The National Museum of African American Music has been in the works for almost two decades. Located in Nashville, Tennesse, NMAAM will be a staple for the culture, and in its community, with a goal “to educate the world, preserve the legacy, and celebrate the central role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack.”

According to the museum website, Members of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce members proposed NMAAM in 2002, to help “celebrate and preserve the influence African Americans have had on music.”

In June of 2020, I spoke with Dyana Williams, co-creator of Black Music Month, and she talked about the NMAAM.

“NMAAM will be the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans,” Williams said. “The museum’s expertly-curated collections will share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to bring the musical heroes of the past into the present.” 

The museum opened on Jan. 30, 2021, and will continue to educate, preserve the culture, and celebrate it. You can purchase your tickets here, and watch the virtual tour video below. You can see glimpses inside the museum throughout their Instagram stories.