The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It was established by an Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans. The Museum has collected more than 40,000 artifacts and nearly 300,000 individuals have become members. The 19th museum of the Smithsonian Institution, it opened in 2016.