Final answer:
The National Museum of African American History and Culture was proposed several decades before opening on September 24, 2016. As part of the Smithsonian Institution, it explores the life, history, and culture of African Americans with extensive exhibits and artefacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) was originally proposed several decades before its actual realization. The museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, was established by an Act of Congress in 2003, but it was not until September 24, 2016, that the facility opened to the public. This museum aims to document African American life, history, and culture. It provides a comprehensive view of African American history from slavery to the modern era, with significant artefacts and interactive exhibits that educate and inspire visitors.
Before the opening of the NMAAHC, African American history was represented in various ways through other institutions such as the National Park Service's Park Ethnography Program, which contributes to the African American Heritage and Ethnography. Such programs have helped preserve and promote the understanding of the rich heritage and experiences of African Americans throughout history. From the Slave Auction Ad from the early days of American history to more recent achievements and contributions of African Americans, the museum provides a detailed and nuanced exploration of this essential aspect of American history.