 11, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Second floor classrooms
Explore More! in STEM is a classroom program for ages eight and older to explore STEM concepts in relation to African American history, culture and the museum. In this lesson, participants will learn about the Gullah Geechee people and their culture, how rice was and is cultivated in the U.S. and take a closer look at rice itself. This event is free.
Unfinished Conversations – A Screening and Discussion
Dec. 13, 7 p.m.
Oprah Winfrey Theater
The museum invites visitors to a screening of “Unfinished Conversations” documentary companion to the exhibition, “In Slavery’s Wake.” This documentary film invites audiences to learn more about global slavery and to the work to recover aspects of this lost history. The evening will conclude with a post-screening discussion that includes the curatorial team from the museum’s “In Slavery’s Wake” exhibition. This event is free; however, registration is required.
NMAAHC Kids Connect: Joyous Kwanzaa!
Dec. 19, 11 a.m. –1 p.m.
Fourth floor
Connect with history and culture through art and play at the NMAAHC! This month the museum is celebrating Kwanzaa. Learn about the seven principles of the holiday and create art inspired by African and African American stories. This event is free; however, registration is required.
Preservation Station: Exploring the Family Treasure Toolkit
Dec. 20, 1 p.m.–2 p.m.
Second floor classrooms
Explore the Family Treasures Toolkit and learn how to preserve your family treasures. This interactive session will be led by museum professionals highlighting general tips and activities to assist participants in preserving family heirlooms, photographs, books, quilts, textiles and more. This event is free; however, registration is required.
Community Day: Watching and Waiting for Freedom
Dec. 31, 11 a.m. –2 p.m.
Explore More Gallery second floor
In the United States, New Year’s Eve has been a cause for celebration for African Americans since December 31, 1862, when enslaved people in the Confederate States stayed up until midnight to watch and wait for the freedom granted by the Emancipation Proclamation. For the last 220 years, Haitians have celebrated Jan. 1 as the day marking their independence from French Colonial rule. The program will enable attendees to honor the past and present at the museum with activities that invite them to consider their hopes and dreams for the future, learn about the past, make art, and learn about foods that are associated with these holidays. This event is free; however, registration is required.
An Evening of Kuumba with Danielle Ponder
Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. ET
Virtual Broadcast
In celebration of Watch Night and Kuumba (Creativity) the sixth principal of Kwanzaa, NMAAHC will broadcast a replay of this moving concert from The FORWARD Conference, that took place in early November 2024. Often identified as a soul singer, Danielle Ponder’s versatile music is infused with bits of gospel, trip-hop, blues, R&B, and alt rock. This virtual broadcast is free; however, registration is required.