NEWS

For Immediate Release

The DuSable Museum of African American History
Obtains Smithsonian Affiliation Status
DuSable now one of 2 Affiliates of Smithsonian Institution in Chicago
Partnership grants access to SI artifacts, research, traveling exhibits and more than 200
membership organizations
CHICAGO, March 23, 2016 The DuSable Museum of African American History has been
granted Smithsonian Affiliation status by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The
distinction signals the beginning of a long-term collaborative partnership between the DuSable
and the worlds largest museum and research complex.
The DuSable, established in 1961, is only the second arts, culture and education facility in
Chicago to receive Smithsonian Affiliate status; the other is Adler Planetarium. The Smithsonian
established Affiliations in 1996 to increase discovery and promote lifelong learners by bringing
the Smithsonian Institution to local communities. There are more than 200 Smithsonian Affiliate
organizations in more than 46 states, Puerto Rico and Panama. Now, with DuSable, there are six
Affiliates in Illinois.
The partnership permits DuSable to borrow Smithsonian artifacts and access traveling exhibits.
Similarly, the Smithsonian will gain access to rarely seen paintings, sculptures and more that
comprise DuSables collections.
With Affiliate status, the DuSable will bring the Smithsonian to the community and the DuSable
to the world, said DuSable President and CEO Perri Irmer. The partnership will also expose
the museums Masterworks Collection to a broader audience by giving the work and the artists
international exposure.
The DuSable debuted its new Masterworks Gallery in February. The museum increased its
membership by 48 percent during a recent membership drive. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the
DuSable may offer Smithsonian membership at a discount to its members. Now members of the

DuSable Museum will gain access to many Smithsonian-affiliated museums across the country,
Irmer said.
Smithsonian Affiliate organizations work together to preserve heritage, expand knowledge and
inspire learning. They vary from science centers, art museums, historical societies, universities,
childrens museums, archives and libraries, and aquaria.
As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the DuSable may participate in the annual Smithsonian Affiliations
National Conference in Washington. Affiliates are also provided opportunities for more in-depth
collaboration with Smithsonian museums and participation in Smithsonian grant-funded
educational initiatives.
About Smithsonian Affiliations
Established in 1996, Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program that develops longterm collaborative partnerships with museums, educational and cultural organizations to enrich
communities with Smithsonian resources. The long-term goal of Smithsonian Affiliations is to
facilitate a two-way relationship among Affiliate organizations and the Smithsonian to increase
discovery and inspire lifelong learning in communities across America. Affiliations share
exhibits and collections, collaborate on important research projects, and develop innovative
educational strategies at local and national levels.
More information about Smithsonian Affiliations is available at www.affiliations.si.edu.
For more information on the DuSable museum and its programs, call (773) 947-0600 or visit us
at www.dusablemuseum.org.
Media contacts: Robin Beaman | rbeaman@beamaninc.com | 312-208-1212; Shawn Taylor |
tshawntaylor@yahoo.com | 312-371-6260; and Raymond Ward | rward@dusablemuseum.org |
773-947-0600.
Photos are available upon request.