Florida A&M University History on Display in New Smithsonian Exhibition
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on January 22, 2026 Artifacts from the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Meek-Eaton Black Archives are prominently featured in a powerful new exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), celebrating the legacy of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). "At the Vanguard: Making and Saving History at HBCUs" spotlights the groundbreaking collections from five HBCU museums now through July 19 before embarking on a national tour that will include a stop at FAMU. "This moment affirms the enduring mission of the Meek-Eaton Black Archives and the collective work behind it," said Director Timothy Barber. "I am grateful to our dedicated staff and student scholars whose stewardship made this exhibit possible, and to the visionary legacy of our founder, Dr. James N. Eaton. With the support of our President Marva B. Johnson, and continued support of our Provost Allyson Watson, this exhibition underscores the vital role HBCUs play in preserving American history and preparing the next generation of cultural leaders." For more than a century, HBCUs have played a vital role in documenting and preserving African American history, contributing essential chapters to our nation's story. Nearly two-thirds of HBCUs house museums, art galleries or archives. This traveling exhibition draws from five institutions, highlighting their deep collections and roles in cultivating future artists, museum professionals and scholars. "At the Vanguard" presents a remarkable selection of artifacts, artwork, historical documents and multimedia from FAMU, Clark Atlanta University, Jackson State University, Texas Southern University and Tuskegee University—five HBCUs with distinguished archives and museum collections. "As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian's 'At the Vanguard' exhibition highlights the profound contributions of HBCUs to our nation's progress—in education, innovation, and preparing generations of leaders," said President Marva B. Johnson, J.D. "Florida A&M University is honored to share our story on this global stage. This exhibition reminds our students that they stand on the shoulders of those who transformed opportunity into excellence, and it calls them to carry that legacy forward." FAMU's history as a land-grant institution is spotlighted through the display of a vegetable gardening extension program brochure. The FAMU Cooperative Extension Tractor Clinic played a critical role in equipping farmers, home gardeners, and rural communities with the knowledge and resources to thrive. Other artifacts on display include a West African ngoni instrument, a FAMU Marching 100 drum major's shako hat, a nursing student uniform, and several historical photographs of student life. "This exhibition honors the legacy of HBCUs as cultural and educational powerhouses," said Shanita Brackett, acting director for NMAAHC. "Through these collections from our partner institutions, we see the breadth of Black intellectual excellence, activism and artistic achievement, reinforcing the vital role HBCUs play in shaping American history." "At the Vanguard" is a collaboration between the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. It is part of the museum's HBCU History and Culture Access Consortium initiative, which was made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities and a bequest from Dr. Beryl Carter Rice. This exhibition was made possible through the support of the following: CBRE, Google Arts & Culture, Johnson & Johnson, NMAAHC Corporate Leadership Council, NMAAHC Members and Southern Company Foundation. The exhibition will travel to at least five locations across the country through 2029. For more information, visit https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/... If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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