Putting African Americans in the Story: The Atlanta History Center Presents The Kinsey Collection

Have you ever heard of the “myth of absence”? Bernard Kinsey defines it as:

…being there, but not a part of the story…being invisibly present. You are there but you don’t matter.

Bernard Kinsey, and his wife, Shirley have dedicated their lives to ensuring that African Americans are part of the American History story.  The Kinseys have amassed an impressive collection of authentic and rare art, artifacts, books, documents and manuscripts that tell the often untold story of African American achievement and contribution.  And for the past few years, they have been traveling the country with their touring museum exhibit, The Kinsey Collection, that dates back to the 1600s.

The Kinsey’s believe that we [African Americans] have a hole in our hearts because we are missing a connection to our history.

African American history fills in the holes…and it shows us that we (African Americans) were here and that we matter.”- Bernard Kinsey

And so now they are sharing this piece of American History (yes our history is American History) with millions of people across the country.  The Kinseys hope to peak your curiosity as you walk through the exhibit. They want you to think about your own story and to leave with a desire to explore your own personal history – – fill in the holes.

Wells Fargo has partnered with the Atlanta History Center to bring over one hundred and thirty pieces of the The Kinsey Collection to Atlanta, GA.  The collection that they brought to Atlanta features select, never before displayed artifacts, such as a first edition of Solomon Northrup’s 12 Years a Slave,  which is the basis of the Academy Award-winning film.

I was able to see the Kinsey Collection last year during a visit to Disney’s Epcot theme park which also has artifacts from the collection on display.  I was so very impressed to hear about Bernard and Shirley’s past and about what gave them the desire to research their own history as well as share it with others.  And I have to admit that the Kinsey’s do meet their objectives for the exhibit, as I left there totally inspired to research my own family history.

And now, I am so very excited to share the collection with our children here in Atlanta.  Here are a few details about the collection at The Atlanta History Center:

• The exhibit will be on display until July 13, 2014.
• Thanks to Wells Fargo  on the third full weekend of each month, April – June 2014, all guests will receive FREE admission to the Atlanta History Center, including The Kinsey Collection exhibition – Free Admission Weekends are April 19 & 20; May 17 &18, June 21 & 22.
• Along with the exhibit they will bring history to life through engaging and interactive museum theatre performances – Gallery Performances.

BMWK – please make it a point to visit The Kinsey Collection at The Atlanta History Center this summer.

Featured Image from – MyBrownBaby.com