A profound and transformative experience at the National Museum of African American History & Culture

Jarvis Harris and Joe Foss are telling local audiences about their five-week, 4,600-mile tour of Black historical sites across the United States last fall.  For additional insights into their journey and anti-racist work, please visit their website, AcceptingOthers.com.

Date of Visit: Sept. 27, 2024

From the beginning of our Black History tour, we knew that the National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) would be a pivotal stop.

However, despite our expectations, we were still completely blown away by the depth, design, and emotional impact of this museum. It is an absolute masterpiece — thoughtfully curated to highlight both the triumphs and struggles of Black Americans throughout history.

The power of storytelling and design

The museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution, located between the United States Capitol and the White House in Washington, D.C. It is brilliantly designed to take visitors on a chronological journey, starting several stories underground with the sobering and gut-wrenching history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

From the moment we descended into those exhibits, we felt transported — immersed — in the horrors that enslaved Africans endured as they were ripped from their homeland, families and everything they knew. It wasn’t just a history lesson — it was an experience that forced us to engage with the gravity of what happened.

As we moved upward through the museum, the tone shifted from oppression to resilience, showcasing how Black Americans fought, survived, and contributed immensely to every facet of American society.

The exhibits covering Reconstruction, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement, and modern-day racial justice movements were equally powerful, capturing both the pain of systemic oppression and the brilliance of Black leadership, activism, and cultural contributions.

One thing that stood out was how thorough and intentional the museum’s creators were in presenting this history. It’s not just a collection of artifacts — it’s an emotionally moving and meticulously crafted experience that educates, challenges, and inspires.

A rollercoaster of emotions

Walking through this museum was like riding an emotional roller coaster. Some exhibits filled us with sorrow and anger, such as seeing the actual shackles used on enslaved children or reading firsthand accounts of brutality. Others made us swell with pride and admiration, like the tributes to pioneering Black scientists, athletes, musicians, and entrepreneurs.

One of the most profound moments for us was experiencing the Emmett Till Memorial Exhibit. Seeing his original casket and reading his tragic story in depth was overwhelming. It was impossible not to feel the pain and injustice of his lynching and the impact it had on the Civil Rights Movement.

There were moments when we simply had to pause, breathe, and reflect. Thankfully, the museum offers a Contemplation Space — a quiet area designed for visitors to sit, process their emotions, and regain composure before continuing their journey. This was a much-needed and appreciated feature, as the emotional toll of the museum is significant.

Joe and Jarvis appreciated the guidance of this docent at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Courtesy of Joe & Jarvis

World-class features and amenities

Beyond the incredible exhibits, the museum offers an outstanding visitor experience. Some highlights include:

• Knowledgeable and friendly docents who provided insights and helped guide visitors.
• Free and secure phone charging stations (a thoughtful touch for a museum that takes hours to fully explore).
• Spacious and well-maintained lockers for storing personal items.
• An excellent gift shop and bookstore featuring an extensive collection of literature, art, and memorabilia.
• A first-class cafeteria serving a diverse menu of African American-inspired cuisine, giving visitors a chance to reflect over a good meal.

Jarvis points to the "Colored Only" sign in this segregated passenger rail car inside the National Museum of African American History & Culture.

Courtesy of Joe & Jarvis

A visit that alters your perspective

By the end of our visit, we were emotionally drained yet profoundly grateful for the experience. We had initially planned to visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum afterward, but we quickly realized that we simply didn’t have the emotional capacity to take in another heavy historical experience on the same day.

In fact, we decided to shorten our time in Washington, D.C., by a day — choosing instead to reflect on everything we had absorbed.

If you’re planning a visit to the NMAAHC, give yourself time. This is not a museum to rush through in an hour or two — it’s an immersive experience that requires energy, attention, and an open heart. Whether you have a deep understanding of Black history or are just beginning to explore it, you will walk away transformed.

The slave trade exhibit starts most visitors' tours of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Courtesy of Joe & Jarvis

Final thoughts

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is more than a museum — it is a testament to resilience, excellence, and the undeniable impact of Black Americans on the world. It teaches truth, provokes thought, and encourages action. Every American should visit this museum at least once.

This experience left an indelible mark on both of us, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to witness, learn, and grow from it.

Jarvis Harris, of Lacey, is a retired U.S. Army veteran and former Pierce County corrections officer who now dedicates his time to personal passions and volunteering. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he settled in Lacey during his Army service.

Joe Foss, of Tacoma, is a Navy veteran and retired business owner who has been actively engaged in projects addressing racism in America since 2012.