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D.C.'s African American history museum gets its own postage stamp

Cool!

A closer look at how history shaped the museum.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), which opened in Washington D.C. in September 2016, is the newest Smithsonian museum and a very hot ticket, as entry passes are reportedly still extremely difficult to come by. But starting this week, anyone can get an itty-bitty piece of the popular museum with the U.S. Postal Service’s release of a NMAAHC edition of the 49-cent “Forever” stamp.

USPS

On sale starting the morning of October 13, the new stamp features a three-quarter view of the museum, highlighting its distinct three-tiered exterior. “Black history is inseparable from American history, and the black experience represents a profound and unique strand of the American story,” reads a statement from the Postal Service. “This stamp issuance recognizes the richness of that experience by celebrating the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.”

The museum’s design, the collaborative effort of a four-firm team including lead architect Phil Freelon of Perkins + Will and lead designer David Adjaye, was strongly informed by the history and arts and crafts of black Americans in the South. Learn more about the museum here and in the video tour above.

As for the stamp, you can preorder it online here or find it at your local post office starting October 13.