Smithsonian, MSAAHC Team Up to Preserve Black History

Paulette D. Harris
May 15
2 min read

BUFFALO, NY – Black history matters, and the Smithsonian Institution’s Center for the Digitization and Curation of African American History is in Buffalo as part of its mission to ensure that it isn’t lost, forgotten, or erased.

“We’re thrilled to support the preservation of local histories here in Buffalo and the Upstate New York region,” said Dr. Doretha K. Williams, director of the Center for the Digitization and Curation of African American History. “Over the last few years, we’ve partnered with the Michigan Street African American Corridor, Merriweather and the downtown library branches, WUFO, Colored Musicians Club and other cultural and historical centers to launch a program to celebrate and elevate Black history in Buffalo.

“I would like to thank all of Buffalo, Rochester and Niagara Falls for the warm welcome,” said Williams. “Community Curation 2026 is only the beginning of a long-lasting partnership!”

“Black culture lives through stories,” said Terry Alford, executive director of the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission. “Our stories are the history of our people, our experiences, the parts we play in the history of Buffalo and America. Preserving our stories is just as important as preserving historic buildings.”

The Center, part of the National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC), is funded by billionaire Robert F. Smith, chair of Vista Equity Partners. Its goal is to preserve and share African American history and culture. Partnering with the Heritage Corridor, the Center will be hosting free and public events as part of its 2026 Community Curation Program national tour.