Lonnie G. Bunch III Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
At a time when the nation is in crisis, all of our institutions need to contribute to making the country better.
Welcome to the digital hub of “Our Shared Future: Reckoning With Our Racial Past.”
For 175 years the Smithsonian has collected, shared, and contextualized history, the history of people, places, social movements, and modern advancements. Although many of the stories we find here are uncomfortable, and even difficult, they provide necessary context for the discussions needed to learn, grow, and make our communities better.
History can help us navigate that shared journey, but only if we apply its lessons and collectively work towards a more just society. We invite you to explore this digital space that examines the unvarnished history of race and the ways the racial divide continues to shape the American experience.
I hope the lived experiences, engaging events, and educational resources on this site will inspire you to join the conversation. With your help, we can achieve a more inclusive, equitable, and brighter shared future
HPS Magazine 