The Archives of American Art contains the stories, letters, diaries, and scrapbooks of people—unsung and legendary—who represent the breadth, depth and diversity of the American experience. Our collection of unparalleled primary source materials and oral histories brings together and makes accessible the voices of artists, teachers, curators, writers, scholars and patrons as well as arts organizations, galleries and museums that shape our nation’s rich and complex cultural history.
Over the past 70 years, the Archives of American Art has established a global reputation as a trusted resource for the study of American art, culture and society. Building on this foundation, our goal for the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future is to advance the Archives of American Art as an essential and accessible resource that serves audiences world-wide. We seek to amplify the voices and stories contained within our collection; to harness new technologies to make our collections more discoverable and approachable; to develop engaging programs that spark curiosity and foster lifelong learning; and to connect our unique materials to educators and a broad range of communities to help tell a fuller story of America’s past and to help envision a bright and creative future.
In all that we do, the Archives of American Art embraces inclusivity, diversity and accessibility. As responsible stewards, the Archives will ensure the future sustainability of the organization by solidifying endowment support for key positions and programs.