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BACKGROUND

This project is an outgrowth of the Smithsonian's report to the House of Representatives on Jan. 25, 1989, which considered whether a new museum of African American history should be created under Smithsonian auspices.

"That question, we soon realized, could not be answered in isolation," Adams said. "There already exists an African American Museums Association with more than 100 museums and many additional individual members. Many churches and historically black colleges and universities also have important collections and are involved to varying degrees in museum functions. We believe that by working with the association and the organizations it represents, as well as with colleges, universities and other organizations, we can develop networks of mutual support and interaction that will encourage wider interest among all Americans in the African American experience."

On Oct. 11, 1989, the Smithsonian held a meeting with a group of Smithsonian and non-Smithsonian scholars and others to discuss the next steps. The outside advisers came from museums, research centers, universities, the business community and community organizations.

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