when did they start building the african american museum
National Museum of African American History and Culture The museum's groundbreaking ceremony took place on February 22, 2012.[61][62] President Barack Obama and museum director Bunch were among the speakers at the ceremony.[61] Actress Phylicia Rashād was the Master of Ceremonies for the event, which also featured poetry and music performed by Denyce Graves, Thomas Hampson, and the Heritage Signature Chorale.[61]