The Seattle Annual Manual 2019-2020
She says revenue from “Black Santa” doubled from 2018 to 2019, and 2020’s Martin Luther King Day celebration was the best yet, with 206 volunteers and 3,500 visitors. “Our rentals have been ridiculous,” Bell said. “We rent out for weddings, birthdays, company trainings. It’s a beautiful space, and people love to be surrounded by black art. “Our executive director has built up a great team, and we have seen a huge growth in our programs, always making sure we are inclusive,” Bell added. Photo courtesy NAAM The idea for the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle developed in 1981 but did not become reality until 2012. It is at the site of the former Colman School building.
In 2019, the museum racked up three honors: joining the Standards and Excellence Program of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History, being named a finalist for the National Medal for Museum Service Award, the highest award for museum community service, and the Exhibition of the Year Award by the Association of King County Historical Organizations. NAAM’s next goal? Accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. “Only about 3 percent of museums in the U.S. are accredited,” Bell said. “So that will help us stand apart, holding to certain standards.” For all ages, of all backgrounds, NAAM offers visitors an enriching experience, Bell said.
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