Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and the March on Washington, 1963

In 2013, the nation commemorates two events that changed the course of the nation: The 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and the 1963 March on Washington. These events were the culmination of decades of struggles by individuals—both famous and unknown—who believed in the American promise that this nation was dedicated to the proposition that “all men are created equal.” Separated by 100 years, they are linked together in a larger story of freedom and the American experience. The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and the National Museum of American History (NMAH) partnered to create an exhibition that reexamines these two pivotal events and their larger relevance for all Americans today.  The exhibition features historic and modern photographs and items belonging to Harriet Tubman to a portable version of the Emancipation Proclamation, one created for Union soldiers to read to and distribute among African Americans.  The exhibition will be on view through Sept. 7, 2013 in the NMAAHC Gallery at the National Museum of American History.