Artifacts from the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Meek-Eaton Black Archives are being featured in a new exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C. The exhibition, titled “At the Vanguard: Making and Saving History at HBCUs,” highlights collections from five historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). It will run until July 19 before starting a national tour that will include a stop at FAMU.
“This moment affirms the enduring mission of the Meek-Eaton Black Archives and the collective work behind it,” said Director Timothy Barber. “I am grateful to our dedicated staff and student scholars whose stewardship made this exhibit possible, and to the visionary legacy of our founder, Dr. James N. Eaton. With the support of our President Marva B. Johnson, and continued support of our Provost Allyson Watson, this exhibition underscores the vital role HBCUs play in preserving American history and preparing the next generation of cultural leaders.”
“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian’s ‘At the Vanguard’ exhibition highlights the profound contributions of HBCUs to our nation’s progress—in education, innovation, and preparing generations of leaders,” said President Marva B. Johnson, J.D. “Florida A&M University is honored to share our story on this global stage. This exhibition reminds our students that they stand on the shoulders of those who transformed opportunity into excellence, and it calls them to carry that legacy forward.”
The exhibition features items such as a brochure from FAMU’s vegetable gardening extension program, which reflects its history as a land-grant institution. The Cooperative Extension Tractor Clinic provided farmers and rural communities with important agricultural knowledge and resources. Other artifacts include a West African ngoni instrument, a drum major’s shako hat from FAMU’s Marching 100 band, a nursing student uniform, and historical photographs documenting student life.
“This exhibition honors the legacy of HBCUs as cultural and educational powerhouses,” said Shanita Brackett, acting director for NMAAHC. “Through these collections from our partner institutions, we see the breadth of Black intellectual excellence, activism and artistic achievement, reinforcing the vital role HBCUs play in shaping American history.”
“At the Vanguard” is organized by NMAAHC together with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service as part of its HBCU History and Culture Access Consortium initiative. Support for this project comes partly from grants provided by organizations including CBRE, Google Arts & Culture, Johnson & Johnson, NMAAHC Corporate Leadership Council members as well as funding from Southern Company Foundation.
